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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  Fast Car fun ride - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MIA2003 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Rick S. - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever owned. I was in a major accident (was rear ended) when the car was 3 months old. Car was fixed and is still running better than many newer cars. At 117,000 miles everything except battery & brakes is orig. I hope it lasts for another 100K mi.

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  The auto for dog owners - 2003 Honda Element
  By Tiber - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for dog owners. The back area with tie clips and the flip up seats are just what the doctor ordered for two medium sized dogs and muddy paws are no problem, just wipe it off.

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  This is a great SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By Samoth - December 20 - 2:00 am

  You got to get one of these, what I like the most about it is the all the seats (4) fold down and fit together (converting in to a bed), the rear seat once let down can be unlatched and swing to either side, then you have basicly turn it in to a cargo bay, this can be done with easy, or if you cargo is wide, you can simple take out either one of both the seats! Im excited, I cant wait for summer to take the moon roof out, dont to metion the 7 speaker system, with woofer. Im really excited1111

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  Rugged Class! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By D - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV! It is simple, has everything that one would want. AWD is seamless. Parking is dead easy. There is no other eight passager vehicle that can manouver with such ease. Gas milage is a plus. Never under 20 mpg (canadian) We live on a windy road. Body role is minimal compared to my truck and van the pilot replaces. "Happy Piloting".

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  Lots of problems! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By PghOwner - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After 9 months and 17K miles the transmission went. 5 months later brought it back with a squeek in the front end. Didnt find a problem, just lubricated some bushings. In Jan 03 the power steering started squeeling, took it in and the power steering rack was leaking and the whole thing needed replaced. Only had 42K miles on the car. Luckily Honda took care of the problem, or it would have cost $1250 to have it replaced. Took it back yesterday with another squeek in the front, and they said that it is the struts that are noisey. They arent leaking, just noisey. Cost to replace them $450.

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  Best car Ive had yet - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Paul in Atlanta - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best value on the road today. When I entered the economy car market for my 18 year old daughter, I figured wed end up with a watered down econo-box. I was AMAZED at the sporty build and performance. Add that to 38 mpg on the highway, and you have a must buy car. Maintenance is cheap and very infrequent. The interior has a sports car feel (somewhat like a junior version of my 2001 Acura 3.2CL Type S) and its a joy to drive.

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  Honda Makes the Best Better - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kgregson - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I am a long time accord owners, in fact this is my third. Honda Blew me away with this car! Honda outdid themselves this time. I expected good but damn, I am 25 and LOVE driving a family sedan. The accord has always been a good economical family sedan. Now, it is a sporty family sedan with the build, fit and finish of the best luxury cars out there. Great job Honda A+

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  best Honda ever - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Erik - December 20 - 1:09 am

  Prelude is the best honda ive ever driven. Love the HP, love the way the VTEC screams from 5200 up to redline, feels like ur in a formula-1 car. Good brakes, good mileage on freeway, excellent handling. very exciting car, would recommend to anyone.

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  First Element- Wont be the last! - 2007 Honda Element
  By familyof4 - December 19 - 10:57 pm

  I had my first Honda Civic for 14 yrs then replaced it with another Civic several years ago. With two kids, we wanted something safer. Given the heavier weight, side curtain air bags and great crash test results, we bought the Element SC and absolutely love it. Its a lot fun to drive, handles very well, sounds solid when you close the doors, ride is quiet, looks great, safer than the previous Civic and is very functional. It has more room from the passenger seats forward than our Mazda MPV. Another very satisfied Honda customer. When will US car makers get on the ball?