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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  Great Car to own and drive. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By david - March 23 - 7:23 pm

  This is another great car produced by Honda. Not only does it have more space, but it still gets great gas mileage. I am getting 41 mpg on the highway.

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  Baby Landrover - 2005 Honda Element
  By Element Driver - March 23 - 2:13 pm

  We LOVE this auto! No other car had come out that we were so impressed by. From the comfort to the utility for the price. Plus, it is just plain fun to drive. We were amazed at how well built these cars are...not to mention the reliability...it is a Honda! If you are thinking about buying one, do it...you wont regret it.

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  2nd Honda a hit... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RayG - March 23 - 10:56 am

  This is the first time repeating a Manufacturer, and will probably go Honda for the next time as well. After 5 trouble-free years with a 2001 CR-V, it was time to change to something a bit more Adult since we didnt really care for the new CRV styling. We purchased a new 06 leftover in November from the same dealer. The Accord is a dream to drive with little or no fatigue. Fuel economy is better than the sticker,(35+ on a recent Boston trip) as was the CRV. Excellent handling without being to jarring on the road with the many obstacles here in NYC.

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  My new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By RaghuKadava - March 23 - 8:03 am

  The car is pretty good. I paid $1000 less than the sticker price. I am very happy with the car for the price that I paid for it. I only wish they have a V6 option. The interiors are awesome. It is good to see Honda giving a MP3 on all their new models now. The exterior is more like a shrunk version of the Pacifica, but it still looks much better than the old boxy shape. The new Ford Edge is gonna look like its paternal twin when it is on the road with lots of similarities in the body styling.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JC Leuyer - March 22 - 10:53 am

  Handles great and all the options are very easy to get to, for example air conditioning, radio, cruise control, and all of the features are easy and conveint. It drives like a car and has good pick up.

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  The best car ever - 1991 Honda Accord
  By TheFlash - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Great looking and fun to drive

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  Worth Every Cent - 1994 Honda Civic
  By JaxBorn - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought my EX sedan new in April 94 and its been extremely reliable. Its inexpensive to own and fun to drive (Ive got the 5-sp manual). Ive got about 123,000 miles on it now and expect it to last at least a few more years without any problems. Its inexpensive to fix -- not that anything has gone wrong cause it hasnt. Yeah, I do the required maintenance and replaced the timing belt, water pump, etc at 90,000 miles. The VTec engine is OK, theres some power but its a small engine so dont expect much. My next car will be a Honda product.

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  Best SUV Out There! - 2003 Honda Element
  By snglwhtfml - March 22 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the most versatile vechicle out there. Its interior is vitually maintenance free, its exterior is so easy to clean - this SUV screams "Come on try your worst. Im one big bumper, you cant hurt me!" o) I love this thing!!!! The sound system is great without, the accessories for the interior are a good investment for convienence. This is a definite must have vehicle. This a simple vehicle to maneuver, it turns on a dime, and it is so... easy to park. Did I mention that I love this SUV!!!

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  ALMOST THERE!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Experienced DRIVER!!! - March 21 - 8:09 pm

  The 2013 Honda Accord is almost there if Honda would improve in areas that customers have complained about for almost 20 years. The 4cyl engine in my Accord is efficient for the most part but it has a loud cheap clattering sound when idle. Honda should also make navigation standard in the EX and above models especially for the asking price. There is no need to have two large screens in the middle of the dash just to make the interior look more technologically advanced. My brakes which are new and just installed by a Honda dealership need more work because sometimes they will brake as expected and other times the braking distance is almost doubled which has scared us several times. It is a good car overall but Honda has to pay more attention to the small details.

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  Climate control condensation - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Tanaka - March 21 - 5:56 pm

  Although we are satisfied with the vehicle overall, we are troubled by the puddle of water on the garage floor each time we drive in. The dealer told us that this is quite normal, however, we have owned a Subaru Forester and other vehicles with AC in the past and have never had this problem. We do not believe that this is normal as the temperature here has not been over 20 and the climate contr0ol is always set at 22 or higher.