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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  good job - 1998 Honda Civic
  By germaine - January 26 - 2:00 am

  good handeling not the best on deep snow or ice but hold its own. Didnt intend to modify it it just got out of controal, but still love it. wish it had a 6th gear for the hiway.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2003 Honda Element
  By wizard tracer - January 26 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has been a long time waitting, no wonder Honda is #1, the new Honda Element is the best bang for your buck, weather its for you or the whole family its fun sharp looking it will turn head no matter where you go, the beach,mountains,or a after noon in the city,with its fine tuned style and power to spair there is no comparison to anything in its class.

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  Who wants to drive - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger Linn - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just recently went to look at the new Honda Odyssey. After 10 minutes I new it was going to be our next purchase and in less than and hour I was driving it home. We took it the next day to Oklahoma and no one wanted to help me drive they all wanted to watch videos. The drive and handling was as good as any sedan Ive ever driven. The trip went by so quick.

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  great car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By john1092 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Well I test drove many cars. This is only one I would choose. Well I guess thats why I bought it. Its got some get up and go. Easy to drive. Ok gas milage.

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  Love my Honda!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By MissMom - January 26 - 2:00 am

  After holding off from buying a Honda b/c of the price...We are so sorry we finally did. I doubt we will ever drive anything else...unless it is a mini-van. Wish we had gone the extra mile for the V-6. The 4 cylinder is quite "peppy" though.

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  Your foot controls the mileage! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By HonDon - January 25 - 2:16 pm

  My Civic Hybrid 2007 has a little more power than my 2005 had, but the mileageis averaging 47mpg vs the 2005 average of 51. The new digital readout dash is fun to use and helps the driver to drive more sensibly. I drove Alligator Alley to Miami on a Sunday morning and averaged 57 MPG obeying the speed laws.

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  Honda Civic Si Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tom - January 25 - 2:40 am

  This is the CAR. More fun than my spouses BMW 330i. Ok, no leather seats, but a simply beautiful and high performance sedan!

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  Well Built Fun to Drive Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sean From Maryland - January 24 - 11:26 pm

  I recently sold my 2005 CRV since my wife and I had 2 SUVs, and we decided to downsize to 1 SUV (and be a little bit economical) so we went with the Fit.Prior to the CRV I had a 1999 Mazda Miata which handled incredibly.I test drove the Nissan Versa, since we wanted a compact 4 door, but in the meantime I had a deposit on the Fit.So it was between the Versa(drove nice also)and the Fit.My wife was impressed by the size of the interior of the Fit, which she noted that it did not feel much smaller than the CRV, deceptive interior size. The steering and feel on the road reminded me of being in the Miata, however with much more interior room.I know why the dealers cant keep them on their lots.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jabijaam - January 24 - 5:30 pm

  Traded my 2002 F250 for Ridgeline. Best move I ever made. Drives and handle like a sports car. Wife loves inbed trunk for shopping. Gas mileage is great compared to 8 mpg from F250, Im getting 18mpg from Ridgeline. I have tall kids and the interior room and comfort is great. Wish the bed was longer and that the tail gate locked,but driving this truck is like having my truck and sports car at the same time.

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Art - January 24 - 11:03 am

  I had my dealer add fog lights which come standard on the Touring. I bought the Honda custom 1st and 2nd row rubber heavy duty floor mats for the 2005 (they accomodate the lazy Susan in the floor- earlier mats wont work), a sunroof wind deflector and a Honda leather steering wheel wrap, all from online sources and installed them myself. The deflector took 10 minutes, the wheel about 1.5 hrs. I wish full auto headlights were available in the EX as in the Touring. Thats really my only criticism. With 1400 miles on the vehicle, around town mileage is somewhat below par - about 17 mpg. One road trip so far was 26.1 mpg at 80 mph. Would probably have hit the estimate EPA 28 mpg at 70 mph.