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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  Will Never Go Back - 2008 Honda Civic
  By HondaOwner - February 8 - 11:36 am

  Ive owned my 2008 Honda Civic for a year now and I will never go back to any other brand of car. It looks great, its comfortable, its reliable, its cost efficient and very fun to drive (especially if youre in a hurry...but please drive safely)!

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ed - February 8 - 10:36 am

  It has a Smooth ride, great maneuverability and excellent braking, beautiful leather upolstery plenty of room inside.

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  inmyelement - 2004 Honda Element
  By lawrencebarthe - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Im disapointed with Honda. This vehicle gets about 16 MPG, even though the window sticker touted 22 city. There are rattles in the dash and the drivers seat is loose. There is no storage except for an upgraded armrest, a collapsible vinyl box, and an seatback cord which I purchased aftermarket. I bought a 7-year extended warranty - just in case.

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  My year of my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gary Koch - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Funky. Complete excellent performer in everyway. Tons of room inside. I use vehicle for myself and one other passenger sometimes ONLY. Not a sensible vehicle for two adults (unless real young and or spry) in the BACK seats. I have the right side passenger back seat permanently OUT. Have the automatic and best MPG driving over CHP suggested limits on long trips has been 26. Basically in all around driving get 21 MPG. Buying a drink cooler to plug in back aux and XM radio and leaving for South Dakota soon for trip.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Element
  By Morad - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving it.it is a very diffent car.People look at you,and wondering what a 68 years old man is doing in an ELEment

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  One of the best car investments - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JohnB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Its a great SUV. Excelent on gas compared to most cars these days - better than my 2000 Volvo S40 - and that was with a 4 cyclinder engine! Stable, good ride position, basic quality features. Not too fancy - its the best Functioning SUV youll ever own.

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  pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By juan blanco - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The only problems we have had with the car:1. mileage has been lower than advertized (18-21mpg) 2. The recalled water pump (never really caused a problem, but it was recalled 3. The recalled transmission (again no probs just the recall)

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  Honda Civic EX (2001) Review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pcmcdonald - February 8 - 10:00 am

  An all-round good car, fun to drive with good mileage. Could be more compfortable on long trips. Road & wind noise too loud. Scheduled maintenance is expensive & my Service dept has been caught padding bills by doing un-necessary work thats not part of whats called for in manual.

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  Best in its class. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Edith - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned cars ranging from luxury to utility. This is without a doubt the only vehicle Ive owned wich offers everything I need. The 4WD has gotten me out of some tight spots on slick roads and on the other hand it looks great! Would recommend for family or singles. You wont be disappointed.

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CharF - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am really pleased with the purchase of my new car. This is my first new car and I absolutely love it. I like everything about this car, except for entry into the back of the car, besides that i have no complaints