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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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Element
  By jewlesinaz - February 17 - 8:00 pm

  For the price, it is very good. If you have big animals that you take on the go, it is more than perfect! Underneath the back hatch handle is a piece of plastic(handle) used for closing it, comes out very easily. The flooring gets scratched easily, if you want it to stay in new condition, dont haul anything.

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  Good but a bit much for the money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dm - February 17 - 7:46 pm

  Great car, I love the gas mileage for a V6 and the car is more than comfortable. The standard stereo system is nice and clear at loud volumes. However for the money, I wish I would have shopped around better, its nice but a typical family sedan. Could have gotten something a bit sportier and catchier to the eye.

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  Street legal go-kart - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jacques79 - February 17 - 7:31 pm

  This is my 2nd S2000 and its just as reliable as my first. (It was a 2002) I drive it hard every day and its still as tight as ever. The super quick steering (13.8:1) and driving position along with the best transmission feel in any manual production car make this quite the impressive ride. Under 6000 RPM its perfectly fine around town and to get the acceleration you just need to use the delicious transmission. Every thing is tightly screwed together, the top never leaks, the car feels very stiff, especially for a convertible. Brake pedal feel is firm and the stopping distances are excellent. This car doesnt need VSA: its called your right foot and steering wheel!

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  How much do you like vanilla? - 1994 Honda Accord
  By proxl - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 94 DX 4dr. new, now have 74K mi. Reliability good -- would be excellent if it werent for Y2K. That year, the door handle broke off on an icy day; the starter quit; and oil seal leak nearly killed it forever. Honda recalled for that problem in 2001, but it took American Honda about 8 months to reimburse me for my repair. Reasonably comfortable, good mileage. Too reliable, though. Its so deadly dull that Id love to trade it in for something that doesnt scream "Daddy car!", but I cant justify a new car payment when this will probably last another 100K.

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  Fun car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By got frank? - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have fallen in love with this car. I put a lot of stuff additionally to this car because I love it so much. Now it has HID headlights and green parking headlights, a talking alarm system, mesh grill for the front, radar detector, 4 inch exhaust, tinted windows, etc.... im still planning to add more things. Well, its a 1997 Honda Civic LX, Automatic transmission. I wish it was a manual, but I can still drive it somewhat like a manual (if you know how). Lovely car, reliable, nice-looking. I wish it had more horsepower and torque on the engine.

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  Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Feraz - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car in my neighborhod and in the highway. This CR-V has enough horsepower for a little SUV. The sound system is great and i love the sound of the bass when i play my music. The remodel is better looking than the older model of the CR-V and i admire the exterior design because is so hot!

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  HONDA CIVIC? THINK AGAIN! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RANDY1223453532 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  A FEW MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED A 2002 HONDA CIVIC EX (2 DOOR COUPE). THIS IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I HAVE BEEN AS FAR AS AUTOMOBILE PURCHASING GOES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP TWICE BECAUSE IT JUST RANDOMLY DOES NOT START (MIND YOU THIS CAR HAS 3000 MILES, AND IS UNDER 3 MONTHS OLD). NOT TO MENTION I HAVE DRIVE GOLF CARTS WITH MORE PICK UP THAN THIS THING. ANOTHER NEGATIVE THING I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT WHEN YOU SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IT LIKE ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT JUMPS OR THE TRANSMISSION JERKS OR SOMETHING.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By cjkatc - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this Accord and love it!! I love the safety, reliability, and gas mileage. I commute to cover sporting events and needed a good car. The Accord though not flashy gets the job done better than any other midsize I tested. I could not beat the price of 16,000 and 4.75% financing, too good to pass up.

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  Love this van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SpencersMom - February 17 - 9:16 am

  We bought this when our children were 1 and 3. They are now 5 and 7 and we have never regretted this purchase. We have had some weird problems with it, such as the drivers seat belt coming unattached from the floor but the dealership fixed it without charge and checked all the other seatbelts. They were all loose at the floor level. The paint is chipping a bit around the doors and some tiny rust spots are starting to appear. Considering that we live in an area that rarely sees snow (thus no salt or sand on the road), this concerns us. Overall, though, this is the best car decision weve ever made. Even trips of over 1,000 miles are easy on the kids its so comfortable.

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  1stDrive - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By s Dai - February 17 - 7:37 am