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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  My Honda Accord LX - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Linda L - March 11 - 8:29 am

  Our Honda Accord has been very reliable. In the 6 years we have owned it we have only had to make the required maintenance, plus tires and windshield wipers. It has 120,000 miles on it and still going strong. It still looks good too. A/C, heat and power windows are still in good shape as well. The only problem I have is that the cassette player sometimes does not play. Other times it does. We bought a Honda Civic as our second car because our Honda Accord was so reliable. Our next new car will be a Honda Accord too!

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  Honda 2005 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Honda S2000 - March 11 - 7:19 am

  Love it fun to drive get car faster than GT Mastang little car on steroids. MPG is great 237 hp

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04 CR-V - March 11 - 3:49 am

  Everything about this vehicle is great. I have not had one problem with it. I am in the Military and in Germany, I average 100 mph on the autobahn. It handles great. Gas mileage is outstanding. It is a little noisy but nothing that is annoying. The vehicle is roomy, quick and comfortable. Traded in a gas hog (Chevy Tahoe) in for it. My wife and I are glad we did. I recommend this vehicle to anyone

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  My Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Honda Element - March 10 - 11:30 pm

  I have owned my Honda Element for 3 months, I have 3000+ miles on it. Would it have enough pep, get up and go for me? Yes it does. I like view from my drivers seat, you set high and can see outside from all angles. It will surprise you when you open all four doors and see all the room there is inside. I like the rear the way it opens up to load in and out. There was a lot of thought put into this SUV and I have nothing I can say against it at this time. I like this satelite radio XM. The longer I have this car the better I like it. No I am not a kid I am 75 years young and am looking forward to traveling over the USA in this vehicle. I love to go fishing and camping it sleeps two.

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  Great but need to meet technology - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rachel Lynn - March 10 - 7:43 pm

  I loved my Honda. The only design problems I had with my honda was you could not charge a cell phone and your XM radio at the same time with only one socket. Like most cars now I think Honda should step into the 21st century and at least have 2 sockets. Also, the cup holder got in the way when you were charging your cell phone or had your xm radio plugged in. So, the designers should think of people that drive. Also, I would not recommend a Civic for people over 5 10". Not good on leg room!

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  Awesome!!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By marty - March 10 - 6:57 pm

  Suv thats lots of fun to drive! Great in the snow, plenty of pep to get up the big hills. Good stereo, tons of room. Good heater/air conditioner. Lots of storage space.

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  Like the civic sedan a lot - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave - March 10 - 12:23 pm

  Bought an LX then added a moon roof. Have put 2200 miles on it already, commuting 50 miles a day & take on some business trips. Great little car! I am 63" and found this is one of very few small cars I fit in comfortably. Drives & handles great. Mileage is averaging 35-37 commuting, got 41 on a short interstate trip. Well built, have had no problems. For the money a well built, great driving vehicle. Expect to have for numerous years. Power is good for the size/price. Have hauled 4 adults comfortably

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  15 Month Ownership - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Don W. - March 10 - 8:41 am

  I have owned the car for 15 Months know and, so far OK. I really disappointed with the paint. The car is Silver in color and the paint is fading really bad on the roof, hood and trunk lid. If Honda knows this is a problem with paint they should fix the problem to keep there reputation. The transmission is starting to acting up, along with the brakes. The ABS doesnt seem to work and the front rotors are going to be replaced next week. I change my oil every 3500 miles and started noticing a low tapping with the car is started up in the morning. It also has a stick throttle when first started up, common problem with these cars. The car is really good on gas.

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  So far pretty good - 2008 Honda Civic
  By grk - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I wanted a small car. All small cars I test drove were only 128 hp. Upgrade to 140 hp for a marginal price increase and similar gas mileage was the main reason for us to buy this car. Milage was low intially but picked to 33 mpg for half freeway and half within city driving conditions. I wish they had remote trunk popup button on the key.

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  Honda Sis forever! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dave - March 10 - 2:06 am

  This is the third Civic Si and the 16th Honda (not including my Honda motorcycles) that I have owned. It may be viewed by some as a kids car, but I am not a kid. To others, the exterior design may seem a little "funky" but I love it. Best of all, I really like the performance for the price in combination with decent fuel economy and the complete relability of a Honda. My last Si had 180,000 miles on it when it was "retired" by a careless driver. Otherwise, I would still be driving it! Dollar for dollar, you cant beat them!