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:

• 

  Nice car...very reliability... - 1996 Honda Civic
  By batman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The milage has been great...city over 30 MPG...on the hiway its close to 40 l have the EX model with 5 sp trans... i have this car for over 6 yrs....

• 

  Good Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By SunshineKitty - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I am really impressed with this vehicle. Its fun to drive, its comfortable and its very functional. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that doesnt need to transport more than two or three people. Its wonderful.

• 

  Versatile Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hum-E - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element because I thought it would be versitile and serve many purposes in one vehicle. I couldnt have been more correct. I use it to do all kind of things. I use it to bring home supplies from home improvement stores. I transport my lawn mower in it. I Pick up small furniture in it. I even picked up a new dishwasher and it fit right in! I also clean it up and take it to Church and other outings. In the winter it goes right through the snow. I wouldnt trade it for any other vehicle.

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2004 Honda Element
  By Ulch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Went from a Chevy Tahoe to an Element. At first my Husband would chatch me scooting around town and laugh. Now when he borrows it once in a while (he drives a F350 crew cab every day) he says how much fun it is to drive. He even chooses to drive it on the weekends for family trips. He says its causes of the great fuel milage but I think he just loves to dive it as much as I do.

• 

  Drives like a regular car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gdfritz - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I wanted the fuel efficiency, but being a tall guy I felt too cramped in the smaller Hybrid cars. This one feels great and gets fantastic mileage in the city as well as on the highway! I cant believe that it drives like a regular car and accelerates as fast as my last truck.

• 

  I rarely have to buy gas. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By judytravel - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought the hybrid to increase gas mileage. In addition, the Civic Hybrid is the most luxurious car I have owned. The basic price includes all of the items one usually pays extra for. It is perfect. The car easily stops on ice and snow. I get about 51 miles/gallon, or nearly 600 miles per tank (standard transmission. Have gas prices gone up?

• 

  Honda Pride! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JDimples02 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  So long as I live, I will always drive a Civic (ok, maybe an S2000 if I can afford it!) Such an amazingly wonderful car, and not just in looks! Hondas are built to last- and they do, all while looking sporty and beautiful!

• 

  Honda Civic Ex Coupe - Fiji Blue Pearl - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Deni - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Glad I decided to buy a Honda Civic Ex. Up till March of 2004 was leaning towards buying a SUV...gas prices hitting the roof put a stop to that. The Coupe is fun to drive. Fast!

• 

  Fantastic Car - Great Deal - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RevKellie - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, handles like a dream and the gas mileage is super. In a day when gas is 2 bucks a gallon - the civit is fantastic. Have recieved many compliments on its sporty look - and because its a Honda - it will last until I die.

• 

  Great first car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Celestial2005 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, and it is a joy to own- Its my baby!