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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  2001 Honda CRV - Best in class - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By elchino02 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The absolute best mini-SUV you can find. Ive had it for 3 yrs and has only depreciated $4,000. Thats 80% value retention. Typical Honda quality.

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  pretty happy new element owner - 2003 Honda Element
  By Momaroo - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I chose the 5sp 4wd EX. Really like it - happy to be seen in such a funky vehicle. Love the suicide doors and removeable back seats - easy to load large items. But, back seats are a little cumbersome to remove and re- install. Salesman made it look much easier. Sun roof should be towards the front and power. Pillars on each side of front windshield too wide - block vision. Very comfortable ride. Cant wait to use it to go camping. I may have rated it a little low for fuel economy - my first SUV. Last car was a civic coupe - great on gas!

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  Love It! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - January 25 - 12:13 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We usually end up fighting over whos going to take it. We can put three kids in the back with no problem. Great storage room behind the rear seat.

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  Exceeded My Expectations - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Eddie - January 24 - 4:33 pm

  This truck drives like a car and functions better than most trucks on the market. Lots of great features (in bedtrunk, great stereo, comfortable rideand seats).The only disappointment so far is thething likes gas and lots of it. Honda should consider the VCM feature likefound on the Odyssey to improve gas mileage. It looks better in person than you see on the internet.

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  Never a Problem Since 1997 - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Denise Ramirez - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This minivan amazes me. Since 1997 I have never had one problem. I get the require maintenance, etc. and thats it. My co-worker has a 1997 Aerostar. Her van is always in the shop for something. I feel that I made a very wise choice with the Honda Odyssey. It now has 85,000

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  this vehicle is a 12 - 2003 Honda Element
  By jackerussel - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Attention to all who are thinking about buying a Element- DO IT! Nothing else compares. Vehicle is SO SMOOTH. Regards Jack

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  The best mini-van ever!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By MD Mousseau - January 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey in Aug03 had to relocate due to the military and drove over 5000 miles to Alaska from Georgia packed with 3 kids, two small dogs and all our luggage. This mini-van had great power driving up steep hills & mountains even with 2in. of snow, it handled the road conditions as if we had studded tires and the traction control did great. It was a smooth drive and did great on gas mileage.

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  Ecstatic - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Stacey - January 24 - 1:20 am

  This is a terrific vehicle! I was a previous owner of a Quest and wish I had started with the Odyssey. Kid friendly, plenty of cup holders & storage. Easy to fold seats, even my 5 yr. old can do it. The DVD has a crisp, clean screen. This vehicle is so quiet during city & highway driving. Easy to read dash & user friendly climate control. So much more superior to the Quest. It gets great gas mileage. I cant say enough good things about this van!

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  Missed your target market by a mile! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Barb - January 23 - 9:23 pm

  I have owned lots of cars, from sports cars to Suburbans to pickup trucks. This is the best! I am an older woman with dogs and an active lifestyle. My husband and I are also King-Sized people and the dogs are Golden Retrievers. We go to dog shows, we drove back and forth to Florida twice, we even go offroad! This car is fabulous AND comfortable. And my i-Pod fits right into it with awesome sound from the sub-woofer. The car is fantastic on our steep driveway in NY for the winters, and great on the sandy beaches. And it is so easily cleaned --- no dog hairs! I think the design is funky and I just love it.

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  Great styling for a sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By nana - January 23 - 8:56 pm

  Just bought the civic and love it. We chose the civic over the Sentra due to the amount of head room with a sunroof while sitting in the back seat. With two men 63" this has to be considered. The Civic is so sleek and looks like a European car. The handling is smooth and full of energy. The back seat has plenty of leg room. It is hard finding a small car to accommodate tall people comfortably. The car handles smoothly and quickly. I know this car will still be parked in our driveway 10 years from now, Lord Willing. The car we just replaced was a 12 yr old Accord due to an accident. We are thrilled with the interior design. Would have liked a locking glove compartment.