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 sedan for the money! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By PDI - April 28 - 3:00 pm

  The Honda civic ex is absolutely the nicest car out there for the money. I test drove all of them and this hands down is the best. I was a proud owner of a 2003 Mazda protege, so when I wanted to upgrade I thought for sure I was going to get the Mazda3. It didnt match up. Smoother ride, better standard features, and innovative look. A great choice.

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  My 4th S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ken - April 28 - 1:59 pm

  Cant beat this car for bang for the buck. Will outrun anything on 4 wheels in the canyons and most bikes, too. Plus doubles as a daily drive. Great gas mileage, low maintenance costs.

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  Just what I needed! - 2004 Honda Element
  By garydtkd - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Element and love it, it is sollid inside and out. The interior space is great and the exterior is very unique. It handles well and 160 hp engine is up to the task. Element, where were you four years ago, when I bought my last car?

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  Excellent, but not without problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By TtuCrv - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 1st 2002 CRV sold in Lubbock, TX and have enjoyed it. Gas mileage is great for an SUV, good in all types of weather. Plenty of power to merge with traffic. After nearly 3 years, im still happy with my CR-V, but glad I bought the extended warranty, because at 52,003 miles the AC system had to be replaced. Without the warranty, I would have been out $1,600. Only other problems: windshield and paint on the hood chip easily, brake rotors have been worked on, drivers seat became loose, and Ive grown to hate the "popping" sound the ABS system makes when it self-checks after starting. Looking forward to the updates on the 2005 CRV.

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  2005 PILOT - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - April 28 - 2:26 am

  Great vehicle. Seller could not tow his extra large boat & trailer, we have no need for that. Sits 7 comfortably. Gas mileage is not the greatest but okay compared to other SUVs. A very comfortable ride. DVD system is excellent. Overall we are very happy with the purchase.

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  Tank - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - April 28 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this van to haul my police K-9 to work and back. I paid 8k for it with 100,000 miles. Let me be honest, I beat the hell out of this car every day. 85mph+ to work on a daily basis. YES, it may take a while to get up to that speed, But I can fly like that all day. Still get 21 mpg. Regular oil change and new tires is all this TANK needs. 155,000 on it now and 100k to go. Honda can make a car that lasts.

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  We Love Our Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Louis - April 27 - 11:16 am

  Our car is a pleasure to drive--we feel like a million bucks in it. We traded in our 1987 Honda Accord with 250,000 miles on it for the 2005 Honda Accord V6. Our old car was great, but what an improvement in the 2005! It is the best car on the road. The only thing we are trying to rectify is a sound/vibration noise/feel under the accelerator pedal at times. The dealership is working on this for us. Otherwise we are happy campers, unless the dealer doesnt resolve this one problem. Time will tell. Thanks Honda Corp. for your fine automobile and keep up the good work and we will definately be another repeat buyer.

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  GREAT CAR - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Erik Orue - April 26 - 11:24 pm

  This car is the funnest thing to drive. It has a surprisingly powerful 4 cylinder engine. The front end of the car is a little boring but the back end is so cool. Nothing has ever gone wrong with my Honda. Its the greatest. Although the interier design is a little boring the engine makes up for it. And the sunroof should slide all the way back in stead of stopping almost half way.

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  S2K Your Life Away - 2005 Honda S2000
  By NC Raskal - April 26 - 6:28 pm

  Have had a Toyota MR2 and a BMW Roadster. Got a great deal on a little red S2000 with only 900 miles on it. This car is a well-built, pure point-and-shoot driving experience. Remember its a 4 cylinder and youll understand why it seems short on low-end torque but dont forget it likes to run on higher revs. It gets perky 4-6+K RPM range. Great short throws. Unlike the BMW, Honda dispenses with the heated seats and other perks - this S2K is a drivers car. Have fun. And S2K your life away!

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  Expectations Met - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By almac - April 26 - 6:24 pm

  Replaced a 97 Explorer on 06/04, 17,500 miles now. Fuel economy improved to 26 mpg @75 mph and 22 mpg in town. Interior room a plus, excellent width and cargo capacity. Seamless auto tranny, meat locker A/C in hot FL summer. Cruises great at 80 mph. Agile in traffic. Would buy again.