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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  Good truck-van-SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Elemental - November 28 - 9:05 am

  I got a great deal. This is really multipurpose. I thought it was somewhat homely but its grown on me quickly. The AWD does great in the snow. I was actually shocked how well the AWD worked. The OEM top of the line stereo is typical blah but other than that this is one heck of a SUV, truck, van or car LOL for the money!

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  03 LX sedan - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dalaw - November 28 - 7:26 am

  Bought the car new in Oct 2002. I was looking for the clearance 2002 but liked the 03 a lot more. I get plenty of compliments for the cool-blue LED gauges; even a guard at a security check point gave compliments. I get about 32 mpg average in mixed driving but highway mileage easily gets close to 40 mpg if you drive around the speed limit. Low-speed ride can get harsh and the stock suspension is tuned all wrong. The front suspension is soft but the rear is stiff and bouncy, especially going over speed bumps. I am going to have to change out the shocks ASAP. Highway ride is stable and the car feels solid at speeds, however. Oil filter is located in the worst place, ever.

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  2006 ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By rj44 - November 28 - 6:45 am

  I had the truck 6 mos I love it. However do not buy the honda tonneau cover look at the aftermarkets. Otherwise it has plenty of power compared to my blazer. I take it off road in mud and snow and it had no problems.

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  My dream car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Annie - November 28 - 1:33 am

  I purchased my CR-V after owning a Forester for three years. Though I loved my Subaru, I wanted something a little bigger and higher. The heated seats/exterior mirrors sold me on the move to the CR-V, and I dont regret it! I just love driving my car. It feels so sporty and secure, and I cant believe how large the interior seems. Im looking forward to see how it handles in the snow. The excellent reliability ratings and consumer reviews were a big selling point, too.

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  FANTASTIC SUV!!! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Stephanie - November 27 - 10:54 pm

  I absolutely love my CR-V! I have had it for 4 years and put almost 100K on it with only changing the tires. Zero mechanical problems and great gas mileage. I am getting rid of mine only because it lacks power and I live in the mountains...it is great on flat ground but it is a little challenged going up steep hills it makes a lot of noise but little acceleration. AWD is great in the snow/ice!! This is a perfect entry level SUV for someone who wants something bigger than a car but doesnt need a lot of power (small engine gets much better gas mileage :)

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  mild to wild....270k mi later - 1992 Honda Accord
  By MikeyMeyagi - November 27 - 9:26 pm

  i got my accord for free from a buddy that was going into the marines. it had been neglected and abused, with 237k on it when i got it. still ran great and drove great. i liked it so much that i completely rebuilt it from the ground up. new paint, new interior, new suspension and brake systems, and a 430 hp turbocharged engine.seeing the look on peoples faces when this car will keep up with, or beat their much more expensive sports cars is priceless.

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  01 coupe w/ bad trans - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kat - November 27 - 8:32 pm

  I bought this car with approx. 52K miles on it. The transmission went out around 60K and although it was under warranty, I am very disappointed that it needed a new one. It is having similar problems now with the new trans and a friend of mine with an 02 model had her trans replaced also. I think the car interior etc is of good quality (no squeaks or rattles) and the exterior is nice looking. The stereo is just "ok". All in all, I am ready to trade for fear of needing a new trans after the extended warranty runs out.

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  One sweet ride - 2007 Honda Element
  By Wyatt - November 27 - 7:17 pm

  I test drove it, I bought it. Drove it home the same day. I traded in a Nissan 4x4 and wanted something different and looked cool on the road. Meets my expectations. The reviews posted here, are accurate. Good value for the $$ and I would expect Honda reliability.

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  Needs Better Paint - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By S Gregory - November 27 - 1:11 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot, but not happy with the PAINT job. The paint on the bumper started coming off in less than a month after we bought it. I have noticed little chips in the paint along with little dings. The pilot drives very smooth, more like a car, and very roomy inside.

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  Drive Great - Not Japanese Anymore - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jim H - November 27 - 5:33 am

  The Honda Accord is a blast to drive, and gets reasonable, if not great, mileage. Cost to own will be in line with Hondas of the past. Honda stands behind their cars, but I did NOT expect to find any Honda that had problems direct from the factory. My car had major window seal leaks, and water in the car after the first rain. The dealership promptly fixed, but left an indelible impression on my opinion of their manufacturing process, which in my previous 3 Accords and 1 Civic were NEVER at issue. Well see. Overall, an excellent car, and I hope to be able to write a different opinion as this car ages a bit. Jim, in Shawnee, KS