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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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Owned - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Ktoes - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I leased this Odyssey in 12/95, then purchased it. It now has 118,000 miles and the car has been trouble free. The only problem was the muffler that fell off right after the warranty ended, but Honda replaced it free of charge. My wife loves this car & does not want to trade for a newer one! I have owned 5 Hondas and all of them have been reliable & care free. The interior has held up exceptionally well and the motor is still strong. I will get a new CR-V when my wife decides to give it up...

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  S2k03 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Redline9000 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Im a former racer with NASCAR,ARCA,SCCAa and this car is almost track ready. Good Power in all 6 gears and really does the VTECH growl about 6500 rpm. Get it,Drive it & Youll keep it!!

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  Doesnt Get Any Better! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By carliker2 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I had no suprises with this vehicle. It met every expectation!

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  Honda Civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By brettF - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second honda civic. I would state that this is a very reliable vehicle. I have never had mechanical problems in 10 years of driving these Civics!

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  form follows function - 2004 Honda Element
  By bill jensen - December 7 - 2:00 am

  the honda element is the most interesting vehicle i have ever purchased. i have taken several long trips in it and enjoy the visability you get while driving it. it seems to keep you alert while driving and i dont seem to get tired like i normally do on long trips. though it was targeted to a younger crowd, i think the element will grow in popularity as time goes by.

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  Best Minivan - PERIOD - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Sheba099 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned/rented just about every minivan known to man. The HOnda is the absolute best that there is. And talk about resale, there is nothing even remotely close to it in the industry. Try a Honda, and you will be a fan for life.

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  First - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Firsthonda - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The build quality, ride and interior space are exceptional. Other than not having a sunroof it has all the creature comforts one could ask for.

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  Nice Car...I mean SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By John from Irvine - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My budget for this purchase was $18,000 -25,000 so I chose from Toyota RAV4 and the CR-V. American cars werent considered (bad experiences with Ford and Chrysler in the past). I liked the options included for one price for the CR-V so I went for that and I dont regret it at all. (side airbags, aluminum wheels, cd changer, ABS, moonroof). The car looks nice on the outside. Not macho, not too cutsie, just right. The inside is pretty plain, but has lots of space, relatively comfortable seats, and a great easy to read controls. Drive performance is nice as it accelerates quickly and handles on curves and sharp turns great. It is also easy to park.

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  Good economy car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sunrup - December 7 - 1:10 am

  Traded in my 2002 Mazda Protege ES for a car with superior mileage. Was not disappointed. I get combined highway/city mileage of 38 to a gallon, which is about 13 miles more than my earlier car. Thought about the hybrid at first, found it difficult to justify the higher price in comparison to the gasoline engine. I paid 16,250 and get 38 to a gallon, the hybrid I would have to pay $3K more for 7 more miles per gallon. You do the math.

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  Civic Si Sedan Delivers - 2007 Honda Civic
  By gw - December 6 - 11:03 am

  When considering a new car, I needed a practical commuter/family vehicle but wanted a sports car. I cant imagine a better solution then the Si Sedan. The car is very practical with 4 doors, big trunk and good gas milage (assume Honda reliability will apply to my Si). At the same time, the car is just so much fun to drive. The high reving 2.0 L four is so smooth and the transmition is specd just right. I can stay in the powerband from 1st on into 5th (thats where my risk tolerance for speeding tickets runs out) The sound of the i- VTEC is totally awsome. The 17" wheels hint at whats inside. The fit and finish are high quality and the controls all fall naturally within sight/reach. Grea