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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  Love the car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tota1pkg - December 14 - 10:00 am

  really cant complain... kinda weird getting 10,000 mile oil changes as the manual recommends. doenst sacrifice power for gas mileage, can accomplish both. i bought the car with the aero kit and spoiler, makes it look sooo much better. All complaints said, I would still buy the car.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mecobb - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one masterful car with a great price tag. With the options on the EX V-6, it could be easily priced at 30K instead of 26K. I am extremely impressed with the handling, braking, and overall performance of this vehicle. The interior is well planned and is very user friendly. The ride is not as appealling as the Toyota Avalon; however, the overall performance is much better in my opinion. This is a solid car with a solid reputation and I would highly recommend test driving the new Accord EX before placing any money on the table.

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  I love this car!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Albert - December 14 - 9:24 am

  After test driving many SUVs I could not believe how this car could have the best road feel, since its shorter then most of the ones I tested. It was not the quietest or the smoothest ride, but by far the one I loved the most. I liked many cars in my 50 years of driving, but this one I LOVE.

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  BAD CAR!!! BAD BRAKES!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CNASH - December 14 - 6:23 am

  I ABSOLUTELY HATE THAT I EVER PURCHASED THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! HORRIBLE!!! I had brake issues after 5 months. The back brakes needed to be replaced, which is uncommon. Then I had more brake issues on the front two months after that. They dealership checked my brakes and told me that everything was ok, but theyre replacing my driveshaft and axles which absolutely makes no since. I will never by another Honda!!!!

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  The Best and Most fun Car !!!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jo Jo - December 14 - 3:56 am

  This is the best car!! It handles GREAT and is great on gas! The design is so sporty and I get compliments everywhere I go! My husband just bought a 2005 Accord fully loaded and still loves to drive my special edition civic. He thinks it handles even better than his! I love my car!!!! It also has a sterio that is chrome! No other honda has this radio! Its gorgeous!

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  Just bought it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jim Suss - December 13 - 7:10 pm

  The car seems built for an average height person. Being 6 6", I find it difficult to "fit" in a car. The center console seems low, the headrest too far down and the left door armrest is way too low. Considering I drove an Audi TT Quattro Roadster convertible for four years prior to buying this Accord, one would think I have tons of space and roominess now, but that is not the case. There was more leg room, seat room and arm room in the TT than the Accord. The Accord doesnt seem to handle well either, but that will take some getting used to, as its not a sports car. A great feature with the Accord is its reliability.

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  Gas consumtion is Unacceptable for a 3.5 L engine - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tony - December 13 - 4:28 pm

  I got 13/17. vs honda advertised 17/22. For most cars have driven, the actual is fallen with specs, but not for this Pilot. I think there should be a class action against the false advertising. Also, it is not shame, it is a crime to do that.

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  Value and Style - 2007 Honda Element
  By Trent - December 13 - 1:13 pm

  Just got my Element last week after going in to drive the CR-V. While the CRV is nicer and more refined than previous years, there is just no room for my toys and gear. The Element started to be more attractive from a pure cost of ownership standpoint, as I was looking at leasing a more expensive vehicle originally, but I could purchase the Element for the roughly the same monthly payment. I drove both the SC and standard model, and love the handling of the SC and the unique interior trim points. Ill miss 4WD, but love the wider tires and improved headlight/front end look. I drove it in snow/ice 2 days after purchasing, and although I was a bit tense without 4WD there, it was good.

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  Tough enough for Alaska - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alaskan - December 13 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned every truck brand sold in America and the Ridgeline, hands down is the best driving truck I have had. The roads here are rough and slick in winter and this truck handles excellent on icy, snowy roads. The back end stays stable and it stops on a dime, without even changing to all winter tires. I agree this isnt a brute to take out on bad dirt roads, but for occasional truck needs and an everyday commuter, this is an excellent choice in all winter conditions Alaska has thrown at it.

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  First Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gary - December 13 - 12:06 pm

  So far so good. This rig is fun to drive. It handles great in monsoon type conditions. I am overall quite happy with this 8 passenger people mover. The real test will come when we finally get some snow.