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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  A Tribute and a Sad Goodbye - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Emmanuel Pureza - November 4 - 10:41 am

  14 years flew by so fast. I clearly remember the day I purchased this car. A day after my 22nd birthday. Just a few weeks ago I was talking about how I want to keep this car forever but on Oct 26, 2007 with over 182000 miles on it, a deer abruptly ended it. The 30+ miles to a gallon with an average maintenance cost of less than $600 per year will definitely be felt and missed. If there is a Hall of Fame for cars this one no doubt will be inducted. I am not saying this car is perfect, just like any mechanical device it had its malfunctions but none of them major. It stranded me once due to a blown computer chip but overall it met my expectations of reliability, build, and economy.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2004 Honda Element
  By JELLYFILLED - November 4 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED THE ELEMENT BECAUSE MY WIFE WOULDNT DRIVE A MINIVAN AND WAS EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD IN JULY. CARGO SPACE AND AWD WAS A PLUS. ALSO LIKE THE FACT THAT A CHILD WAS UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR OR WINDOW FROM REAR SEAT.

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  Best ever - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lukeboy - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a BMW 3 series because a new addition to the family. Its fun to drive. Very comfortable ride. Best car I have driven thus far.

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  Unhappy Honda Owner - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with dealer added options paying 5,000 over sticker. Bad decision! Not only does this Civic NOT have the comfort as my old 2000 Civic, it has depreciated faster. The same dealer will only give me 10,5000 for a car that list for 17k new, not to mention the add ons they dont give credit for, where the sticker on the old Civic was also 17k and two years later was worth 11,500.00 trade in and 13.5k-14.5k retail. 2002 Civic is uncomfortable for long rides, feel every bump in the road, doesnt feel as tight driving as the old Civic model, just has not been a good experience other than good gas mileage and Hondas usual mechanical reliability.

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  Transmission 2002 LX auto - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Nothappy - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Honda and maybe our last. We have 33k and we are on our third transmission. Carrier Baring proplems were commoon on 2000 and 2001 but I guess we come the lemon from the line. 2nd Honda traney malfunctioned and now we are getting a 3rd. We stopped buying Aerican because of quality issues but now we may by Nissan in the future. I like everything about this car except the quality of the drivetrain.

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  Poor reliability, worse dealer service - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Matt Cash - November 4 - 10:00 am

  My first and last Honda Accord...Mine is loaded with the V-6 and has had trips to the dealer four times for brake problems. I have never ridden in a car with as many rattles and squeaks. I would file a lemon law but I want to sell and get out of the car. I also had AWFUL service at the dearlership and Honda did not seem to give a rip that their "crowned jewel" of reliability was having so many problems. Buy anything else.

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  BIG MANS FITS INTO HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RLEHR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY ACCORD. I AM A 62 350 POUND MAN AND I LOVE MY HONDA ACCORD. WITH THE ADJUSTABLE STEERRING WHEEL AND THE POWER SEAT I HAVE FOUND THIS CAR TO BE VERTY COMFORTABLE AND ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT I WOULD MAKE IS MAKING THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS A LITTLE PLUSHER AND HIGHER OR AT LEAST MAKE A ACCESSORY THAT WOULD ACCOMPLISH THE SAME THING

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  V-6 A good Choice! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mert Cheney - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and my first V-6. All were EX models. Most impressive with this car is the smoothness, quietness, and power of the drivetrain. Handling is crisp and the ride is more taut than my previous 99 almost to the point of being irritating. My old EX rode better. Overall I am very happy with this car.

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  Fantastic CAR!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By trbarner - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new car. It has great gas mileage, looks great, fun to drive, etc. I would buy another Honda in a minute.

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  Love our Ody! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By go beavs - November 4 - 4:30 am

  Great van - fun to drive, very comfortable. I love the folding rear seats and extra 8th seat in the middle row. We can fit 8 people comfortably! I also love the power doors.