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 - 1994 Honda Civic
  By ndp - January 13 - 2:00 am

  one of the best cars honda ever made!

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  "The car that nobody wants" - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Warney - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the 2005 Accord LX Coupe 2.4l equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, "the car that nobody wants" according to multiple dealers I visited. I am 65" and 220 lbs and cant fit in an EX, the sunroof scrapes my head. Plenty of headroom in the LX. Tilt/telescopic wheel with lighted controls is great! Ordering a car from Honda is not easy, dont believe the brochures on color choice. For $18,325 I got a safe car that will last a long time, offers a good balance of power, sportiness, quality, roominess, and economy. Car is incredibly quiet and I expect many years of trouble free service from it. Many thoughtful features with intuitive operation and flawless performance.

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  In My Own Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rita - January 12 - 6:53 am

  I owned a 2003 and traded it in for a new 2005 good gas mileage and handles nicely, comfortable and gives a feeling of security with little ones in the vehicle

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LINDA - January 12 - 12:16 am

  I love this car. its great. i had a xb before the fit, am 58 and think this car is good at all ages, the sport is so good looking i got the gray great job honda keep it up linda

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  Very Nice Car from Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By garyw463 - January 11 - 11:43 pm

  My first Honda Accord and I like the car very much. The car feels solid and is comfortable, especially on the highway. I especially like the room in the car, the headroom and legroom is incredible.

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  Buy It-I did and its worth it. - 2003 Honda Element
  By jaggrin - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I had been eyeing the Element since it first came out. I looked at the Xterra but the gas mileage was a turn off. This vehicle is perfect for anyone who bikes, hikes or does anything outdoors. I can fit two bikes inside and all the gear. It drives better than my S10 that I traded in. The 4 cylinder engine is more than adequate and getting 4WD with a 4 cylinder is a bonus.

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  My kids car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Robbieboy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to get him something that was safe, reliable, and could hold all of his guitars & amps. You either like the design or you hate it. There is no in between. It looks like a Hummer that was put in the dryer too long, but it appears to be quite functional and safe. Most of all, he loves it.

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  delicate curves and dangerous looks - 2003 Honda Element
  By justincontrol - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is great for sloppy twenty year olds too who can throw peanut shells and slurpee cups down and clean the plastic floor up in a jippy.Every week I have at least one person that asks me about the car and if they can look inside. Every one seems to like the look of the car.

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  delicate curves and dangerous looks - 2003 Honda Element
  By justincontrol - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is great for sloppy twenty year olds too who can throw peanut shells and slurpee cups down and clean the plastic floor up in a jippy.Every week I have at least one person that asks me about the car and if they can look inside. Every one seems to like the look of the car.

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  I like it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ALEXJ - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I had my Pilot for 3 weeks and so far it was nothing but joy. Long trips to the summer house are now very enjoyable. The truck is very smooth and very big. The only problem was an unbalanced tire that made the steering wheel shimmy at 75-80 which was king of annoying. But the delearship rotated the tires and the problem went away