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 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By rw - October 27 - 6:56 pm

  We bought our honda new in 2001. It was our first honda and definitely will not be our last.It has been a great car-very dependable. We have had to do only routine maintenance to it! It rides the same today as it did 4 years ago. We are very happy. We have a total of 100,00 plus miles on it and plan on keeping for a long time!

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  My Toy - 2005 Honda S2000
  By bob duffin - October 27 - 4:01 pm

  I bought my 2004 S2000 as a birthday/divorce finally done gift for myself. Im no young puppy and over the years Ive owned a 1961 TR-3, a 1969 MGB-GT and far and above this S2000 is the best of them all! Its just such a pleasure to drive to work on the country roads and go thru the gears, accelerate up and down hills. It takes us 45 minutes of just pure fun driving to get to work and it goes quick. I love this car for its road handling but I am constantly surprised by its power, it gets up and goes when you want it to.

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  Ele is great! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Hark12 - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  I love my Element...It is wonderful for carrying my greyhound, luggage, bikes and husband all at the same time! I do wish that the rear windows rolled down- the dog misses sticking her head out of the window while were driving. My only other qualm is the location of the moonroof- I paid for the car- I should be able to look up at the clouds!! I would highly recommend the element to anyone who wants a small SUV that gets good gas mileage and has plenty of room (we also carried our Christmas tree home in the Element last year- we stood it up and poked the top through the moonroof!)

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  Reliable Accord V6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By rzeles - October 27 - 12:21 pm

  Bought my Accord EX-V6 back in May of 2000, and still have it. Has about 60K miles. Overall great, reliable car. Would recommend it to anyone. I agree the styling is a little bland, however, I prefer something not too flashy. To date, aside from tire rotations and oil changes, I have done a few things to it to keep it up and running. I too had the EGR value issue fixed by a local shop, and was promptly reimbursed via Honda after writing a short letter. (Great service). Replaced the tires, new alternator, trans fluid changes, and 2 brake jobs. With the transmission warranty extension to 7 yrs/100K miles, Ill keep it for another year or so. Overall great car, would recommend it.

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  The new Mini Van - 2004 Honda Element
  By bobbeary - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Everyone that has small kids or goes to ourdoor activities a lot will love this car. It is waterproof, so if you ever have a bad spill in the car, just wash it down and watch the water drain out of the bottom of the car. Very easy to drive and a good turning radius.

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  We love our Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sheila buffone - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We love our Odyssey. With two kids and grandparents who love to come with us when we go places, it makes more convenient for everyone to just take one car. I usually have the third row seat folded down for the extra room for the double stroller, kids toys or what ever else we need to haul. Then when we need the extra seating room, we just pop up the seat, no problem.

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  cool 8s - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sadf - October 27 - 10:00 am

  its great and i love it and it is so cool and the only reason i gave it eights was because i never give higher

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  "Great SUV" - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By brenn - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Easy to drive, feels and looks good. Pretty good on fuel. Lots of compartments and cup holders for every little thing. Nice sounding stereo/CD system and having the controls on the steering wheel is great Its fun to drive, not to big. Spacious second and third row. Im lovin it!!

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  My first SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sam D - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We are just through trading an Acura TL for a small suv. It is not as robust a performer as we are used to. However it is very practical and roomy. Also we can get in and out easier and we are not as stiff and tired when we arrive at our destination. Gas mileage seems to be 23 town and 25 highway.We are older.

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  WOw what an SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nakdog - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car, and fun to drive...I would buy it again.