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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  Clunker Trade for a Tall Person - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob - November 16 - 4:43 am

  We were lured into a new car thanks to the CARS programs. We looked at many small cars, and found stock shortages at most big three dealerships. I am 64 and this car has lots of headroom, but not quite as much leg room as desired. My right leg rests uncomfortably on the hand brake. But not enough of an issue to not go for it. Was more comfortable in the Fit, but the discounts on the civic were greater.

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  Tunnercivic96 - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Joel - November 15 - 5:33 pm

  My 96 civic ex coupe is fun to drive. Has amazing performance. Great comfort to the driver and is an great fuel saver. Great on reliability and has never let me down.

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  Best all around SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaman - November 15 - 5:04 pm

  Own my CRV for 18 months now and it is all that I expected and more. Extremely user friendly interior with plenty of cargo space. Front seat should slide back an inch or two more for extra driver legroom. Rear seats are very comfortable and roomy. Road noise can be quite intrusive and the poor standard tires dont help. Very happy with the gas mileage average of 22 MPG. AWD activates smoothly on slippery road surfaces. Handling is good but a bit tippy in hard cornering. Would highly recommend this vehicle because of its excellent versatility, build quality, value and reliability.

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  Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Carl - November 15 - 4:10 pm

  Roomy versitile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort its great. This is not plus inside,no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic.I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

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  Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Carl - November 15 - 3:36 pm

  Roomy versatile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort, its great. This is not plus inside, no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic. I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

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  Great Commuter Car!!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Daily Commuter - November 15 - 3:11 pm

  I purchased this car because I wanted a reliable commuter car. Something I could put a bunch of miles on and not worry about anything but general maintenance. Im pleased with my purchase. I average around 39 mpg. I changed out my standard air filter and added a K&N for a little better breathability. I added A/C for $800 from my Honda dealer, as it does not come standard. This is not the fastest car out there, but I bought it for its economy--not performance. Besides that, I love my car!

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  Outstanding SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Mills - November 15 - 7:03 am

  Excellent handling, great performance, large interior, very functional, exceptional in snow.

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  Great Investment - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Danny - November 15 - 1:19 am

  Bought Aug 1998, put 25,000 iles per year average. I now have 264,000 miles and still running! Have only had a few repairs over the last 7 years and have no regrets. Minor trim issues (horn buttons, a/c knobs - broke off around 180,000 miles). All in all it has been a joy to own and caused no unusual problems!

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  Fun and safe to drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By szurow - November 14 - 11:07 pm

  It is very nice to drive and handles well. I feel safe and secure and my children enjoy the DVD feature.

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By karen - November 14 - 8:33 pm

  I ordered this coupe in October and it arrived 2 weeks ago. From the moment I pulled out of the dealers lot...wow...excellent power and pickup. Even thought the roads had some ice on them I just kept driving. Cornering is excellent, handles better than the BMW 328xi I was considering (too expensive with expensive repairs).Stablity control is apparent, shift is smooth although the gear box is small, as compared to the SUVs I was used to driving. Brakes are sensitive and feel secure, no drift, but occ steering torque is apparent with some up shifting.