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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  Not just for boys - 2003 Honda Element
  By Briar - September 18 - 2:00 am

  everyone turns and looks. My silver EL is a head turner. The element is just what ive been waiting for. Looks like a truck but handles like a car. The seats and moon roof are easy to maneuver. 1 million factory accessories to modify. Life just got easier and MORE FUN!!

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  Point A to point B. Thats the point. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By icvci - September 18 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 DX hatchback is the perfect car for the price. Fold the rear 50/50 split seats down and the interior turns into a 21 cubic foot cargo area. Things I have taken home in my Civic Hatchback - 32 inch TV in its box also in the car at the time, my wife, two empty 5 gallon water bottles, a small tool box, and an unassembled stand for the TV. 1 Maytag Neptune washer My 2 dalmatians, my wife, golf clubs, and luggage for a weeks vacation. All this while getting from 32 to 42 MPG!

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  Best Mini-SUV out there - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By robbellr - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the CRV in the end of December 2002. We have about 2,000 miles on it right now. It is running nicely. We tried several other Mini-SUVs and felt this one was the best. The dealership wouldnt move much off the MSRP.

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  CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By A. Peltier - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Living in the snow belt of Massachusetts and the hills of Worcester, I traded in my Accord of 5 years for the CR-V and I love it. Its been a great ride during lousy weather.

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  DONT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By PAUL BAMBACH - September 18 - 2:00 am

  BEST MINIVAN ON THE MARKET

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  GREAT ECONOMICAL CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By CIVIC - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car. Im not really sure how fast it is because I drive so slow since I have to wait til it breaks in. But the car has no problems, the interior looks great, and the engine is pretty dam loud.

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  minivans rule - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By vladytom - September 17 - 4:16 pm

  When we decided to shop for a large SUV I was looking either for a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I never imagined that I will buy a minivan (not sporty enough). I tried a few used SUVs but I didnt like the "feel of the wheel". When I first tried that used Odyssey, just to show my wife why we dont need a minivan... it was love at first sight! It drives so nice and its so much more comfortable than an SUV! As Edmunds says, there are 2 categories of people: the ones who like the Ody and the ones who dont know this yet!

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  s22c - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s22c - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its a stiff ride with a nice 6spd tranni

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  170 Thousand Trouble Free Miles - 1997 Honda Accord
  By DrSardonica - September 17 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I have done to this car is change the oil, the belts and the tires. I do use synthetic oil. Given the performance of this car, I would never own anything but a Honda.

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  Tight Fit for Tall Folks - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terrain.org - September 17 - 12:46 am

  I downsized from a larger, more powerful vehicle, and while I love the functionality, gas mileage, and looks of the Fit, in the month and 1,600 miles Ive had it, I havent been able to get really comfortable in the drivers seat. Im 65" and the road test seemed okay, but after sitting in it a while, I sure wish the seat was more adjustable and went farther back. The center armrest should be standard, too (and lower, and designed for use with a manual transmission; the current one will not be installed by Honda on a MT). Otherwise, though, I think its a great little car, and runs well both around town and on the highway. Its moderately zippy, has a great turning radius, and is open.