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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  my old mans toy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By R C Swadley - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I am 58 years old and retired, growing up I raced motorcycles in motorcross etc. I live in South Florida and Ive wanted another motorcycle for some time but this state is full of old retired people (like me) and lots dont drive well and they run motorcyclist down like dogs I test drove a lot of sports cars and had given up on finding the acceleration trill of a motorcycle with four wheels I found this thrill in the Honda S2000 with four wheels and disk brakes, 240 hourse power that shifts at 9000 rpm. Hang on and drive one.

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  Dont Understand Why All the Praise - 1998 Honda Civic
  By vabiker - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I dont have too many positive things to say about this car. I bought the car to get a reliable, high mileage, AT car. The car has always gotten low mileage (25/31) in mixed driving. Never higher than 32mpg in 100% Interstate travel. The trunklid is a guillotine despite the installation of a special spoiler-supporting trunklid torsion element. The exterior paint is eggshell fragile. Alternator was warranty replaced at 10K miles. The 92 Saturn SL I owned for 10yrs. was a better car than this one. We bought the Honda for its glowing reputation, and based on my experience, I have to wonder how it was ever acquired...

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  David in Atlanta - 2003 Honda Element
  By dyoung253 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  a great & fun car...gets attention every where I go. Wish it got a little more "pick-up" though, like my prvious SUV.

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  Lifes too short not to have fun! - 2003 Honda Element
  By suebronco - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy to say that I am an Element owner...The minute I saw it at the Kansas City Auto Show I knew it was the car for my family...Its fun to drive and didnt set my bank account soaring downward...It rides tall and I feel very safe...I had been a minivan owner for about 15 yrs so now, I still have alot of room but a 4-wheel drive sports utility thats more fun for the money!

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Gladiator - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been my favorite car I think I have ever owned! It is without a doubt the most well thought out and functional car I have ever had. I love the mileage; Im getting about 26 mpg on the highway with the 5 speed and it runs as fast as any other car around. I will definitely buy another one! I have put 13,000 miles on it in only 4 months thanks to the driving I do with my job.

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  I love my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kevin Richardson - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The element is very roomy. It has awesome handling and is good on gas mileage.

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  Complete Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Barry Giardini - December 13 - 10:00 am

  What can I say! Its everything you could ask for in an inexpensive SUV. If you have kids, this car is a must. Very practical and very UGLY but I love it. This is my first Honda ever and now it wont be my last. I only ask for one addition, an outside temp guage and compass. Regards, Barry Giardini (A very satisfied Element Owner at 43) P.S. Ive owned this car for 6 months and have had zero problems

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  civic EX - 2000 Honda Civic
  By shak - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car... i average 42 mpg on the highwayand 35 around town. very well thought out car, no worries about breaking down. reliability at its best!

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  HONDA PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rOBERT lEWIS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought on 6/2/2002. No problems. So far, have driven 65,000 miles. All over country and Canada. Only oil changes, transmission fluid. Lots of power. The interior is very well thought out. The access to oil filter change is excellent. Drives very smooth and quiet for a SUV.

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  so far so good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jaycee1964 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Ford buyer for ever. Had one bad experiance with Ford dealer and trader my Taurus for the Pilot. No problems so far.