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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  honda element - 2003 Honda Element
  By gary jensen - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this nimble machine. At 3375 pounds, it tows great behind our motorhome. Its fast (165 horses) and handles well. The crud proof seats are great for out labadore. I removed the emblems with dental floss and people keep guessing at what it is. we own the black and are very happy with the color. Stero is excellent as is the performance..

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  almost perfect - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By edbbb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased CRV for wife and kids to drive - great around town and on trips. Gas milage is not great but ok. Road noise is an issue but not bad. Vehicle handles great and power is adequate. So far we have enjoyed this vehicle.

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  Wife loves it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RKM - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Wife test drove the CRV and the Escape and she fell in love with the CRV. No problems with the vehicle as of yet.

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  2002 Honda Civic Problems - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nathan - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Honda Civic in late 2002 after reading good reviews in Edmunds.com. I was totally shocked to find out only months later that the "new" car came with serious problems. 1. Unlike my Accord, the plastic in the a/c vent of the Civic "sweats" and results in the rear windshield fogging. 2. The "break shift" produces loud sounds often when one breaks. Apparently these are problems that Honda is aware of and working on. However, a consumer like myself feels shortchanged!

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  accord se coupe 2002 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By iam7head - October 13 - 10:00 am

  a sub-class between the ex and the lx, mostly the honda folks called glorified LX big and comfy seat, the seatbelt sometime lock up too quick, especailly for the taller driver, excellent visablity cockpit. good amount of storage space. the bottemline: its better than the lx with a little more money. however i found hondas new car isnt as solidly built as honda did years ago. its a great communter car, its no where near fast but its perfect for heavy city driving, good resale valve, some what cheap to maintenan and keep, good insurance price for the teenage driver.

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  2003 ACCORD V-6 6-SPEED WITH NAVI - 2003 Honda Accord
  By krogers - October 13 - 10:00 am

  So far, the car is awesome! Fun to drive, plenty of power and lots of bells and whistles!

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  Fourth Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Silent K - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Many great features, excellent acceleration for a four cylinder. Desert Mist paint is flawless. Turning radius better than previous one we had.So far there are no rattles.Excellent gas mileage on highway travel.

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  V-6 6 Speed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rossi - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Truly a fun car to drive. Has a lot of power. Handles well. fuel econemy isnt bad @ 27 mpg on the highway, not so good in town, about 22 mpg. I have been waiting for Honda to build a V-6 with a manual for a long time, and I am vrery happy with mine

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  The Best of the Best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mark5121 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  First a word of advice... save up for the Honda Accord EX with Navigation. While it seems like a $1950 toy it just SEEMS that way. It is an AMAZING total computer...not just a route-finder like so many others. Now onto the vehicle as a whole. You will not find a vehicle in the 24-26k range (after haggling) that comes close to this car in any way. In fact I would put it up against any BMW 3 series and a substantial test drive will have you feeling the same.

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  Accord Rocks! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mdsrd - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The EX, V6 pushes out 240 hp for the thrill of your life! Not bad for a Honda. From doing internet searches to 12 different dealers, was able to get car for $200 under invoice. Call Angelia at College Park Honda - great customer service. This is my third honda and the best one yet!