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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  Best minivan out there - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivanfreak007 - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  Dont be fooled by those people that say the gas mileage is bad. They are probably jealous for buying a Sienna. The gas mileage has been superb for me: 23 MPG city and 27 MPG Highway. My van has 12,000 miles and has had no issues. Interior is Acura-like, and 255 HP engine is very reponsive and smoother than 266 HP Toyota Siennas engine. I love the Odysseys styling and its Luxurious feel inside.

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  S2K is a Dream Machine - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Mike Vermillion - May 6 - 7:16 pm

  The Honda S2000 is a front engine rear wheel drive convertable two seater, and yes, it is a HONDA! This car is amaizing, it handles like a dream, is very quick, and you can drop the top in about 5 seconds. My main dislike is the radio. The radio is completely inaudible if the top is down and you are traveling over 45 mph. the lower marks I gave the S2000 were for interior design and comfort. The radio is bad, and this car is not made to be comfortable, but to be driven hard.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By D.R. - May 6 - 11:53 am

  Was trying to decide between the Camry and the Accord. The Accord has so much style; a beautiful car and sporty (if youre not looking for the family thing). Its got a lot more power than expected from the 4 cyl and the handling is really nice. Much more sporty handling than the Camry. The exterior is beautiful, with a luxury look much like the Benz, and the controls are all conveniently placed. I drive it sometimes just for fun.

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  Very happy with Accord Sedan SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jeffrey D. Reifman - May 6 - 12:00 am

  I very much enjoy my 2007 Honda Accord SE 4 cyl sedan. I am very suprised will the amount of power the engine has, not to mention that the tune up timing is far and few between. I hope that it will be able to keep the car running at the same quality that my current 2000 Honda Accord EX 6 cyl sedan has. Should I need to purchase another car I would look at the Honda Accord, as well as checking the market place for the best car for me. Given all things remaining the same i would have no trouble in purchasing the same 2007 Honda Accord SE 4 cyl sedan.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mike Kirkpatrick - May 5 - 8:50 pm

  The bottom line is this is the best car ever built for the price, and in its class. It is fun to drive.

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  Great little car - the envy of all! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Howard L. - May 5 - 12:42 pm

  A really fine car. I was convinced of its great handling ability when I had a blow out on the interstate at 75 mph. Car swerved only slightly and I was able to bring it to a safe stop on the shoulder.

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  S2000 - Perfect 21st Century Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Charles Glenn - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Undoubtedly the best bang for buck in terms of lightweight roadsters. Through it is not as luxurious as its competitors, the fact that the reliability, performance, and price of the S2000 has Porsche, BMW, and Audi on their knees makes it a wonderful purchase.

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  honda s2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By mbb5577 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  my experience with my honda is a blast, i cant believe the power it has for a 4 cylinder. i admired this car for 2 years before i bought it, and i must say it didnt let me down. its the first time ive ever owned a honda, but im sure it wont be the last.

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  gushing galapagos green!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By elynment - May 4 - 10:00 am

  great for toting kids/sports equipment, easy access for loading/unloading, very pleased with performance in snow conditions- and its a blast to drive,good visibility, plenty zippy on the highway,fine merging onto freeways

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  WOW!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By TVA - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Believe it or not Im having so much fun driving this vehicle I put 800 miles on it in the first week of ownership! It is so versatile and has met every expectation. My husband and I have purchased Honda vehicles in the past for our daughters; but this is the first one we have owned for ourselves and we are enjoying it!!