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:

• 

  Love My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By jbird - March 1 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Element is only one month old, but I have bought enough new cars to know better than to base an opinion on emotions or new car smell. This vehicle is something special. It has achieved an awesome balance between vehicle types.

• 

  Mini-Van Skeptic...Until Now - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By AFSnDJS - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We were an SUV family for 10 years until recently baby #3 came along. I was resisting getting a MiniVan because I felt it wasnt "my style". Lets face it, I didnt want to feel old. Well I had come to grips with my style/age issue(im only 31)and decide what would be best for us. I have to say as im sinking into my seat and cringing that it was a smart move. I admited that to my husband with just a smile the first time I drove our new Odyssey and got the "i told you so" which i completely deserved. The van is incredible and my kids are in their glory with all the extra room and the dvd system..well if i have to drive a minivan its gotta have a TV =)

• 

  Lemon - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sucker5423 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I heard Honda cars were so reliable. Not mine. I must have gotten a lemon. Transmission leak, and a bunch of minor, non-engine, problems.

• 

  Just Solid - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Axra - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is just solid. The doors are solid, the steering tight, and the power is smooth. After driving a 2000 Civic EX there is just no comparison. You can literally hear the quality by tapping on some of the interior panels. Honda has acknowledged the above average failure in the transmission and has compensated by extending the warranty to 100k miles. Im not concerned at all.

• 

  Great for my family - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J&C - March 1 - 2:00 am

  1000 miles and loving it. Im a big guy (64) and find plenty of room in the cabin as well as the back seat. Really like the sliding/ reclining rear seats, a big plus over the Subaru Forrester. (I didnt even fit in the back of the Forrester.) Handles great, a very quiet ride, probably would be quieter with better quality tires.

• 

  kansas city rock hopper - 2002 Honda Civic
  By rock hopper - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The front struts on this car went out with in 5000 miles. Dealer advise-- "you will be paying for them soon enough your self" A/C system not adequate on a hot day. FM/AM have different sound levels. Oil filter hard to get to. AT transmission down shifts too fast when cruse control is on. Sun roof rattles. Paint job is flakey and weak. Sheet metal dents if you look at it sideways.

• 

  looks great - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tnammons - March 1 - 2:00 am

  this is my first honda and i am impressed with the body style but the handling of the car tires and suspension needs improvement. sometimes it feels as if i am driving on a rocky road when the road is smooth.the sales associate was inadequate in showing the features of the car.i have had to bring the car in twice for minor repairs in 3 months.not happy with that.

• 

  SAS 2000 S2K - 2000 Honda S2000
  By mrgts - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Great ride and just fun to drive. This car demands to be driven, no taking you eye off the road or gearshifter. I also own an old 911 and this is the closest thing Ive found to driving it. Wish it had a little more power at the line, which I belive the 2004 2.2 liter is suppose to address. Im also in the process of upgrading the stereo speakers to produce more fullness of sound (2000 year only had door speakers which are partially blocked ny your legs).

• 

  My 1994 Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By C.S. - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I am 16 and this is my first car. I absolutely love it. It has 129,000 miles on its V6 engine, but still rides and drives like new. Very good car for the money, no rattles or squeaks, still looks good for a 10 year old car. Has excellent power, many optional features

• 

  Great Truck!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Saint - February 28 - 6:30 pm

  Fantastic truck. Truck like features with a car-like feel. Wonderful Honda quality