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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  Nice Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hal - January 16 - 5:03 pm

  First, the 2004 is a great improvement over the 2001 CRV we owned. More powerful, less buzzy engine, more comfortable seats, better brakes, seats fold easier and tumble all the way forward, better quality interior materials, easier to use tailgate. Glad Honda moved the window controls off the dash and back to the door panel armrest where they belong. Vehicle is based more on the Accord and less on the Civic in terms of styling, features, engine. Much nicer design, more elegant, less utilitarian. Great value for the $$$.

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  Small yet big on the inside - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Lukas - January 16 - 2:25 pm

  Overall a great car. Small yet roomy on the inside. Superb car on the gas! Small engine but w/ 5-speed was able to keep up w/ "big guys". I ended my Honda experience being crushed by a tractor-trailer at the stop sign - I am alive but I cannot imagine surviving a real crush

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  Recommend to buy - 2005 Honda Element
  By boeru - January 16 - 1:23 pm

  We bought this car about nine months ago and my wife and I love to drive it. It was very reliable with good mileage and what we like the most is the multiple possibilities to adjust the seats.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JW - January 16 - 5:03 am

  This car has been a real pleasure to drive. After owning pick-ups, Tahoes, and Suburbans for the past couple of decades, I felt that it was time to downsize with fuel being what it is now, and I rarely ever hauled anything. Luckily, I bought this vehicle on a whim and it gets better every day. It fits right(I am 60"), is fun to drive, great stereo, fuel economy, performance.

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  Another Excellent Ride - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 2 Times a Honda - January 15 - 9:00 pm

  Well I just purchased a new Accord 07 LX V6 Sedan and so far I am very pleased with it. I upgraded from an Accord 04 LX 2.4L Coupe. So much leg room, the sunroof, power seat... 6 cd changer (in dash).

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civicdriver - January 15 - 1:13 pm

  Really like our 2007 Civic. Pros: Styling, ergonomics, gas mileage, fit and finish, standard safety features. Cons: Somewhat squirrelly in the rain, road noise, over the nose visibility/low front end.

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  baby hummer - 2004 Honda Element
  By Blue2runner - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Just the right hight. Very nice seating aragment all my back seat passagers like the way they can see out over the front and not having to sit off to the side like others suvs. Also they like the leg room . As do I the Driver I like the quick pick up and the ride is better than the rav4 I had and also better than the matrix wich I traded in for this ..

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  Power plus Room - 2004 Honda Element
  By Dan & Lyn - January 15 - 10:00 am

  It has a lot of power for only having such a small engine. The room inside is great for the passengers, but it would be great if it was about 6 inches longer in the back. I am suprised that their is not a hybrid Element on the drawing board or one with a V6.

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  wow - 2004 Honda Civic
  By eliza - January 15 - 10:00 am

  this was my very first car..... i love it, and i wouldnt change it for anything in the world.

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  ratings - 2004 Honda Civic
  By T. Cramer - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a superior vehicle for economy,convenience and style. It is pleasant on the eye in the interior and exterior. It is fun to drive and surprisingly roomy for a car of its size.