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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  1 month old - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Dennis - September 1 - 4:03 am

  Bought my 2005 S-2000 a month ago and have no regrets. Not only is it beautiful, but its solid and responsive. It requires premium gas and the tires arent cheap but its a great automobile and Im glad that I bought it. I believe that it will hold its resale value for many years to come.

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  Not Impressed with my 1st Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. Bob Honda - August 31 - 9:52 pm

  There is nothing wrong with a Honda, some people are just not meant to drive one. The style I find very boring. More importantly, the stereo speakers are hard to listen to. The steering wheel controls are nice. It would be nicer if you could go forwards and backwards but you can only go forward with your selections from the steering wheel. So if you like a song on your CD you have to advance through the others to get back to the last song. The other option is to take yours eyes off the road and lean way over to the radio and use the search button. As for fuel mileage, it is about 14-mpg city by my calculations. If you like Honda, you like the Pilot, otherwise keep looking.

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  A great car. Not perfect but excellent - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dougbratman - August 31 - 2:18 pm

  The Accord is put together very nicely. The power cloth are very adjustable and we just took our first long ride, 300 miles. The seat material is comfortable but is a throwback to the velour seats of 20 years ago. Controls are easy to operate. The EX features dual-zone climate control; heat doesnÂ’t come on until you set it to high. Roomy and secure inside. The rear-view mirror doesnt automatically adjust for bright lights. I was a little surprised at some of the wind noise I heard. On the road the Accord is very confidence inspiring. The CVT operated flawlessly and the acceleration was impressive. At 75 mph the car is quiet and solid. And highway mileage was 33.4 mpg.

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  s2000 review - 2003 Honda S2000
  By sdavid - August 31 - 2:00 am

  the best performance car value on the road today, bar none

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  HELLA GOOD CAR - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Willie Huffaker - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda. I had a 97 Civic HX and it wasnt nearly as good as my 99 EX the body of the new one is far nicer though i may miss the old car i cant see myself without this car.

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  I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By bobznuff - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I am proud to say that I am one of the first with this great vehicle. I have had it for about a month now and I still love it as much as when I first saw it. It is funny how many comments I get every day about the Element, people love it or hate it. I have had no problems yet except poor gas mileage, the mechanic said that it will improve.

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  Element; Not just for "surfer dudes" - 2003 Honda Element
  By KPA - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I think were the first to own an Element in our area and we love it. Weve been getting favorable stares left and right. Its very reasonably priced and you get a lot. The ride is pretty smooth and the pickup is great. The interior design is really unique and easy to access. (You cant hose it down though.) The back is amazingly roomy. There is a great selection of colors. If you have kids, the "suicide" doors are perfect for putting in car seats or having kids just climb right in. Overall, we love it.

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  Transmission Failure - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Not - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EXV6 new, and needed to replace the transmission at 42,000 miles after doing all maintenance recommended by the owners manual and more. Honda ate 75% of the $5700 cost after one month of bugging them. Honda extended the tranny warranty on 00-01 models, but neglected to do so with the 98-99 with the same transmission. Requests to Honda to explain any differences between 98-99 and 00-01 transmissions have gone unanswered. EGR valve replaced at 60,000 miles under extended warranty. Stereo replaced at 52,000 miles because of constant CD skipping. Ignition harnesses were recalled on many of these cars - be careful!

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  The winner and STILL miniute champion - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By icvci - August 31 - 2:00 am

  How can you go wrong? Great MPG for a ute. Very flexible interior. Solid build. We didnt even consider this vehicle until we test drove it. I was ready to get a RAV4 and immediately changed my mind when I saw the interior.

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  2003 2 DR EX COUPE - 2003 Honda Civic
  By MOVADO - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i just got my car and its a little to early to notice anything wrong with it , i only have about 300 miles on it right now . but as far as i know , this look really good , i went from a tahoe to this civic and iam loving the mpg this car can gives . you cant expect to much performance out of a 4 cyl car , but is better than what i expected , and the seats feel great . like the "si" look alike wheels too .