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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  INmyELEMENT - 2003 Honda Element
  By Carla Kreegar - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. Especially for folks with kids. The seats recline..its like a built in changing table. And everything can be wiped down. No carpet to ruin...just a PVC flooring thats totally durable. We dont know what we did before buying the ELEMENT.

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  I dont need a pick-up truck - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sorrykanalang - September 22 - 2:00 am

  .. I dont have to buy a pick-up truck, cargo space for drywalls and/or other large things is excellent. We have a big family and everyone likes it..Its fun to drive.. The power??? ohhh cant ask for more.

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  Great Van - Outstanding Value! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jwg7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Odyssey - a lot of vehicle for the money. Powerful and smooth with very good handling and lots of room inside.

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  A diamond in the rough - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By James F. Greene - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Extremely smooth ride. The gas mileage is great. I have only had this vehicle for a month and its getting a 26 MPG average in the city. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room in this vehicle. The handling is excellent. It is an SUV but it feels almost the same as driving a sedan or coupe.

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  Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By LinzLugar - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this Honda CRV and I am in love with it. It is so comfortable and fun to drive.

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  GOOD TO GO - 2004 Honda Civic
  By usmc2111 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has performed flawlesy on a cross country trip from Illinois to California loaded down with three people and tons of luggage.

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  The Best Dang Car Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AccordLover - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Car

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  Fantastic Car!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By abob - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I am just as enthusiatic about this car 2000 miles as the day I test drove one. A poor mans BMW. Better than any car Ive owned in 40 years of driving; blows away Camry (incl V6 Coupe)and Avalon, better than 2 Mercedes Ive had. Love it. Love it. Love it. Black with Tan Leather. Handling is superb (though I did change to IMHO much better Bridgestone Turanza from OE Michelin; run at 38 psi all around). Taut, smooth and fun!!!

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  AWESOME - 1995 Honda Civic
  By LukeOlson - September 21 - 10:00 am

  My experiences with my 1995 Honda Civic EX Coupe have been wonderful. My car has never let me down. My car now makes over 200 Wheel Horse Power and it still runs great. And no I am not a kid who puts a big grapefruit launcher on my exhaust, and I dont have a giant spoiler either. I am an adult who likes to drag race.

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  RELIABLE VEHICLE - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ANTHONY - September 21 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR MY HONDA CIVIC HX COUPE HAS BEEN THE MOST RELIABLE AND FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. IT FEELS GOOD TO KNOW THE VEHICLE WILL START AND RUN EVERY TIME I NEED IT TO. I CURRENTLY LIVE IN TEXAS CITY TEXAS AND HAVE TAKEN MY HONDA TO SEE THE GRAND CANYON, COLORADO SPRINGS, CARLSBAD CAVERNS AND ALL OVER TEXAS. I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR OR TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS WITH THE CLEAR COAT FLAKING IN A SMALL AREA ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOWN. I HAVE RECOMMENDED HONDA VEHICLES TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.