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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  THERES NOTHING LIKE A HONDA! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By JETTGIRL - September 6 - 2:00 am

  IM A HONDA LOVER....I HAD A 1998 HONDA CIVIC LX WHICH WAS A GREAT CAR....NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT....I TRADED IT IN FOR THE SEXY HONDA S2000. LOVE THIS CAR...ITS TROUBLE FREE LIKE THE CIVIC, DRIVES AND HANDLES GREAT....LOVE IT, LOVE IT ,LOVE IT!!!

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  Great Graduation Present! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By smssws - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is so fun to drive, except in the rain. It does tend to scare me in the rain, but other than that it handles like a dream. My husband can always tell when I have the top down and music on, because I never answer my phone.

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  97 civic lx - 1997 Honda Civic
  By marcelo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This car just hit 100000 and has never been in a shop unless for oil change and maintenance.

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  Suits to a TEE - 2004 Honda Element
  By nanajudy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just want to say that I have never owned a vehicle that I really would like to hang onto forever. I have had other Honda vehicles, but this is my forte. It is very easy to get into and out of, even my handicapped husband can get into the back seat without any problems (I have the running boards). The seats in the back are comfortable and have lots of leg room. I have a car seat for a child, and am glad for the LATCH system. I can do all of my shopping and my friends shopping without worrying that we dont have enough room. It handles great on the road and is very easy to park, especially in tight spots. I am excited.

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  The Best Ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By orange sunshine - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle i have owned. I researched suvs in my price range and what i wanted in a vehicle. i read all the rave reviews on the Element, so i had to go check it out. i took it out on a test drive in the worst weather possible. snowstorm i wouldnt want to venture out in and it was a dream machine. Handled great, so much fun to drive, couldnt have asked for more and to make it even better are the awesome features from the seats in so many positions, easy cleanup, great radio, and just plain fun to drive. the mp3 hookup is great too. I am so happy and couldnt ask for more in a car, except larger gas tank.

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  Love My Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mary Ray - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is great for hauling people and freight. It is comfortable and reliable, getting 18 MPG. Ive driven 3 GMC Suburbans. They were always breaking down and had terrible gas mileage.

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  my wifes honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jafm50 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  flawless in every detail we added a special simoniz treatment and the paint is still in showroom condition

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  Fun, Reliable and Functional Machine - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tonyumd - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The primary driver for this vehicle is my wife, but i enjoy taking it out every chance i get. The fuel economy is good. The interior is very functional with lots of cargo space. The middle head rest is useless and blocks much needed rear-view. A V-6 engine would make this vehicle a perfect 10. We traded in our 2002 Accord and we miss very much the radio controls on the steerign wheel, leather seats, Home Link, visor lights, larger glove box (we cant even fit the cars manuals!), V-6 engine. Overall this is a good buy.

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  Peace-full Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Cam621 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  There is no doubt about it, I must say that this is hands down the most reliable car I have ever owned! The Honda Accord is sturdy, powerful, and easy to drive. I have not yet had a problem with blind spots or failure of any kind. I would prefer it had a full spare, and a larger gas tank, however these minor issues do not at all deminish the aptitude of this autmobile!

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  Very practical car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gjman - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The only reason why its not rated high on the Fun to Drive is coz I am moving to a civic from a jetta turbo and compared to Jetta 1.8T the Civic is quite torqueless. But I didnt buy it for its sportiness. I bought it for its realiablity, fuel economy and overall functionality. Its a very practical car...far more practical than out Jetta, far more reliable than the Jetta and far more fuel efficient too.