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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  Ichiban! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gino - June 24 - 2:00 am

  It was time to replace our modified 63 Alfa Spider show car/club racer Id owned since new--an Italian classic. We drove a few possibilities and then, the latest iteration of the S2000. Simply put, the Honda is the new classic--an agressively quick, superb handling, extremely handsome, fun to drive, all- out performance tourer that others can only hope to equal anywhere near the price. Ive driven and raced many cars over the years, some costing substantially more, but have never been so enamored of a vehicle that offers so much for such a modest sum. An absolutely stunning package and a new classic, indeed.

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  Sweet - 2003 Honda Element
  By Element - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I do alot of camping and outdoor stuff in general. Ive had my canoe on top, two mountain bikes inside and camping gear for three people with room to spare. I also have a dog that loves to take road trips and I like not having to worry about carpet and upholstery since the interior is designed to "get dirty" and clean up easily. Did alot of research - this truck has way more space inside than most "full size" SUVs!

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  Honda-4-Life - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda-4-Life - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Its a Honda. It does everything that any other SUV can do, except it does it perfectly. The build quality is exceptional. Its roomy and quiet. Its fun to drive and the stadium type seating in the 2nd and 3rd rows are a bonus. OK, complaints (if you can call them that). The second bench should have an adjustable forward and rear travel. Gas mileage is probably slightly better than most of the other V6/V8 SUVs out on the market today. As for paying MSRP, well, I paid MSRP but haggled about 50% off on my options. Its a Honda. The price is worth it. Dont pass this up on your list of SUV choices...matter of fact, make it the only choice.

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  Best Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JA - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is probably one of the best out their! When I was looking to buy, I was looking at the BMW X5, the Ford Expedition, and the Pilot was no comparasent. It seats 8! Thats incredible, even though the 3rd row doesnt have much leg room, its good cargo space. A great buy! You should get it!

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  Odyssey 2003: Value & Honda Reliability - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JBSOD - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey (our first was a 2000 LX) and we love it! We opted to sell our 2000 because we wanted the improved safety of the side airbags as well as some of the other features of the EX (power doors, remote entry, etc.). The 2003 has more pep and rides a bit more smoothly on rough road. More luxury car feel and handling...and all for $25,000! My wife drives 40 mi/day with three kids to work and babysitters...safety counts and this vehicle has it (5 stars in all categories).

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  Best Ever Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BuddyC - June 23 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my 2006 EX because my 2003 had such a high trade-in value and because I knew I would get quality again. I think I did more research than anyone at three different dealerships visitied. When I saw the first pictures, I was hooked. I believe this is the nicest car I have owned. My wife bought an Element and it is cool, too!

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  Honda does it again - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Smoke "House" Brown - June 23 - 1:23 pm

  After having my CR-V (EX) for a little over a month I can honestly say that this is a super vehicle. I should have made the purchase at the begining of the year. It has lots of leg room and is roomy inside. The car has that certain feel that things have which are made to last. The American People are aware of this and you see them everywhere. I just got back from a road trip, the car was setting the pace on the highway. I paid 24K out the door for the Ex model, which is well worth kicking in the extra 2k. If you are thing about getting this suv, then think no more. I cant wait to read your review.

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  What a Car, Beep, Beep - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Gregnice23 - June 23 - 6:53 am

  I am so happy that I purchased this wonder of silver. The gas mileage is awesome. The interior is beautiful. I looked at Corolla(to tight), Sentra (ugly build) Mazda3 (doesnt compare in gas nor reliability). Civic was the overall winner. Very impressed with something new everyday. Awesome Stereo. Driving Dynamics are great. The two tiered visual is futuristic and cool. Cant say enough great things about the gas. The leather for the first time really adds to the value and overall enjoyment of this car. I am glad Honda cares about their cars. Has all the amenities one can ask for. Steering wheel radio control and sunroof all for around 20K. Cant beat it. Thanks Civic

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  Wish I had bought one earlier. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John - June 22 - 4:10 pm

  I had an 03 Explorer and was getting between 17 to 22 MPG. Well no sooner did I get the hybrid that my bill went from $60 bucks per refill to $30 or less depending on the cost of gas. I love the 05 HCH, it is fun, fuel-efficient and all around good car. I would improve the HP but its not to bad overall. Honda has done a great job at listening to its customers and I hope they continue to do so. Sadly the American companies once again lost the battle.

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  More Torque! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Zathras - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I test drove an S2000 yesterday after having driven a couple of 350Zs. Overall the S2000 feels like a much better quality car, but the 350Z as an intoxicating torque that pushes you back no matter what gear you are in. In the S2000 youd have to drop a gear or two and nail the rpms to get the same feeling. Honda should put a 3.0 liter inline six in the S2000. Nothing could touch it then.