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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  Good Solid Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By rda4him - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Year in and year out, Honda and Toyoto are 1-2 in customer satisfaction. Why ? They build great cars that (for the most part) will last around 200,000 miles. Ive owned many different cars. Honda tops my list. This 2000 model has been good for me. No problems !!

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bill Koukos - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Honda we have purchased in two years. All three have proven to be outstanding vechicles. I highly recommend them.

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  Choose the accord coupe and save Big $. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HappyValleyDriver - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car for the money. Chose the accord coupe EX-L 4 cylinder over an acura tl, bmw 3 and audi a4. No reason to spend an extra $10,000 to $15,000 to buy one of the others. Dealership tremendous. The most comfortable, fun, driver friendly, ergonomically perfect car in the world.

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  91 Civic - The car that will not die. - 1991 Honda Civic
  By rmv193 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. What can you say about a car that can fit 6 people, or a water heater, or 1/2 a cord of firewood and get 35+ mpg on the highway ? I have owned the car since new and expect the car to last another 10 years plus. I have done all the maintenance to the car and the car is super reliable. I got 192 K on the original clutch ! The engine does not burn any oil and still has plenty of power @ 231,000 miles !

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  theElement - 2004 Honda Element
  By 5dogs - December 19 - 2:00 am

  we love our element. fun to drive, handles well, unbelievable usefull interior, ran very well during our snowy winter. the front end is bulldog cute but I find the rest of the element delightfully different. typical honda build quality but could use a little more power. overall two thumbs up.

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  Reliable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy1 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks from buying it, we knew we had bought a winner. First tried the Chrysler T&C, wow what a big mistake. After 12 repairs under 30 K miles on the Chrysler, we were ready for something new. Honda ride is excellent with a low center of gravity and very little road noise. The car is an overall perfect 10 except for 2 minor qualms. Needs temperature gauge. Also, Honda needs to improve the gas mileage of this van. I experience 14-15 mpg in town, which is better than the Chrysler but Id still like to get 25-30. Id gladly trade some power for 25-30 mpg or better yet put the Odyssey on the front of the list for a hybrid engine.

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  Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Zidarr - December 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and in spite of it being a 4 cylinder car with low HP it feels like a higher powered car. Its swift and very responsive.

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  03 EX V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jubes - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Smooth and quiet ride, awesome acceleration and highway power. Handles like a boat, but good enough for everyday driving. Build quality is excellent, looks like a luxury car with EX V6 and drives like one as well.

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  I love my "Ugly Truckling" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Gary - December 18 - 5:56 pm

  Though utilitarian in concept, it offers all the comfort imaginable. The interior is huge and easily maintained. Its extremely economical. And it holds it own on the freeway. Only deficit is the low clearance. Its been years since I had so much FUN with a vehicle.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dustin - December 17 - 4:50 pm

  For the money this is hands down the best car I could have chose. Everyone I have drove in this car has been impressed with its get up and go as well as its handling. No one can believe that it is a Civic. I wanted something that was economical but sporty. Originally I was going to purchase the coupe but after seeing the sedan I had to choose it. The sedan does not lose any performance to the coupe yet makes it easier to get things in and out of the back seat. I am more than pleased with my choice.