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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  Great, great vehicle! - 2007 Honda Element
  By New Element Owner - March 5 - 8:09 pm

  We just bought our 2007 Element a few weeks ago, and we already cant get enough of it. My wife and I wanted something different, and we are now the envy of all of our friends. No one can believe how roomy it is. There is plenty of room for your gadgetry and other stuff. The back seat has plenty of leg room for your guests. Would definitely recommend for anyone that is looking to wow their friends and family! LOVE the in dash XM Satellite Radio - I dont know how we lived w/o it before buying this car. All of this cool stuff - AND Honda quality! Overall grade is A+.

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  Ford,Chevy,Dodge, take some lessons!!!!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGOLDS5 - March 5 - 3:36 pm

  Fast, fun, reliable, does it all. Ive had all the American trucks and none come close to the comfort and ease of owning a truly versatile truck like the Honda. Honda thinks of everything and doesnt screw it up. Everything from a passenger side lighted vanity mirror to the 2 way tailgate makes everyone happy. Parks easily, steering is fast and precise. Loaded 600 lbs of slate on the trunk hatch and it handled that easily. Quality is far superior to Chevys crappy interiors and ill fitting parts. The Canyon is total junk and cannot believe that GM still produces such unforgivably poor quality vehicles.Who designes such junk? maybe refrigerator mechanics. The Honda is also very comfortable.

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  The coupe should have worn an Acura badge - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GilTibo - March 5 - 2:26 pm

  OK, compared to some cars, it may seem underpowered, but the reward comes at the fuel pump. Fun is still a standard feature with the Manual Transmission. Absolutely no regrets here. Got my Acura CL without the high price...

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  1997 Honda Passport LX - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Dennis - March 5 - 12:59 pm

  I think this Isuzu built vehicle was designed well for 1997. Ten years later (2007) leads me to believe that better fuel economy and interior design improvements highlight the weaknesses of this vehicle. Ive got 140,000 miles on it and maintain it on an above average scale and although it runs fairly well, engine power is weaker, fuel economy has slipped and interior amenities (e.g. lack of any cup holders and minimal front/back seat storage space)stand out. The spare tire location on the exterior of the tailgate blocks some rear window view.

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  Love My 93 Prelude Si 4WS - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By 5speedguy - March 5 - 11:40 am

  Bought my red 5 speed in June 2005 with 129,000 miles on the clock. I now have 150,000 and I just love this car. I like the punch, the great corner- carving ability and the looks. Each time I walk past the car I just have to smile. I know the 4WS makes the car heavier and therefore slower than the VTEC, but the handling is so great it is worth it. I soon intend to use it as a track day car (while continuing the "daily driver" duties.)

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  Odyssey vs Caravan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By craigty - March 5 - 3:20 am

  I had a 96 Grand Caravan ES with quad leather and 3.8 L engine. The Dodge has better acceleration from a stop. Seems the same after that but the Honda could be faster after 50 mph. Radio with the window antenna in the Odyssey sucks. Reception is very poor and dependent on direction of driving. Almost seems like Honda is trying to sell you the XM radio system and service. Stereo not as good as Dodge. Steering wheel too close to dash. Needs to be farther out. Heated seats could be hotter and faster. Leather seats much more comfortable on Odyssey. Lots of room for all 3 rows. second row seats are very comfortable even though they dont fold forward.

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  Honda Pax Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DFR - March 4 - 8:14 pm

  What a horrible experience with the tires, I cannot get 20,000 miles out of them, I keep the tires rotated, the dealership is only person that works on the Ody. No one will step up to ownership of the Pax tire problems. I have had 12 tires on my vehicle, last set Aug. 06, ready for another four.

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  Ownership after 2 Years - 2005 Honda Accord
  By madurbs - March 4 - 7:34 pm

  Best car I have owned. The interior design is excellent. No squeaks, rattles etc. Gas mileage has averaged in the 27-30MPG range in mixed driving. Zero problems. Just regular maintenance intervals thus far. Even as newer models of competition have hit the market I have no regrets.

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  Good Stuff - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By A. Warren - March 4 - 10:13 am

  Ive had my truck for about a year and a half and its done accomplished everything Ive needed it to accomplish. I can (pretty much) keep up with my dads Mini on the corners, which is pretty decent for a truck. Its got room for 5 actual adults to ride in, which is great. An air-intake and cat-back system do wonders for the trucks perceived masculinity factor, not to mention kinda poky high-end. It sometimes gets stuck in a gear just after highway merging, but you just have to kick it into neutral and back again quickly. The trunk does a great job of storing odds and ends that would otherwise cluttering the cabin. Great stock sound system.

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  Always a smile on your face - 2002 Honda S2000
  By piman - March 3 - 10:23 pm

  This is about as perfect a sports car you can get for a relatively cheap price. Car handles amazingly (on dry roads) and is a looker. Subtle exterior design, yet always makes you turn around for a second look. If not for the dreary rainy Portland weather 6 months of the year, this car would be even more awesome. But then again, thats not the cars fault.