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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  THE PERFECT CAR !!! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By dagerous - January 29 - 5:57 pm

  I love this car it drives sooo smooth !

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  Dissapointed - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By J Papadatos - January 29 - 10:36 am

  For years I heard about how great Honda cars were. I bought this one and said never again. Its got no power. Ive had loads of trouble with it from day one. It eats brakes, always needs something adjusted or replaced. The drivers window has cost me over $300 so far and still isnt 100%. Overall a very poor quality product in my opinion. The dealers I have dealt with are arogant and unhelpful at best. You wont see me in a Honda after I get rid of this one.

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  Perfect, but.. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DWC - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Everything has been fine with our van save one thing. Those d*** automatic doors. They are forever having intermittent problems. Frequent trips to the dealership and still problematic. Usually they close, just the buzzer keeps going off. Sometimes they just dont close all the way. A fraction of an inch from shutting. Very frustrating and probably the 2nd reason Im about to get rid of it. (1st is the fact that its about that time) However everything else works great. Engine still quite as ever. Works well for the family. Oh well.

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  nice car, but should be better - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Immortal Chicken - January 29 - 2:00 am

  the car has 34 km in city and hwy Toronto Driving. had to replace the windshield because of a rock left a crack half way across the window. cost us $250Can dollars. the new glass looks so clear! i would recommend looking around and consider civic as a last option. my bro bought this car because of all other people having this same car. he doesnt know much about cars. was pulled to pay more for hondas reputation. dont buy a civic cuz of looks because thats what my bro also did. and i hate him for that. if it was my choice i would be getting an hyundai elantra GT. lots of standard stuff for cheaper and i dont care if its not a honda.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic 2dr coupe A - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Barbara E. - January 28 - 8:00 pm

  I love driving this comfortable car. Gas mileage is great. Takes corners like a sports car. Love the rack and pinion steering. Interior design/dashboard is innovative. Sleek sporty look gets a lot of compliments.

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  163k and still going - 1994 Honda Civic
  By YamInIA - January 28 - 2:47 pm

  i bought her used w/135K on her, and even tho the body is rough, the engine is fantastic. i change the oil, and am taking her in this month for the timing belt/w.pump r&r. i doubt its ever been done, and is recc.every 70K or so. i use this car to commute avg.of 150 miles/day, and it never fails me. handles well in winter conditions due to low/wide build. i LOVE the 5spd manual trans..is so fun, and good mpg too. I love this car so much, im putting about $1000 into her to get her looking nice and getting the engine to 100% performance. most would say it isnt worth it, but i bet its only used 1/2 its life. hoping to get 300K+ before she calls it quits.

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  my bread box - 2004 Honda Element
  By Ed Mast - January 27 - 11:41 pm

  I test drove this car as a goof. I immediately loved the comfort and its ride. I was pleasantly surprised. I commute about 45 miles each way to work and this is pure fun to be in. I know the look is strange but this car is functional. Its not as spacious for cargo as our Odyssey but it makes up for it in many other areas. We had our first snow of substance last weekend. We had 18 inches. Before the plows came down our street, I tested the real time 4 wheel drive. It was spectacular. I was impressed. It did not spin or swerve. It grabbed the road and I felt in control. Excellent job, Honda. We have 4 Hondas (Odyssey, Accord, Civic) and this is my favorite. Id recommend it to all.

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  Honda does it again!!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jorge r hernandez - January 27 - 5:54 pm

  The best car Honda has ever made (next to the venerable NSX). Not to sound cliche, but from the first time I drove it off the lot I knew that I was in for the ride of my life. The S2000 is the great example of perfection in terms of form and function. The 240 hp engine wails all the way up to 9000 rpm (01-03) leaving anything on the road behind. The body is simple and crisp. Too simple for some but just right for the enthusiast.

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  The Most Fun Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Honda Element
  By elcid - January 27 - 10:00 am

  You either love or hate the Element. I happen to love it! Ive owned many cars before & this is the most fun Ive had. This vehicle is perfect for anyone who wants a car that is fun to own & unique (get used to being the center of attention whenever you pull up in your Element). At the same time, owning a Honda means youll have years of reliability.

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  My first Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shar - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned the CR-V for 2 weeks now and love it. I am looking forward the seeing how it handles in the snow this coming winter. I am disappointed in the gas mileage, and think some of the " options" should be standard.