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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  Honda Element, first month - 2003 Honda Element
  By rjvogel - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 Honda Element approximately one month ago. So far it is one of the most fun cars to drive that I have ever driven. It is very practical, since my wife shows dogs. The interior is very conducive to hauling dogs and crates.

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  Versatile and comfortable hauler - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ben Scallan - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Honda has a winner in the Element. Its storable backseats are simple to flip-up allowing easy access to a very large cargo area which has a reasonably low lift height. This cargo area has hauled full-size sheets of sheetrock, 22 spruce trees, a new desk with three matching file cabinets - this on top of its twice weekly duty hauling real estate signs. I chose the Element for its capacity to haul large yard-arm style real estate signs. The Element was the only auto I test drove that could handle multiple signs easily. As an added bonus its AWD will help tremendously this winter, and its easy to clean interior is a pleasure to clean, too.

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  Great - 2003 Honda Element
  By puli - July 10 - 10:00 am

  One of the BEST SUVs I ebver owned Sorry Toyota!!!!

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  The new Turtle in the Family - 2003 Honda Element
  By atlasb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  We call our New Element the Turtle. We purchased the Green Element and just love the Little guy. We are headed back home to Hawaii and think it will make the perfect auto (truck) for us there. We haul more with it and use it for more things than our Ford Ranger. The features are all Honda told us they would be. We owned Honda Gold Wings for many years and look forward to many years of service from our Element.

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  needs some work - 2003 Honda Element
  By thud 90 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i do not like this car at all. its ugly and has to much plastic on it

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  Awesome car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SUVlover - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV, I did look at Toyota Highlander, GMC, Chevy, Ford before buying this car. It is fun, good pickup and roomy

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  Not what I Expected - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Heather Gordsaro - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The Honda we thought would be the dream car, but had second thoughts after comparing my sisters SUV the Mitsubishi Endeavor. That looks a lot better and drives better. Its more exciting and better looking.

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  A Less Expensive Acura - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tacomastan - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent choice for someone who needs good traction but without needing heavy-duty off-road capability. Provides a wonderful highway driving experience with better than average fuel economy for its class. Driver, passenger and second row seating are very comfortable but the third row is best for children. An excellent city driver with short turning radius, great for parking. Finally, it is a Honda so fit, finish and reliability are a given.

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  Saved my life in accident - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Karthic - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I had an accident two weeks back with a deer and I was driving Pilot. Deer jumped from the woods on roadside and hit fast at high speed on driver side. Deer got killed on the spot. Hit was directly on the frame attached with the driver side rear view mirror. My pilots windshield got shattered. Damage was on the side door.No one was injured. I own another Toyota Corolla and if the same happened in that car, it would have killed me. I thank god that I was driving Pilot at the time of impact.

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  Green, less green($) and just a cool car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By MattNga - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Civic Hybrid CVT for 3 months now and have had no problems, lots of questions from others and now I dont think as much about my new found driving habits. The car makes you want to drive better (and slower too) so you can improve your mileage.