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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  fun ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By henry - January 25 - 9:20 am

  its a fun ride and looks nice. definitely a lot better looking with the oem body kit. Drives nice no major complaints

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  120 mile a day commute - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tomtomt - January 24 - 9:43 pm

  I drive about 120 miles a day for my commute and love every minute of getting 50+ mpg. I replaced the standard stereo with one that has a XM Radio receiver and that makes the drive bearable. Road noise is the pretty high unless I drive outside the ruts made by those who insist on having studded tires on their cars.

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  Honda S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By David Oheim - January 24 - 7:10 pm

  FUN TO DRIVE!!! The S2000 is the best handling car I have ever driven. It is very powerful for a 4 cylinder. Those looking for a smooth ride need to look for something else. The S2000 has a harsh ride, but it handles awesome. This car is great in tight corners, it is an Autocross king. PURE SPORTS CAR

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  Great value for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - January 24 - 7:09 pm

  This level of the accord is no frills but still a very reliable nice car.

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  Great value for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - January 24 - 7:09 pm

  This level of the accord is no frills but still a very reliable nice car.

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  Kicks Bootie - 2004 Honda Element
  By twink - January 24 - 12:49 pm

  I just bought a new left over 2004 Element last week. Needless to say I was curious how it would handle the Blizzard of 2005. I was out in it all day Saturday and while other cars were stuck, my E just kept crusing along. I took it into a state park with 6+ inches of plowed snow on some back roads and it never missed a beat. The versatility is great and the ride is better than my 02 Civic. Youll love those wash out floors!!

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  best car ever - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jon morgan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car red on black awesome torque is 153 lbs but still cuts through snow with ease dealership sucked car rules!!!!!!!

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  Great small car, just a few small gripes - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Mik - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car, should have gotten the fivespeed though. (test drove both) Performance is a little sluggish when the car is full. But its very quick when im by myself. A supercharged/turboed version would fix that wouldnt it? ;)

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  Great small car, just a few small gripes - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mIK - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car, should have gotten the fivespeed though. (test drove both) Performance is a little sluggish when the car is full. But its very quick when im by myself. A supercharged/turboed version would fix that wouldnt it? ;)

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  Intergenerational - 2003 Honda Element
  By Flo - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Forget the "Y" generation, I am a "Baby Boomer" and the minute I saw this vehicle I knew it was for me. It turning the heads of every generation. Ive had several individuals over 60 approach me in the parking lot wanting to take a look at the car. The Element is comfortable and fun yet versatile.