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:

• 

  SC is Sweet! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Jesus Murrieta - January 31 - 12:38 pm

  I got my SC in Galaxy Gray. I love it. It has style, and safety. Great handling. I wish it was a bit FASTER!, but for a 4 Cylinder it has pretty good kick off the line. The lower suspension than the other models is cool. but you feel the bumps more than you would like. Buttons are all easy to understand and perfectly placed. Glove box too small, but you get plenty of nooks and crannies to put your stuff at.

• 

  The most reliable car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mrjex43 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Honda has a long-standing tradition of producing vehicles that are extremely reliable, well-built, and fun to drive. My 97 Civic LX sedan is no exception. Purchased by the original owner in 10/2001, Ive only had to replace the battery. The original owner is also a family friend, and with regulary scheduled maintenance, the battery is the only thing that has EVER needed to be replaced. After six years and 85,000 miles, the car still looks and drives like new; no rattles, rust, interior wear - this car was built to last.

• 

  Goodbye Sienna - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TKevinC - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 2000 Toyota Sienna. The worst vehicle ever designed by the japanese for what could be the absolute best. The Pilot is wonderful! Great power, ride, utility and comfort. Thumbs up all around. Managed to get mine for $2000 below MSRP after some SERIOUS negotiations. The dealers are definitely proud of the Pilot.

• 

  Love my Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Joseph Smith - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car, plenty of room, economical, and fun to drive. Has all the features I care about. Very nice styling, and very easy to drive. I have the 4 cylinder engine, and it has more than ample power.

• 

  Finally a solid vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scarhill - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I have purchased a Japanee nameplate after many unhappy years with American vehicles. I am quite pleased with the build quality of the vehicle, far superior to the Dodge vehicles that I have been driving. I really love the gas mileage. I do mostly highway driving and I have been averaging about 42 mpg. My wife loves to drive the Civic around town, when she can get her hands on the vehicle. My teenage daughter loves the styling. Seems this vehicle has pleased everyone.

• 

  Got It Yesterday - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ccitybll - January 31 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good.

• 

  Needs further gas mileage testing - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GPSSLP - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a great buy for me with only one down turn. They advertise that it averages 48 mpg city and 47 mpg highway, but I havent even been there yet and I have 5000 miles on the car. I average 38 mpg which is good, but not good as advertised. The rest of the car is great.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By drtrickett - January 31 - 2:00 am

  After driving my 1990 EX for 140,000, this car is a dream. Cabin is a little noisy on the highway. It handles great on the highway and in the snow. Great power and handling.

• 

  The Best Car Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By icrant - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am very excited with the 2.4L iVTEC engine. With 66.7 HP/liter @ 5500rpm this is the best engine in its class (not talking here about BMW). The fuel economy is incredible (9.6/6.5 - automatic transmision). I am not planing to change it in the next 10 years.

• 

  My new used crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Holly OBrien - January 30 - 11:53 pm

  Just bought my 2013 crosstour and love it. It drives well and has plenty of room. Its quiet inside and has a very smooth ride. The heated leather are great.