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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  Excellent Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nycom92 - June 5 - 7:00 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic. My first one was an 88 hatchback. The quality is outstanding. The shifter is smooth, no rattles or noises are noted. The engine is peppy (127 hp in EX)and the gas milage is amazing. Its fun to drive.

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  Great Automobile!!!!!!!!1 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Cat - June 5 - 3:56 pm

  Nice Interior.

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  Miata? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Niwee - June 5 - 1:24 pm

  Doesnt anyone feel like they are looking at a Miata when they approach this car? Also, when sitting in the bucket seats for about an hour my back really starts to hurt. I love the ride--but not sure about all this hype.

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  Excellent car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bimal - June 5 - 12:20 am

  This is my first hounda car. I bought it used and I must thank previous owner for his immaculate maintainence of the car. I have put on 20k miles on it in 15 months. I love this car and there is nothing that I feel, I would like to complain about it. One minor thing I noticed was in the city I get about 17 mpg. However on highways I have noticed more than 30 mpg as long as I stay around 70 mph (with ac/heater on). I highly recommend this car to everyone.

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  Civics - 2001 Honda Civic
  By allie - June 4 - 6:19 pm

  I love my car. The only disappointment I have in the car that I have had for the past four years is the fact that it seems to dent very easily. The slightest tap will dent the car. But as far as reliability and performance, I love the car.

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  Fits our lifestyle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Brian - June 4 - 1:40 pm

  We take our new Element everywhere. We load our snowboards under the seats to go up to Big Bear. We put our surfboard inside to head to the beach. We just got back from the High Sierras and head to the desert as well. We are very active and the Element keeps up. Easy to wash down the interior of sand, slush and mud. Great sound system for the road. Downside is a louder than normal ride and lower than wanted fuel economy. I would have allowed for two more feet of storage in back. Oh yeah, the seats fold into a great bed with a sdylight in the back. We go to the drive in and lay in the bed. Love the Element and cant imagine a more perfect vehicle for our lifestyle.

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  Update - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Helios - June 4 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had this car since February 2002, and it still puts a huge grin on my face. Even after three years of driving over potholed roads, the chassis is still tight - slight shaking of the passenger seat is the only tip-off that the cars not brand new. Engines stronger than ever shifters still a dream to operate. Ive installed a larger wind blocker for better top-down driving. I also removed the tray holding the tools for an extra cubic foot of trunk space. This cars therapy on wheels. It lacks the amenities of the competition, but its a quality piece of work that rewards a focused driver.

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  excellent design - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Michael Putnam - June 4 - 11:07 am

  Im 75" tall and it is relatively easy to get in and out and reasonably comfortable to drive considering it is an economy car. The "magic" rear seats are brilliant. I have dogs (Australian Shepherds) and they ride conveniently in the back with the seats folded down. With the seats up there is a nice space for grocery bags, and the seats are easy to manipulate into position.

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  Pilot Passion! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Vicki T. - June 4 - 2:39 am

  This is my 2nd Pilot. Had 2005 (bought Dec.04, 174K mi.) so it was a no brainer to purchase another Pilot. Ive driven several mid-size SUVs; Buick, Nissan Rogue, Jeep, etc., and found myself not considering anything but a Honda; its sleek, stylish from boxy style of years past. Im still reading my owners manual & learning what this mid-priced model is equipped with!

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  Had to have Another - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dwenojavid - June 3 - 11:02 pm

  Previously owned a 2001 model that I had to change because of all year round functionality. Missed the vehicle so much that I couldnt wait to own another. Found a 2004 model. Just love the upgrades such as bigger engine, wheels,more torque etc. Delighted to be back behind the wheel of this little machine. The 2004 model is definitely easier to drive than the 2001 and I am still convinced that this is the best value for money in its class on the road. At 62" anything but a truck can be tight but this is quite comfortable. It is a really fun to drive vehicle and still turns heads even though it has been around for 5 years plus. Hope to keep for a long time.