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:

• 

  A Humming Bird with Wheels - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Robbie C - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. Its fast. Its simple. Its reliable. The more I drive it, the more I appreciate it, and the more I admire Honda for building such well thought-out products. A well cared for used S2000 is a great car.

• 

  Prelude S and SH - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By JAY PATEL - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 3 2001 Preludes... Fast cars, powerful vtec, and great styling. I LOVE THIS CAR!

• 

  Accords Are The Best - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Honda Rules - February 20 - 2:00 am

  i own a 1991 honda accord. i feel that these accords are by far the most reliable cars on the face of the planet. down to the car...these accords arent the smoothest shifting cars in the world with the automatic tranny...but the engines are second to none. honda has always had what it takes do dominate the 4-cyl scene. the only complaint i have about my accord is the fact that my door handle trim breaks to easy as i have been through 6. anyone who wants to have a inexpensive reliable safe (****driver/*****Passenger) car the accord is the one to get.

• 

  The silver lining - 1996 Honda Civic
  By lsw - February 20 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Chevy Prizm was recently totaled and I found a 1996 Civic EX to replace it. Turns out this car is a vast, vast improvement, and its the silver lining to having a wreck and having to go car shopping on short notice. Even though its two years older than my other car, it runs much better, is tighter, and more comfortable for me (at 64") to drive. Also after looking at some more recent Civics, I like this older body style better - I think theyre getting more generic at time progreses.

• 

  Money well spent! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Steven D.. - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 new civic. The first civic lasted for 221,000 miles in 10 years. My second civic has 160,000 miles on it in 7 years and does not show any signs of slowing down. They are and were worth more to me than the sticker price I paid for them. Reliability is the best feature of the civic. They are not the fanciest vehicle out there but they cover every base very well for the everyday person or the traveling type.

• 

  Awesome - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rich - February 19 - 7:53 pm

  I purchased this car 600 miles ago. The ride is a little tight but smooth. It handles great. The seats are a perfect fit. Im 6 and I fit very well in this car. I am a first time buyer, but its the 4th car Ive had. I had an old 93 civic and they changed up a lot on this vehicle. 300 miles to a tank isnt bad.

• 

  versitile as a swiss army knife - 2004 Honda Element
  By conan - February 19 - 10:00 am

  drove it from florida to yellowstone. it performed great on the mountains, deserts and open highway. mounted a roof carrier for luggage and hauled 4 people for two weeks over 8,000miles of americas roads. wish they made one big enough to pull my boat and seat 6.

• 

  honda element - 2004 Honda Element
  By mpsmith - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my element but for 3 weeks the more i drive it the more I like it...also since gas prices are so high it really makes a difference.Was a little worried that it wouldnt have enough power to pull the Ozark hills, but, I am very impressed...it is such a fun suv

• 

  I love my Element! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Max Box Owner - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my Element! It has plenty of people and cargo room and its easy to get in and out of. It handles great and is extremely easy to manuver, and you cant imagine how easy it is to clean! Just this summer, I hauled home two collapsible tables (one 4 and one 6), 4 folding chairs, a 56qt. cooler on wheels, a 24pk cube of pop, several bags of groceries, and STILL had room to spare!!

• 

  What a fun ride! - 2004 Honda Element
  By tieshask8 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive SUV that got good gas milage. I also wanted something that could carry a lot of extras (luggage, snowboard, my german shepard. I tested the Element and completely fell in love. It had all the features I was looking for and has a lot of pep on the road. I am 55 and my husband is a foot taller than me. It was the only thing that we tested that both of us were comforatble in. The unexpected fun of it all is all the attention I have been getting since I bought this car ...people talk to me everwhere ... parking lots, gas station.. and ask to see inside and how I like it.