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:

• 

  Great ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DP - December 9 - 8:38 pm

  Bought with 28k in 2002. Now has 125k. Super reliable. Very little maintenance. Best car we ever had. Great in snow. MPG around 28-30.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Warren C. - December 9 - 3:33 pm

  For 22 years I have said to myself, "I really ought to buy an Accord", but instead I have spent my time driving expensive European cars. Great to drive, but expensive to purchase and maintain. Well, the 2008 Accord pushed me over the edge. Not only is it well made and enjoyable to drive, it actually compares to much more expensive cars. The doors make that German car "thunk" when you close them. The suspension feels sophisticated and is smooth on the open road, handles bumps without harshness, and easily handles canyon curves. The interior is first rate. The nav system is impressive. The stereo sounds great. The car is quiet. It even gets great mileage with the V6. There is lots of room.

• 

  Love my TRP - 2006 Honda Element
  By Randall - December 9 - 11:33 am

  Have owned my MT AWD Tango Red Pearl EX-P for one year. Have been camping, moving daughter to and from college, (5-6 hour trip loaded). Lots of local driving on interstate and side roads. Researched it for a while, knew what I wanted and it has been everything I had hoped for. Have 66,000+ on her, had about 48,000 or so when purchased. Oil changes with synthetics, average 24.6 overall driving. I have the better stereo package with subwoofer, have factory 8-disk CD changer, Yakima roof rack, hitch, etc.. my E gets used. These are great vehicles. Wish that Honda would include them more in their advertising campaigns.

• 

  Fun Fun Fun ... and Practical! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By James L. - December 9 - 9:40 am

  Being a father of two kids, I was growing tired of driving the family SUV with automaitic tranny. I went back to my youth by purchasing the Si Sedan and boy am I having a great time! After the initial break-in period, I floored the gas in 2nd gear until the RPMs ran over 6K. The car then turns into a monster with unbelievable acceleration with a Ferrari-like exhaust note thanks to the i-vtec K20 engine! I get about 250-275 miles per tank and spend about $40 ($3.80 per gal of 91 octane) at the station. Not bad compared to spending over $75 with my SUV which gets about 300-325 miles on a full tank of 91 octane. You MUST get this car with Navi and XM.

• 

  The Best By Far In Its Class - 2003 Honda Element
  By lazaro - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is by far the biggest bang for your dollar and the versatility is awesome! Its a Honda and the reliability is the best of any manufacturer!

• 

  Pilot Proponent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jay03 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had about 3 months (4K miles). One long trip. No trouble at all so far. Very impressed with interior room vs exterior size. Have taken short trip with 4 adults and 2 kids in car seats. Still has room for double stroller and packages. Very comfortable for me or my wife driving. Smooth ride, great power, visibility and great stereo. Replaced a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the works. This car drives and rides better and quieter than the Jeep ever did plus it holds a lot more. Have not taken the Pilot into the mountains or off road yet so I can not compare to the Jeeps off road ability. At MSRP - 1K it cost about the 95 Jeep price.

• 

  Love it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Idaho - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Have driven our Pilot 3000 miles and it has perfomed great in all situations. Previously had 3 Subarus. Like this much better. Easy to drive to ski areas on snow, hills and sharp curves. Solid and stable. Engine more than sufficient while still using regular. Moves along easily and comfortably at 75+. In town driving 18-19 mpg. Just completed 1600 mile trip to Oregon coast. Averaged 22.6 mpg. Seats comfortable even after a 10 hour day. Visability good in all directions.

• 

  Impressed first time Honda owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AnthonyV - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Accord EX for 2 weeks now. We went for a road trip through the Rockie mountains and even drove on unimproved dirt hi-ways. The car is extemely tight, no annoying noises while driving the rough roads, cd changer didnt skip a beat and the car road more smoothly than I anticipated after reading several complaints about the rough ride.We averaged 27.8 MPG on our 300 mile trip that weekend,cant wait to see what regular Hi-way driving gives us. Theres little road noise, even with the sunroof down. The navigation system is worth the money. I was suprised at how much information is at the tip of your fingers. Honda has done a great job here.

• 

  What a Difference !! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JRIZZO - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I just turned in my 2000 Acura Integra LX (Lease was up). What a difference in the ride, Its like day & night. Sooo much smoother. I bought the car Feb 19, 2003 and I really love the car. The body style is fantastic. I recommend that when you get the car put a spoiler on the trunk (it dresses the car up a lot) & a wind deflecter for the moonroof (it cuts down on the in-coming wind noise big time)

• 

  Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bett1e - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I finally decided to test drive a Honda even though it has the simpliest styling on the planet. Everything about this test drive was PERFECT. The car accelerates well. It has all the features you want on a car. It is a nice car. The only problem is that it is not a HOT car. The Altima is hot but its features dont compare to the Accord. I definitely would choose the Accord over the Altima. The complaints about the Altima are brutal.