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 Ugly it Is Cute ! - 2004 Honda Element
  By lmich - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Mercedes SUV and after 4 years I was tired of not being able to get anything in the back of the car. The flat floor of the Element is wonderful - you can get anything in! .. easy to clean and I love the back rear doors since it is like the old station wagons -- you can leave the top open if you have something extra long. For the price it is a great, fun car... and it is EASY TO KEEP CLEAN INSIDE.

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  A great ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By Emilzaz - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its been a long time since Ive felt this good about a car. I know its a little weird looking but it feels just right!

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  After a long search ... Eureka! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Artis6 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I am 66 and with two teens who are going to each be over 6 footers I was looking for a car to meet my "high" expectations - the Element was a godsend. As a fastidious car researcher and owner, I needed high quality (which meant Ford or foreign) respectable gas mileage, with lots of legroom front and rear, and I wanted it to be stylish and fun to drive. I got it all with this car and the price was fabulous (about $3800 off sticker on a 2004). I was so tired of seeing rounded car blobs or cookie cutter SUVs. This car has pizzazz!

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  Room, Room and more Room!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Mabalou - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Speaking for myself and one of my children who are 6 tall. The room can not be beat! We went to every dealership in a hundred mile radious and the Element won out. It has taken us a little bit of time to get use to its looks on the outside but now that we own it we love it! The only thing that we wish was an option was a built in navigation system and DVD system built in.

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  Fix the air leaks!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Charlygeorge - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Too many air leaks

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  Yes, Nice Work Honda!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Freddii - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This automobile has been the best we have owned in almost every way possible. I would highly recommend the Honda van for any large family.

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  Great Auto --- Bad Battery!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By VA-ODY - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I ended up getting a great deal...200 above invoice!!!! man am I a better talker than the car salesman or what. And ever since then it has been great. THEN 2 DAYS AFTER BUYING IT, A PROBLEM!! My wife calls me up and says that the car wont start. She says that it has no power at all. Turns out in the end that the battery was CRAP, and it was changed out and I went on with things. I know that it has only been a week since that problem but since then...everything is great. We love having a car that has more horses than most SUVs, and a comfortable quiet ride. I sure hope the greatness of the car keeps up.

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  honda pilot - 2004 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By opieg - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is a pleaure to drive and handles heavy snow conditions very well. Quality seems second to none. Only have about 2500 miles on it. It also has great excelleration.

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  robs review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By big rob - August 12 - 2:00 am

  a great car and i would allways reccomend for someone to buy it, its also a great deal

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By swampdonkey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year and it has been everything I hoped it would be. Sure, I wish it were a little quicker, but it has many virtues besides its sporty character. It has wonderful seats and interior features. The materials are high quality and it never has problems. My friends Nissan Spec-v has been in the shop 4 times in the same amount of milage I have on mine. Its ride is sporty, but not rough at all. Its agile, but never darty. its quick, but never too high strung. A jack of all trades and a hell of a car. (I got an incredible deal on mine too)