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 so far - 2004 Honda Element
  By mjones - January 22 - 7:07 am

  For a 4 banger it moves! This is a very practical SUV with ok gas mileage. My son and I camp in it every summer and have plenty of room and plenty of fun. After driving Subarus for over 20 years switching to the element was the perfect choice. I feel this is a very well engineered and reliable vehicle that I fell is going to be the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  sweet - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ivo - January 22 - 2:49 am

  recently underwent a financial reckoning and got rid of payments and paid $1500 for this little honda with 176k mi. didnt expect much, but it has been unbelievable in the 6 months i owned it. doesnt burn a drop of oil (even though seller told me he thought it may burn some - but this guy just fixed something on the engine and resold it to me), and has been much more dependable than my wifes 01 jetta. gas mileage is still 30 mpg+ and almost everything works (except for cig. lighter and windshield washer fluid). even though i saved up, i cant justify spending $15k on newer car. i keep thinking - for that money I can buy me 10 of these that do the same thing perfectly fine! KICK 4SS HONDA!!!

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  SUV for me - 2006 Honda Element
  By Melinda K - January 21 - 3:56 pm

  I wanted to make the jump from sedan to SUV. Toyed with the Scion XB but found the ride too stiff. And despite the great gas milage, the XB has a horrible EPA rating. (2/10) Enter the elemnent. With and improved EPA rating of 6/10, it has awsome room and utility. I get lots of complements. I cant seem to get the gas milage that most people are reporting. (only about 20 mpg) Sound system is great and I can spend the weekend at a muddy soccer field with the kids and not worry about destroying the interior. My husband, who originally didnt much care for the car, found he really liked it once he got in it and drove it around and saw all the cool features.

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  happy owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By John Burkholder - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  This vehicle is great for my family of five. The fuel efficiency and ease of entry/exit for my children (aged 3-5) helped us choose this one over an SUV. The car has been very reliable, with no out of pocket expenses other than oil changes for the past 2 years.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By brandonavich - January 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car on a whim, remembering my CRX Si from years ago. I hoped it could match the fun-factor that car had. Instead, this model feels a little nose heavy, and Honda has taken the "soul" out of the Si line. It has never left me straded, but there are little things here and there that i have had to visit the dealer for. It scoots ok when you ring it out, but is cumbersome in city driving due to its lack of torque. I would be happier if they got the weight down a little and increased low end torque so i am not revving to 4k rpms just to get up to speed. overall, a decently quick mode of transportation, but there are better choices out there.

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  A Perfect Match - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tpitty - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I found the car to be easy to handle and very user friendly-especially if you actually listen to the dealer when you are being shown the car. Our salesman (George)was very professional and did not do any of that "let me talk to my manager" bull. He fielded all questions very knowledgably and priced the car extremely competitive. We were impressed with him and are impressed with the car. You cant beat the resale or the satisfaction of reliability.

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  A great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mjvkag - January 21 - 10:00 am

  A lot of SUV for the money. Its solidly built and very enjoyable to drive. Ive only had the car 2 days and have received several compliments on it from strangers in the parking lot!

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  Civic comes out winner after long search - 2004 Honda Civic
  By satisfied_100percent - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Tested out Corolla an others - Glad I went with a Civic though! The grill and headlight shaping for 2004 are a big improvement over 2003. Interior is put together SO well. Not boring - love the electric-blue gauges. Each part of interior feels like it was crafted specifically for your car - not in mass. No rough edges on molded plastic. Ride is awesome! Told my wife I wouldnt consider anything but an EX. After testing an LX, I was surprised that the less powerful LX engine didnt feel lazy. Just wonderful! Handling is tight and responsive, not boaty like a Corolla. Transmission is SOOOO silky smooth!! Love it!

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  2004 Civic LX Sedan - 2004 Honda Civic
  By acousticgtr - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it!

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  2001 Odyssey Review - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By hondafan - January 20 - 11:49 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive ever owned. Other than routine maintenance, I havent had to put any money into the vehicle. The storage capacity is awesome even with the back seat in. We can travel with 2 adults and 2 kids with room to spare. Well own this car for several more years.