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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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ylonn Cherry - September 15 - 7:20 pm

  When I began my car research I was interested in it and several competitors. I finally decided on the Honda Accord because it had all the features I was looking for at an excellent price.

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  Happy Driving - 2003 Honda Element
  By Larry - September 15 - 5:40 pm

  This is an excellent multi-functional vehicle. It has rapidaly become our primary vehicle over our truck and sports car. The dogs love it (Mr. 40# & Ms. 80#) Excellent quality and flat out fun. Holds 4 adults with respective golf clubs and room for two more sets of clubs. The 80 plus mothers fit too! Great for easy clean up after camping, beach or other trips. We could go on but dont want to bore you.

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  Reliable Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By arose - September 15 - 10:30 am

  The Honda Civic really is the best value. I wish it had more horsepower. However, horsepower or not, in a few years it will be worth more than all other 2004s in its class.

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  Glad I picked the civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sam11241 - September 15 - 7:03 am

  I drove all the comparable cars in this class and I fell in love with the styling and interior of the civic. The front seats have plenty of leg room and I love the digital speedometer close to the windshield.

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  2007 tango read pearl 4wd ex auto - 2007 Honda Element
  By kevkat - September 14 - 5:10 pm

  we just brought the new car home and we like it already. the only thing i am worried about is whether my wife is going to like the free XM and when the trial period is over we will be getting a subsrciption. Lots of room, rides pretty nice and handles well. this auto has all safety features on the market with this version and coded keys and theft prevention radio. buy your accessories at manchester honda in CT. they offer close to 25% discount. we ordered deflector, mats, arm rest, and other stuff alot cheaper than from dealer.

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  Dissapointed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica - September 14 - 2:56 pm

  I have a 2002 CRV and my AC compressor just went out. I have about 55,000 miles on it and I hardly ever use my AC. I had a mechanic tell me off the record that he has seen this problem with quite a few CRVs. Funny, I was considering buying a new CRV before this happened. I have owned three Hondas before this one, and I have never been dissapointed until now.

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  2004 Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Leo - September 14 - 12:33 pm

  Excellent overall smaller SUV. MPG should be better for a 4 cyl. Lacking some power, vehicle should have been a 6 cyl

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  GÅ•eat Car, just need a car for transporting post-o - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pamela Berkemeier - September 14 - 12:18 pm

  Some wear and tare due to age.

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  GÅ•eat Car, just need a car for transporting post-o - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pamela Berkemeier - September 14 - 12:18 pm

  Some wear and tare due to age.

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  Great, fun, small SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Zema - September 14 - 12:04 pm

  Great use of the interior space. Easily holds four adults in a remarkable use of space. We normally carry two adults, two children and a large dog (Siberian Husky). Everyone loves the car. The kids especially like that they can see forward (because stadium seats). We orginally bought it because we need to regularly go from no-snow states to high-snow states (Canada also) - works great for this purpose. The only option that we bought were the heavy rubber floor mats we bought them so the dog would not slide around. If you buy it, the manual is a lot more fun to drive than the auto. We often drive at 85+ mph on interstates with no fear other than speeding tickets :) More used than our BMW.