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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  Worst Car Ive Ever Bought - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CFF - May 5 - 2:53 pm

  6th car Ive owned, 3rd Honda Accord. After the first day I realized how terrible the front seats are to sit in for more than 10 minutes. I think if youre less than 56" and 120 lbs, youll be alright. The driving noise inside the car is excessively loud. The acceleration is OK for a car of this price, but the traction leaves a lot to be desired. Dear Honda, Look at the 2000 Accord and think, "Wow, we used to make a good car". Thanks, Former Customer

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  Great little car - the envy of all! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Howard L. - May 5 - 12:42 pm

  A really fine car. I was convinced of its great handling ability when I had a blow out on the interstate at 75 mph. Car swerved only slightly and I was able to bring it to a safe stop on the shoulder.

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  Road nosie is the only problem... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Newbie - May 5 - 2:56 am

  I am not sure if its me or the car itself. I have driven my Mazda 626 for 9 years now and I never thought I heard other vehicles passing when cruising on a high way at 65mph. But with this new CR-V I could hear every car that I pass and the ones that pass by me. I also think the road/wind noise is more. Thats my only complaint. The vehicle feels otherwise very crisp and comfort. The noise is heard only on some highways. If the pavement is a newly done one, the noise is not bad. I think the insulation by the car bosy and the window mirrors are of poor quality. I really expected a nice noise free ride.

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  Pretty good overall - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - May 4 - 7:22 pm

  Too many rattles, and not great visibility. But car handles great - and the amount of interior space is more than enough. Not sure Ill buy another due to all the rattling, however.

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  S2000 - Perfect 21st Century Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Charles Glenn - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Undoubtedly the best bang for buck in terms of lightweight roadsters. Through it is not as luxurious as its competitors, the fact that the reliability, performance, and price of the S2000 has Porsche, BMW, and Audi on their knees makes it a wonderful purchase.

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  honda s2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By mbb5577 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  my experience with my honda is a blast, i cant believe the power it has for a 4 cylinder. i admired this car for 2 years before i bought it, and i must say it didnt let me down. its the first time ive ever owned a honda, but im sure it wont be the last.

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  gushing galapagos green!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By elynment - May 4 - 10:00 am

  great for toting kids/sports equipment, easy access for loading/unloading, very pleased with performance in snow conditions- and its a blast to drive,good visibility, plenty zippy on the highway,fine merging onto freeways

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  WOW!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By TVA - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Believe it or not Im having so much fun driving this vehicle I put 800 miles on it in the first week of ownership! It is so versatile and has met every expectation. My husband and I have purchased Honda vehicles in the past for our daughters; but this is the first one we have owned for ourselves and we are enjoying it!!

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  Our second CRV, 2002 vs 2004 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dtskiles - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We had to replace our 2002 CRV with a 2004 after the 2002 was vandalized. Concerns about road noise were heard by Honda and there is a significant improvement. The engine still achieves a good balance with gas mileage. Note voluntary recall items n the 2002 were not urgent and the service dept addressed them during a regular free service call. The 2002 never once had any mechanical failures. We anticipate the same flawless performance from our 2004.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hokieme - May 4 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR IVE PUT 6300 MILES ON MY HCH AND NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING SO FAR. MY DRIVE TO WORK IS 25 MILES ONE-WAY WITH A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. IM AVERAGING ABOUT 46 MPG WITH ABOUT A 2 MPG DROP USING THE AC. HONDAS QUALITY AND REALIABILITY IS UNMATCHED!