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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  Honda Can Sure Build Cars! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dan - March 27 - 8:20 pm

  Considered Volswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Mazda 3. Honda Civic was always my number one choice and it easily was the winner! Have had the vehicle for a month. Averaging about 33-34 MPG for a combination of city/highway driving. Highly recommend spending a little extra money and get the EX trim line. Great to have the moonroof, alloy wheels, extra speakers and audio/cruise controls on steering wheel.

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  Fun Plus Economy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 27 - 11:56 am

  This car does get the advertised economy. We have averaged 46.7 MPG for 21k miles. Trips often are 50+. The car is comfortable, agile, and peppy, assuming you are in the right gear. Manual shifts well, clutch is great. Instruments are clear and the MPG bars give you something extra to watch in boring traffic. I have only two complaints. First the back seat wont fold down. Second, they should have a hatchback version for versitility plus economy. All in all, a great car.

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  The most practical vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By scubajack - March 26 - 10:00 am

  My favorite vehicle so far! Researched vehicles on line for about 2 weeks (edmunds.com comparator is a great place to start). I started out looking for a pickup (for scuba diving, paintball, boating etc); the Element kept popping up..so I wound up taking one for a test drive and was nothing but impressed by this well designed "cool box". The Element is a great UTE (utility vehicle). Fun to drive, tons of room, very easy to clean, good gas mileage. The lack of center pillars and the way the doors open are a plus too. Im very happy with my Honda Element and Id buy one again, no buyers remorse with this one!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Honda Element
  By Glider - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Great, innovative, SUV. Excellent leg room for back seat passengers. Smooth, efficient engine. Traded a Grand Cherokee in for my Element and have no regrets. Quite the contrary.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Greenie - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, comfortable ride with both room to haul my stuff and room to fit my whole family (including the dog) with conversion by folding seats in less then ten seconds. Very reliable so far at my 15,000 mi/yr pace. Good fuel efficiency for SUV. Good safety ratings. If I had to buy a new car today, I would buy the same car. Love it.

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  great little car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By spdracr - March 26 - 10:00 am

  im a high school student who has to get around from home to school and back, as well as to friends houses and places for parties - and needed an efficient, roomy yet compact car. the civic hybrid stood out and my dad bought it for me. at first i complained to him about the seemingly lack of power because of miniscule 93 hp it had, but now after driving it for a week, i take that back. i dont speed or drive a car like im trying to race it, so the civic hybrid is great for me. plus i traverse many hills on 280 and 92 here in california, and its great for the mileage.

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  This machine flies... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dotman - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I was all but sold on the Camry SE, but then drove the EX-V6. Theres no comparison! This baby gets off the line in a hurry. I think my wife loves it more than me... Im reminded of the showerhead commercial - "Its my turn!" Well stand in line to be designated driver & get the thrill of driving this well-tuned machine.

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  Incredible! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By PaulG - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Im a resident of Canada. I purchased the Type SE Model of the Prelude. Honda discontinued the SH Model in Canada for 2001 so my only option was the SE. The SE comes with everything the SH comes with except no ATTS was equipped. This is my first car and I am very impressed with it. I test drove the Toyota Celica GT-S. I found the Toyota to be very small and compact inside, and I found the clutch very hard to work with. The Preludes clutch however, is extremely smooth and the interior offers a lot of room. It is unfortunate that Honda discontinued the Prelude. Its design is original and the drive is pleasurable.

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  Having a "FIT" - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jo T - March 25 - 5:30 pm

  Have owned a FIT since 4-20-06 and so far have found it to be fuel economical, fun to drive and not uncomfortable on 100 mile trips. Do not intend to drive it on longer trips.

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  My excellent honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By supurstr - March 25 - 2:23 pm

  I love my Honda. It runs great, no problems so far, very comfortable and the ride is nice and smooth. My car is so roomy too.