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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  Almost Fun to Drive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Almost perfect - March 23 - 4:13 pm

  Having put on 178,000 miles on my 02 exl v6 accord, thought it was time to retire old Betsy, and break down to buy another. Purchased the EXL, 4cyl from a Honda dealership on Marysville OH, about 1 mile from the plant. Been reading the reviews and taken several test drives, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The 6 cyl was most attractive, but the 4 (190 hp) has enough. In fact about the same as my 02 v6. Overall, great car, a few bugs, but for the price, about as close as you can get. Smooth, quick, nimble, and quiet. Road noise is minimal, but these are Hondas, not Toyotas. Steering is excellent, and so far, on the 2nd tank of gas, I have about 315 miles, and the needle is just a under half

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  So far - so good. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Glen - March 23 - 3:33 pm

  No problems and seems to have plenty of power compared to the Toyota 4 Runner I traded in, plus it gets better mileage. It would be nice if it would get 30 MPG but it wont. Rear sunroof is a waste.

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  Not impressed! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By New Mom - March 23 - 5:03 am

  We researched minivans for a year, hands down everyone said you cant go wrong with the Odyssey. Boy we we wrong. We have been in three times for the front bumber that was incorrect from the start because a clip was broken. We are still waiting for the new part. Then we have been in four times for the driver-side sliding door, which will not close unless the driver -side doors is open. Now we found out that the power steering pump is going and needs to be replaced. Our car only has 5,500 miles on it. A power steering pump should not go on a car that new. Also, I have been waiting two weeks for the new part to come in.

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  Best Commuter in the World - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Pierre - March 23 - 2:50 am

  Sweet little car that gets the job done, currently averaging 70 mpg with 70% fwy driving. Totally reliable, quite, very peppy & fun to drive. Get stopped & questioned a lot about it. Easily go over 100 mph with it

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  Yes its worth it! - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Lance Johnson - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned this little car for several months now. It has plenty of pep and zips right along. It is fun to drive and it gets incredible gas mileage. 47 in town and 60 frwy. I fill the tank about once every 3 weeks after driving it all over, and when I pull out of the gas station after filling up for 25 bucks and the guy next to me is still filling his suv after 60, somehow I feel as if I have out smarted some folks. I also feel good that I am driving a vehicle that is considered 0 emisions! I am concerned about the planet! Its not all about the money reviewers, its about being conscience, not wastefull! The only complaint that I have about this car is the lack of side door pockets.

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  FunCar - 2005 Honda S2000
  By KenO - March 22 - 8:06 pm

  Great classic look. Just plain fun sports car- no frills. Great handling and wonderful shifting.

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  Great for Dogs - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tara Harden - March 22 - 7:48 am

  My husband commutes to work and we have dogs, so we needed a vehicle that could handle all our requirements. The Honda Element is perfect. It gets great gas mileage, but is tough enough to handle having our two weimaraners in the back. Theres plenty of room for all of our "stuff" and the dogs when we go on long trips. Hondas been a great service and maintenance provider and the quality of their product is outstanding. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone--not just commuters and dog people.

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  Amazing car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By imovitz - March 22 - 5:52 am

  This car does everything well, and some things excellent. I have no problem driving in any kind of weather. It hauls all my music equipment and I have even towed a trailer with it. I will buy another when this wears out.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Honda Accord
  By James - March 22 - 12:49 am

  I have owned my Honda for 6 years now. Have had NO problems with it and love the car.

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  Tan LX - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Buttercup - March 21 - 12:42 pm

  Problems with suspension - wont stay aligned. Problems with computer that dealer cant diagnose... Car is rather underpowered, but gets great gas mileage. Problems with servicing, but this is dealer specific. Went to Honda consumer support with complaint and got no help - sided with dealer (computer problem issue).