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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  Totally Love It~ - 2003 Honda Element
  By Pei - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Though I only have 100 miles on this car, I totally love my new Element. Roomy, quite, confort and unique. Engine is good on torque and smooth; barely can feel the difference between 2WD and 4WD. The interior material is sophisticated and well-built.

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  rolling hard - 2000 Honda Civic
  By rolling hard - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my ride I bought the car used and have not regreted a single moment. I read the reviews and felt it would be a shame not to get one. I have owned three previous hondas, but they were all accords this is my first civic. I am kinda dissapointed that their is no clock on hte dash but I can live with it. I did notice noise coming from the dash as so many reported but no biggie. Fuel is awesome especially with the prices now

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  hondas are well thought out - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By frankfisher - September 22 - 2:00 am

  great suv would like it to have a little more driver room

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  does it all - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By J_Cz - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a "jack-of-all-trades" SUV. It does everything right with a low price. Quality materials and workmanship all around. Nice engine response. Not afraid to take corners at higher speeds. Great gas mileage compared to other SUVs.

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  BEST MIDSIZE SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mariusz - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT I LOVE IT

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nikki - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its been very reliable, and fun to drive. Its a lttle stiff as far as performance goes, but the fuel economy makes up for it big time!

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nikki - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its been very reliable, and fun to drive. Its a lttle stiff as far as performance goes, but the fuel economy makes up for it big time!

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  Orange Box - 2005 Honda Element
  By Duane - September 21 - 9:16 am

  Love the headroom. Most cars just do not have the headroom I need. I could wear a top hat in this thing. The feeling of massive room inside is amazing. Straight side windows add to the spacious feeling.

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  My First Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By George - September 21 - 1:40 am

  This is my first Honda, and I am loving it. There is a lot of car for the money. This car is great to drive to and from work, which is 40 mins each way for me. I am looking at 31.5 MPG at this time. The car is still breaking in.

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  Best Choice On The Market - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dora - September 20 - 6:36 pm

  This is my third Honda vehicle, and the best one yet! It is extremely comfortable, the instruments are positioned perfectly for easy reach, and the simple and clear layout of the dashboard make the mini-van appealing to the eye. This is the best minvan on the market - trust me, Ive test driven ALL of them!