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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  Excellent Design and Built II - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AL - April 1 - 8:56 pm

  Hi, its been 1 month since I submit my first review. I put 1600 miles on it. Its very smooth and youd be more than happy with its power as long as you are not a racing car driver. Still in break-in, its highway mileage already hit what is listed. I got 46 this afternoon! (of course, air-con was off, and I used N for a couple of times:-) I love the ease to pull it out from parking lots because it doesnt have a sedan trunk! The ride is quiet but is not as comfortable as a mid-size sedan. You shall avoid Fit if you require a soft, comfortable ride.

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  Mr. Dependable - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Dependable - April 1 - 10:00 am

  What can you say that has not already been said by Honda. This is my first Honda after owning three Nissans and I will never own anything other than a Honda. Excellent fuel economy 42 mpg on hwy and 37 mpg city. I have owned this car for 4.5 yrs. and done nothing other than routine maintenance and oil changes every 3K miles. This is a fun car to drive.

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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By KitKat - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is a good reliable car to drive just about anywhere!

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  It is what it does, no more and no less. - 2003 Honda Element
  By w. pelagius brainerd - April 1 - 10:00 am

  A post-post-modern car. Practically every other vehicle on the market is designed in such a way as to suggest the image of doing something cool (as in the addled judgment of impressionable, consumerist adolescents), without actually doing anything practical. Witness the metastasic cancer of spoilers on econo-sedans. But this car is free from such wannabe thinking. Sure the ads are targeting young people, but Ive gotten kudos from folks aged 40+. Young folks just want civics on nitrous with cheesy ground-effects panels; to hell with them. This car is for realistic people.

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  Outstanding Quality - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Dee - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Were not off roaders so this vehicle fits our bill. Just got back from a 1700 mile road trip, four adults loaded with luggage and usual gear, verdict: comfortable ride, relatively spacious accomodations, good fuel economy, reclining rear seats a nice touch, 6 disc cd made miles and hours a little easier to take.

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  I live in my car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Inspector - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Compared to my previous Chrysler Vans the Honda is miles ahead in all factors.I will drive Hondas from now on.

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  2000 Accord LX Coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By wombat - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It is quite simply the best car I have ever owned. The acceleration, and fuel economy are excellent. Not to mention it is a blast to drive. This is truely one of the finest cars ever made.

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  An excellent choice! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By i3enny - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My Civic has been a great choice among cars so far. I am a working, college student driving an average of 20,000 to 25,000 miles a year. I average 29-32 miles per gallon every tank. Its fun to drive, but it could use more than 127 horsepower. It currently has 21000 miles on it; I hear it should last until 210,000 miles... well see.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DC kid - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I like my Civic EX. The car is much heavier or feels much heavier than my 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. On those windy days I dont feel my car being pushed all over the road. The engine is very solid and reliable and there havent any problems for me to report. I love it! Also, The gas mileage is good....I generally get about 350 miles on a tank of gas, with gas prices being $1.49.

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  Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By focus2kvanda - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Fantastic price. Drives like a dream. The Leather package does the trick.