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 CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Matthew N. - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 67000 miles on it for 45000, and i really got my moneys worth. I loved it to death. I got in a major wreck at 72000 miles. I only drove 5000 and can testify that it was yet the greatest car i ever owned. It is even extremly safe in collisions. I walked away with a seat belt wound after an RV pulled out in front of me. Crumpled the exterior into tin foil yet left the interior untouched. Awesome, safe and dependable. If you see one, do not pass the opprotunity up! By it!

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  No regrets whatsoever - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jobuck - March 26 - 11:03 pm

  It may exude practical, but it does it so well for around 20K. Excellent room for my tall family and it has surprisingly great performance for a four cyl (HP and MPG). I dont cringe when offering the rear seat to a tall person. It has reasonably tight drivabilty and you can feel the road. Fit and trim all seem flawless. Though a couple more options/features might be nice I wont complain about it. Nice wheels and grippy brakes (I dont understand negative reviews in this area). The engine compartment is spacious and orderly. I really appreciate the end result of Hondas effort in building a well engineered car that I enjoy looking at and can afford to own.

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  From my experience... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Basklcj13 - March 26 - 4:36 pm

  I LOVE my hybrid, but there are a few issues. First of all I do a ton of highway driving (at least an hour a day) and I only get about 40.1 miles to the gallon. Secondly, sitting in the drivers seat you cant see the hood, so it is really hard to judge distance (like where the parking block is). Finally the lighting is weird. I cant make the dome lights come on when I open the door, which is a mild issue when getting in at night, or taking stuff out at night. Also the headlights have such a small range sometimes I feel uneasy. Otherwise I am so pleased with my car!

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  Ive never recommended a car to anyone.. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Echo Vector - March 26 - 2:50 pm

  ....because other than a BMW, which needs no recommendation, Ive never owned a car Id say was worth buying, and Ive had plenty. We were more or less forced into the Accord after the lease on our CRV ran out ( what a miserable machine THAT was! ) and Ill admit that I was not very "open minded" about this car from day one. Now, two years later, I simply cant say enough good things about it. We havent had the first bit of trouble, for a 4 cyl, it is VERY "peppy", and good lord does it have long legs; 20mpg city, *40*mpg hwy running the air and using the cruise control. Im a fairly large fellow, but I dont feel cramped in the cockpit. I wont hesitate for an moment to recommend this car!

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  As always, Honda delivers... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By saguarobabe - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in a hurry and drove across the country in it. It is reliable, efficient, and I get a lot of compliments on it! Being a coupe, it is small and a bit cramped when traveling, and being a four-cylinder, it doesnt handle steep hills very well--you have to keep it in a pretty low gear to retain or gain speed. But the only service its required has been a different thermostat because I live in southern Arizone. Sometimes the gears are a little stubborn, but maybe its just me... I also like its interior design...it is attractive and has lots of cubby holes to store cds, cell phone, wallet, etc.

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  Drive a concept vehicle now! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kyle Williams - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Element for a month and I love it. Even my neighbors have grown fond of its looks too. Usually, you have to wait a few years before your able to purchase a vehicle that has a concept appearance to it. Not now! I receive looks on the road, and people even stop me to see what Im driving. Honda did a wonderful job on this vehicle. I love mine and probably will for some time. It handle like a car, and the utility of this vehicle is unlimited Try one, and youll never regret it.

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  Neat but Cheap - 2003 Honda Element
  By Metro/Boston - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My only negative comment is the cost cutting coners taken by Honda. The Element cost more than my Accord but lacks simply inexpensive interior features that the Accord has. No drivers side sun visor mirror, the decent armrest (with storage) is an option instead of standard and the windshield wippers intermitent "one" speed instead of adjustable speeds are three features that any other Honda comes with. The car rides great and is much more roomy that you would imagine.

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  very, very, very happy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joe Daleo - March 26 - 2:00 am

  my 2003 Honda Pilot handles like a dream. It hugs the road on turns and bumpy roadways. Everyone that sits in my Pilot always comments on how comfortable it is and and nice it looks. Inside in spacious even for 6 above size adults. The exterior design to me is fantastic. I was rear ended by a dodge astro van and the front of his van, engine, radiator and trannie were destroyed. the only damage to my vehicle was the rear hatch door was slightly dented, my tail pipe was pushed all the way in and the tail lights broke and a slight bend in the rear quarter panels. All passengers in my vehicle were suprised also. its a vehicle Im proud of to drive.

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  Wonderful little SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hads - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is Honda quality at its best. Overal great car and esay to maintain.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gph2113 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Not even after picking up my CRV,I hit black ice on the freeway, slamming into the concrete wall at 50mph, totalling the car, but walking away with no injuries.Extremely safe car, thank you Honda!I picked up another crv a week later.Lots of room-from the outside,it seemed smaller than my former Honda Passport,but actually has more room inside.I actually could squeeze 12 friends into it last weekend. I drive it a lot on the freeway between road trips with friends and going back home on the weekends from school-and it gets great gas mileage.A great car for college or starting out.