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:

• 

  Have gear will travel - 2004 Honda Element
  By heffe - December 24 - 11:26 pm

  I live in NH. and travel all over New England and down the coast. I play in a variety of musical acts and haul my drums and sometimes my bassists gear as well. The E just eats it up and has performed very well for me. My last car was a Chevy Tahoe, so I am coming from a big rig. Ups: Loads of room, and comfort. Good stereo, Jack for my XM. Downs: Braking could be better. Road noise (due to no carpet?) is a little high ( see nice stereo above) and wind noise and buffeting is high. In all, I get lots of comments..."cool!" "ugly!" "box" But have you seen the Rover Discovery? How about the Hummer? Now run the prices. nuff said. Come on hybrid.

• 

  Great Granny Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Granny - December 24 - 7:03 pm

  Got the van to transport grandkids + in their car seats. Too new to give a gas mileage review - has only 600 miles on it. Wanted an 8 passenger vs 7 so we chose the EX as it had certain features plus 8 seating. (too bad the Touring model was only 7 passenger as it has more features we liked). EX drives like a dream. Easy to handle & park - no problem adjusting from driving a small Civic to a van). Nav system & voice recognition are FANTASTIC. In Floor Lazy Susan nice storage. BUT for a $35,000 + vehicle, it LACKS SAFETY FEATURES that Toyota Sienna has, i.e., Front & Rear Intuitive Park Assist, Dyn Laser Cruise Control, Day Run Lights, Auto Dim Inside & Outside Mirrors, Auto Open Tailgate.

• 

  Whats not to love? - 1991 Honda Accord
  By TexasRooster - December 24 - 5:50 pm

  Ive owned my 91 Accord EX for close to 10 years (Im the 2nd owner), and have logged close to 200k of its 243k miles. This is the epitome of reliable, inexpensive transportation, with a good touch of class thrown in. Everything runs as smoothly as it did the day I bought it. No problems with body integrity or rust (although I do live in the snow-free South), and the sunroof has never had a leak. I have had a problem with the trunk leaking from time to time, however. Excellent brakes and handling, though the automatic transmission hasnt always been the smoothest-shifting. Fuel economy is good--I get about 26 mpg on the highway, around 22 in the city. A lot to love about this car!

• 

  Happy I chose the CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crv4me2 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After an extensive search for a vehicle (I took my time, wasnt in a hurry) I picked the 2002 Honda CR-V EX as my first choice and after several weeks, I know I made the best choice. This vehicle is comfortable, easy and fun to drive, attractive, roomy, and has plenty of power. The CR-V 4cyl holds its own and gets better fuel mileage than the vehicle with a V6 I traded in. For me, thats important. When compared to competing vehicles, the CR- V is clearly the winner.

• 

  Awesome - 2001 Honda Accord
  By crystavol - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! My Accord is the most reliable and top quality vehicle. This is my second accord, and I will not buy anything else

• 

  A Very Good Choice - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tom - December 24 - 5:10 am

  While Ive only had the car a few weeks, Im very happy so far. I was looking for a "sporty" car that used regular gas and got good mileage. I was concerned about the power since I was used to a V6, but its really peppy and responsive. The steering feels very direct and the brakes are strong. I test drove a lot of cars, some quite a bit more expensive, but I really liked the whole package this Honda gives you. While I DO NOT like the Sedans styling, I LOVE the Coupe. Mines Red and it is sharp looking.

• 

  Its a truck, its a suv, its GREAT - 2004 Honda Element
  By Molly - December 23 - 10:03 pm

  I just got it! You either love it or hate it. I love it. It sucks gas! Thats the only thing negative I can say about it. They 21 mpg City, Dont think so. Its more like 18. Power is O.K. Drives nice, handles well and still fits in tight places. Its a cross between a truck, van, and a SUV. I heard it was designed for the younger generation, Im 40 and I think its awesome. Lots of room, easy to change the seats around. I use it for work and I dont have to worry about it getting banged up or stuff spilled in it. With its out side panels, waterproof seat covers & utility floors. If I could, I would have gotten the EX. Oh well, Next time.

• 

  2008 Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By TXMatt - December 23 - 2:16 pm

  Great car, average 31 mpg. The dealer helped me choose a LX and have leather installed, saved several thousand over the EX-L, and got exactly what I wanted.

• 

  I love my Honda Wagon! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By samantha - December 23 - 12:27 am

  This car has gotten me through heavy commutes in bad-traffic Seattle, a trip cross country, and many, many rainy trips up and down I-5. It has always been reliable and the little maintenance I have had done has only been basic keep-up projects like new tires, brake pads, and oil changes.

• 

  Best Car I have ever owned!! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By yaltabei - December 22 - 9:09 pm

  I have owned alot of cars. I have never been as impressed with a car as much as this Civic. it is fuel efficient, built tight, reliable and fun to drive. I had a Nissan before I bought my first Honda. I thought that Nissan is as good as Honda but I was wrong. On my brand new Nissan, I had to replace an Axle, the rubber silicone cover on my driver side window because of a Wind Tab poor design, my fuel pump twice, an exterior trim twice and my Air Bag passanger sensor and then I hear rattling noise, paint chips off. I decided to switch to Honda based on the advice of close friends who owned Honda for years. Yes, It is alittle more expensive but this car will save you alot of money on maintance