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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  CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By soccer1 - December 29 - 12:23 pm

  This is my first Honda! I absolutely love it!!!

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  sold the car was still running great at 179k miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By S Jordan - December 29 - 4:34 am

  My first hybrid and it has performed perfectly...no complaints

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  Fun Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By ken p - December 29 - 2:39 am

  This is a FUN, Safe, vehicle !!! So far we love this car and we are considering getting another one so we dont have to fight over who will use it, there is plenty of zip, easy to part, turns on a dime !!!

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  box on wheels - 2004 Honda Element
  By t2b - December 29 - 1:08 am

  I love my box on wheels!!aewsome gas mileage.I drive 3000 miles a month. This is a very fun car to drive, and its safe. My family of four all fit very comfortably in it. It has great cargo room, My husband brought home a ginormous swamp cooler that fit perfectly in the back , not to mention a loveseat also (different times of course). Anyway get lots of compliments on it people are really intrested in it. It is also very easy to clean inside and out!! Thanks Honda!!!, t2b

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  My 2nd Honda - 2004 Honda Element
  By Honda Believer - December 28 - 10:46 pm

  After researching the Element for several months, I decided that it was the car for me. It is so fun to drive. I have owned it 4 months and had no problems. Many features can be added (suggest the fog lights and rear spoiler). Fuel economy is so-so. Hate that it only seats four, but I dont car pool often. Had no problems and the Honda dealership was awesome! Please consider this for your next vehicle. The Element is the best bang for your buck!

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  And Still Going......... - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Energizer B - December 28 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car new.. the little gas sipper, like that certain rabbit keeps on going... Have hauled lots in that hatchback including a dining room table and chairs in three trips. At 154000 still runs great, low maintenance, and keeping it till it dies....

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  Nice Compromise, Great Ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Stan Mcginnis - December 28 - 6:36 pm

  I came from a (bought used CPO in 2004) 2002 V6 Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Explorer. Loved that car, but it broke down 3 times in 3 months and with gas @ $3.99, so I decided to try something smaller. I got the fully loaded CR-V, including Nav 5/26/2008. Car rides great, but idles kinda rough. Honda MPG: 22/26. I have no problems getting 28-29 with cruise control on the hwy. Front and side visibility is excellent, but rear quarters are poor, especially with rear passengers. HVAC heat and cool perfectly, and rear passengers can feel it. Nav works great, but the voice controls have like a 25% hit rate, despite having all windows closed, HVAC off and saying the exact command name.

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  If I could do it again I would! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sabrina - December 28 - 6:06 pm

  The only cars Ive ever owned have been Mustangs (last 2 were GTs). After having yet another problem with the stang, I decided to trade it in and drove past Honda. The minute I saw the Accord, I liked it. I doubted that the 4 cylinder would be enough power, but I test drove it and its quick. Its no 8 cylinder GT, but it also gets double the gas mileage and so far, no problems. The major factor in my decision was that its also recommended in Consumer Reports. I didnt want another pile of car crap that was going to give me issues, and Honda has an excellent reputation. The rear is not the most attractive, but I plan on getting a body kit installed, so it wasnt a factor.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By stevem - December 28 - 7:50 am

  My wife needed to trade in her Accord for something with a little more room. We looked at the Pilot, but was too big, and was worried the CR-V was too small. Thankfully, not the case. Very powerful 4 cylinder engine, and pretty fun to drive. Handles much better than I expected. I drive a Civic, and would never hammer corners in the CR-V that way, but I dont think that should count against it. It handles curves well, and rides like a car. Very comfortable on a recent 6 hour trip. The split seats that roll forward are very versatile, making it easy to "stow & go". Nice to have the 6 disc changer, although the sound system is a step down from her Accord. We miss the big gas tank too.

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  Very Powerful - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Seisho - December 28 - 6:24 am

  Very powerful car requires less fuel. With 250HP and 5 speed AT, this car runs very fast and so I sometimes forget this is SUV. Inside is big and quiet.