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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  3rd Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RS - August 18 - 12:36 pm

  This is a great car. Room, features, styling are awesome! Buy the Navigation its worth it. This is my third Honda and my 2nd Civic (175,000 miles, oil changes, tune-ups and brakes only, no repairs)! Very satisfied.

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  lucky new owner - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Donald Demo - August 18 - 3:52 am

  Car 10 yrs old from Arizona and never seen winter snow..... very happy here in NY............

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  Outstanding Car - 2000 Honda S2000
  By slbutler - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Honda really outdid themselves with this car. There is nothing like it on the road. When the VTEC kicks in at 6000 RPM, you get a kick in the A$$ that stays with you until you redline at 8900RPM. What other car allows you to go 63mph in second gear and be able to maintain that speed without damaging the engine? Im not sure how fast it will go, but I do know the self test of the drivers all digital display shows a 2 as the first digit of the three digit speedometer.

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  s2000 is the best - 2001 Honda S2000
  By S2000burner - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the fastest honda you ever can get stock. Stick a supercharger on the baby and it will really shine. It burns boxsters and bmw zs and gives those supras and challenge

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  2003 EX 5-Speed - 2003 Honda Element
  By lsteere - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago because of it price and verstility. We are very happy so far. Its fun to drive (especially the 5-speed) and has a very nice ride. It also has a smooth, short-throw, dash-mounted shifter thats perfectly positioned and a pleasure to operate. My first impression of the looks - ugly. But Ive found that it really grows on you. Now I think its the best looking SUV on the road!

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  Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Wendel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The Cr-V is fun to drive...tight and very responsive to the road. Quality is evident throughout. The rear is easily accessible and plenty big for hauling items from general shopping errands to small household projects.

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  honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gobin - August 18 - 2:00 am

  its a good car

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  Greatest Car EVER!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MJKSKDB - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Well I have the 4 cyl. and was going to get the V6 but just as happy! This 4 cyl v-tech engine comes with 160 HP. If you want your accord to look even better put some 18" racing rims on it, looks beatiful. I have had people roll down there window and yell to me nice car. If your looking for a reliable and fun and great car to drive get the honda accord!!! HANDLES TURNS GREAT

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Terra - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with this car. Performance, comfort wonderful.

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  The Element: So Ugly, It is CUTE! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dean - August 17 - 9:03 am

  It runs well, and gets over 21mpg REAL mileage, in the city and mountain driving. TALL PEOPLE ALERT! More important to me, it has enough headroom -- I am 65". I cannot safely sit in and drive most cars. The element is a joy to drive. Big rear door and tailgate, removable moon roof, and big side doors with no post are really great! Great power with good mileage. Only has two rear seats, but they fold up and come out easily for major loads and camping. I love it! I have had Isuzu Trooper and Suzuki Sidekick and other cars, but I really like this and recommend it. I have received (jealous) jokes about it being a delivery truck, but it is so ugly, it is cute!