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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  1998 Accord LX4Dr. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By browneyedgurl - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car only because it came highly recommended by friends and family. I bought the manual 4cyl. and let me tell you, my car still spanks the sportier cars off the red lights! AND, i get to pass them at the gas stations. Our family took ours 2500 miles to Yellowstone last summer, and it had plenty of room for all of us. I wouldnt recommend trying to sleep 4 all night in it. (long story...family trip during Sturgis with no hotel reservations) But the Accord pulled through just fine. And let me tell you, the only thing i will trade this Honda Accord in for.....another Honda Accord!

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  What a Machine! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Southside - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a true sports car. Not the most comfortable for day to day but who cares?

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  Its A Honda and thats all that counts - 2004 Honda Element
  By msugost1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After 19 years of and over 800,000 miles on my Accords, Im now looking forward to the same with my Element. So far I dont have any if the wind noise that some have talked about and the ride is excellent. Plenty of power and a kick butt stereo system. As usual Honda builds another winner.

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  Love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jessterville - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I went from several Camrys and an Accord to this SUV. It was this vs. the Highlander and I thought this was a superior vehicle. I am not a car person but I LOVE my Pilot, I cant say enough good things about it. I took 7 adults to a baseball game in it and had plenty of room for everyone.

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  Excellent Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By steveO - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I am having a great experience with my 2001 Honda Civic. To date I have had only minor electrical issues other than routine maintinence. It has 100,000 miles in just under 3 years and is purring like a kitten. The only gripe that I have is that the seats lack lumbar support and are very uncomfortable. I drove my last Civic (1989) to 200,000 miles and plan to do the same with this one!

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  Its reliable car.. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By stevey79 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Good ride.. good looking.. enough power.. and its Honda.. Its reliable brand name..

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  Would have bought sooner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Copier Guy - December 26 - 10:00 am

  In October, best quote was $20.4K. In March same guy said $500 BELOW invoice. I didnt trust him, kept shopping. Paid $19.7K plus tax & title. For best mpg, hammer the assist and get to speed quick! USE THE CRUISE! Keep econ turned on. DONT creep up after stop, the engine WONT auto stop again, and youll be sitting there wasting gas. - Down sides: a: Construction pot holes trigger ABS. ABS kills re-generative braking (expected). Requires more braking effort. And re-gen wont re-engage until you accelerate. Releasing the brake and re-applying doesnt reset. b: CVT really lets engine scream on expressway merge (scary scream).

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  First Honda Is Awesome - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Veggie1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda. I have a commute and decided to get rid of the SUV. Smart move. The Accord is easier on the wallet at the gas pump. Its easy on the eyes, too. People notice. It has a lot of get-up-and-go for a 4 cyl. I am quite happy.

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  Civic review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pinger - December 26 - 6:03 am

  Great handling, feel, solid, comfortable and probably the lowest cost of ownership for any car on the planet (if including resale value)

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  You have to drive it to appreciate it. - 2004 Honda Element
  By Michael Rose - December 25 - 9:41 pm

  I am a 58 year Commercial Real Estate Broker. If you are looking for a car that is fun to drive, utilitarian and is out of the main stream, this car is for you. It handles really well for it has a real substantial feel. There are people who think that it is ugly but thats there problem. The bottom line is this is one funky ride.