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 Work Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By A Smith - June 15 - 11:03 pm

  I use my Element because I sell industrial maintenance products. It is the ideal salesmans car. But the gas mileage is terrible, very disappointing

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Chris - June 15 - 2:43 pm

  This is an exceptional car. It handles like a true sports car should. The build quality is flawless.

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  Too NOISY - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sfuji1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  If you want a quiet drive - forget it. The interior is so nosy that I almost have to turn the volume up on the radio full blast. Also no back support in the seat and small 10 gallon gas tank. For you long commuters, the car is very uncomfortable, LOUD on highway, and if you commute more than 40 miles each way you will need to fill your tank every other day. Buyers beware -- when test driving, dealers may have replaced with more expensive tires to cushion and muffle the sound. I am currently looking for another SUV.

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  Awesome Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Soren - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I work in the automotive industry and have therefore had plenty of opportunity to test drive almost all suvs available on the market thoroughly. The Pilot is hands down the number one suv as far as comfort, usefullness and value. It is very roomy, rides extremely well, has great power, and unlike its domestic rivals it is, like any other Honda product, reliable!

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  Gods Gift - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tampico25 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I searched for 1 yr. for a 2nd car.Then we found the civic.Were in the Army and we do a lot of driving. The milage has been great! My first car was an 82 Civic, so now Im "Hooked on Honda." We even had a rash of blow outs and rough tire hits and the things still ticking!Its just road huggin fun.The stopping distance is poor, but I made up for that by putting it into neutral when I need to stop or slow down abruptly.The driver is in control! My wife and I "fight" over who gets to drive it to work. Buy this car!

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  I love my Honda! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By girlfish - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Honda --its so comfortable, and the sales people at Sussex Honda were such a pleasant group of people. They were very fair, and gave me a respectable price.

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  Spring for the EX it is worth it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JohnV - June 15 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, I just purchased my vehicle on the 25th of Sep 03. I have driven it loaded down from Illinois to Denver and will continue on to San Diego. Even though I had three people in the car and tons of clothing etc the civic performed admirably. The seats are extrememly comfortable on long rides.

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  Its a keeper - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chrisL - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Our last car was the current model VW Passat. Nice car, but highly problematic. Our new Accord is head and shoulders above the Passat. Honda realized that folks want the feel and performance of a German car. The Accord hits this target with a totally un- Honda feel in all the right ways. Steering, handling, and powertrain work with the precision of a fine German car. The 4-cylinder is smooth and powerful; the auto transmission is razor sharp and always selects the right gear. The car has great passing power and brakes to match. Having owned the Passat and having test-driven Camry and Mazda6, the new Accord is better in every way.

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  Best bang for your buck. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Badamthegreat1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I spent a few months researching all different types of cars before making my final decision. I found that the EX V6 Coupe had the perfect mix of performance, comfort, and economy for my tastes.

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  The best Honda Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Heidar - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is totally different with previous version (I owned a 2002 accord coupe). Mine has lots of power and feels like a German car. I enjoy driving it everywhere. I always bought Honda because of the market value but this time I think I made a good choice.