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:

• 

  Best mid SUV for the money - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cisco - December 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero we wanted something less truck-like. At the end we had to decide between the Mitsubishi Endeavor and the Honda Pilot, both cars drive great, in fact the endeavor drives a little better but we ended up with the Pilot because it can seat up to 8 (endeavor seats 5) and it has Hondas high resale value, unfortunatelly our Mitsubishi Montero depreciated enormously. Up to now we are happy with the Pilot and for the money its the best deal around in semi-luxury SUVs.

• 

  TrannyGear ShiftTroubles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ChinaSgt - December 14 - 2:00 am

  First off this is my 4th Honda. I own 3 Accords so I like the Honda brand. The CRV is a disappointment as far as the Honda workmanship goes. My gear shifter doesnt go into gear easily. Its a struggle to get it to go into gear. I brought it into the dealer and they just lubricated the cable. It still gives me a hard time to shift into to gear. The mileage does not get anywhere near the what the sticker states. Out of all my Hondas this one goes to the gas station way too many times.

• 

  What a great car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hawkeye6 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Honda and we will probably never buy another make of vehicle. The 2000 Accord is a great car. As with all of our hondas we simply follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule and have never had to do any major repairs. Its a great car to drive, very comfortable. It handles great in bad weather(provided you have good tires). I would definately recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Its Good to Be Back Home in a Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ntnbtfn99 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently just pruchased a new 2004 Honda Civic DX model, and I am pleased as punch to be back again driving a Honda. Its a fun car to drive, good pick up and very roomy. Ill never go american made again!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By First Honda - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car 6 weeks and I am very pleased with it. The ride and handling are great and the performance is more than adequate for both city and highway driving. Overall the car has a very substantial feel to it. Honda did a good with the styling for 2004 and with the upgrades to the LX it seems the best buy unless you absolutely have to have all the bells and whistles. I would recommend this car very highly

• 

  Eh, its ok. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ginger2 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Driverside room: Head is too close to the roof; the steering wheel has to be pointed toward face to allow leg room. The 4-Cylinder: On the highway - engine makes a lot of noice to get up to speed. The Voice Activation Navi-System disappointing. Has to be fairly quiet to hear voice commands. Highway noice disrupts it. The air conditioning turned on several times b/c of this (its winter) If its raining... Not totally voice activated; requires manual input. Dont like the Navis newer display. Its harder to see. The silver molding around the windows - Yuk Gas milage: not as good as I thought it would be. Advertised 30-38 city/hwy.

• 

  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By monkd - December 14 - 12:58 am

  This is an exceptionally versatile car. I have the economy 4WD, so the comfort level is utilitarian, but thats all I wanted, really. This is the car I use for DYI projects and going back and forth to work. The 4 cyl engine is perky, but weak on the steep hills, but the mileage (22/city) makes up for it. It is the only SUV with a wheelbase that actually looks stable.

• 

  V6 Not Up To Snuff Disappointing Mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BlancaHouston - December 14 - 12:23 am

  In trading in our Chevy Avalanche we had expectations of good fuel economy and an excellent driving experience in buying a fully loaded Accord V6. In reality we have been very disappointed our in city mileage is 16-17 and highway is better at 27.4, this is driving very slow, taking off at stop lights at a snails pace, coasting to the next stop light and putting the cruise control on and running at 30 miles per hr in city. Driving 55 miles per hr between Houston and Austin this slow is very painful, boring to drv,Our Avalanche averaged 15 city with a very comfortable seat and only 20 highway but the vast majority of our driving is in the city not a good trade off. We are trading the Honda

• 

  Good but not up to Honda standards - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jim4nier - December 13 - 11:26 pm

  Very good vehicle over all. We were disappointed in a few things and annoyed at a few others. Weve owned other Hondas before and this one isnt up to Honda standards.

• 

  Versatile and functional - 2005 Honda Element
  By mthorn - December 13 - 10:14 pm

  The Element is the most adaptible vehicle I have ever owned. It allows me to use it for any task. It also allows me to have access to the rear seat comparment with having to move. This was critical to me because I use a wheelchair. For this reason alone the EX was the vehicle for me. Since my prior vehicle was a MB I have certain standards for quality and finish and I found the element offered these at a reasonable price.