Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Very very versatile vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mike - June 20 - 4:22 am

  Powerfull enough, great fuel economy, lots of leg room front and back, rear seats easily removable, lots and lots of cargo space for a vehicle this size, excellent sound system (EX), plastic bumper covers are easily replaceable, whoever thought of replaceable bumper covers should be given an award. excellent on snowy roads (with AWD), very very practical car

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  Best Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Super Fry - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought my Accord. This is my second Honda and I cannot think about buying any other kind. Mine is a 1998 with 72k miles but it runs wonderful. I have not had any problems with the car. It is so comfortable for long drives and is very fast for a 4 cyclinder. I am thoroughly impressed. The wind noise is more than I expected.

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  So ugly it was cool ! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gagnon - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Came time to trade in the 94 Accord and being a young active couple we needed something we could really get some use out of.We test drove the automatic and love it! The usability was great and the layout was fun. The only thing we were a little dissapointed with was the power,but we wanted the manual and they didnt have one to test drive at the time. When we did get to drive it,well we signed the papers.Just wanted to thank Vic and all the people at Manchester Honda in CT. that helped us. Theres nothing like getting in to your vehicle every day and it makes you smile,by the way ours is green and friends and family have already nickname it SHREK !

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  Love my Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By tinita721 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I plainly love my CR-V. I have at work a Jeep Liberty that is not even as half as comfortable as my CR-V. I even have transported passengers that are over 6 feet tall and feel very easy and comfy in the back seat of this apparently "small" SUV. You need to try to really agree with me. It is one of those cars that are useful and fun to drive.

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  Neat Car for the money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dwagner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Mileage started out at 30mpg first tank, 35 Mpg second tank and about 38 mpg currently on third tank. Smooth comfortable ride. Pretty quiet. Plenty of power for everyday use.

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  I Love my Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chi500 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Accord. It is fun to drive, quiet, and comfortable. I drive 60 miles a day on my commute to work and it is a dream. The standard stereo is great and I would recommend keeping the XM that you get for free for the first 3 months.

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  GREAT MINIVAN - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ELSIE G. - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS MINIVAN. IT DRIVES BEAUTIFULLY AND WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT WHATSOEVER.I FIND IT VERY CONFORTABLE AND THE CAR DRIVES VERY SMOOTHLY.

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  Foreign Cars Better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By gladiator007 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I like this car even though I am a Toyota lover. However, one can not help but fall in love with the power, features and leather seating.

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  New 2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Lewis Robeson - June 19 - 5:36 am

  Just purchased a 2005 Honda Pilot and have driven it on 2 trips around Maryland. It is drives much better than the 1995 Jeep Grand Cheroke that I traded in. Very good handling qualites and very quiet. Just like driving a big sedan. Nice for traveling.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Derek - June 18 - 12:30 pm

  I initially bought the hybrid to drive in the HOV lane to save time going to work. I got it just prior to gas prices going up so I paid invoice. This car has really impressed us on its ride and especially the mileage. I have gotten just over 40 mpg average since purchasing the vehicle 13,000 miles ago. I tried to be a miser on one tank and got 52 mpg. Handling is smooth and tight compared to the top heavy Prius. Great car, would buy another.