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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  THE MOST FUN CAR EVER - 2003 Honda Insight
  By MANY CARS - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have five cars including classics, MBs,Wagon, Truck,and if I had to throw them all away in order to keep driving my Insight, I would do it...This car is so much fun and a fill up every few months.....It is low, spiffy, LOTS of zip, and I NEVER have to drive other couples home.The rear is easier to load than my Lexus.I love it that my Insight turns more heads than $100,000 guzzlers.

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  Tried&True-most reliable car of 6 owned! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Hondalvr - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had a lot of nightmares with used cars, and this one has been amazing. 3.5 years with not one single problem. Fun to drive, at least 30 mpg, usually 33mpg. One of the safest, acc. to Consumer reports. The only reason I am selling is because Im moving. If I could, I would drive it until it died (which wouldnt be until at least 250k miles, Im convinced!), and I would get more than my moneys worth. These cars are definitely worth way more than they sell for!!

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  Perfect Sports Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Mugen S2k - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Its just as fun now as it was when it rolled off the showroom floor, best car for the money(PERFORMENCE) the looks, the "ohhh is that a porsche", and the 9 thousand RPM redline is to die for, ill never own anything else till they stop making it. TRUE INDY INSPIRED CAR, this car was not made for picking up the kids, it is a true street legal race car.

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  Get In-Turn Key-Drive - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dan258 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 1999 LX 4dr just over 4 years ago. I fill it will gas, do the oil changes, tire rotation and other planned maintenance. In a nutshell, I get in the car, turn the key, and drive. No problems, no worries, nothing. Very reliable. Great car.

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  In My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By V Scott B - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I race in Triathlons. Nothing is more important than making sure my bike is in correct order before placing it in the bike rack early on race morning. Unfortunately, this is usually in the dark. So, being able to set my bike up the day before in my garage, roll it into the Element without having to remove any parts, go to a race and out to eat without having to worry about the bike being out in the weather, and taking the bike out for the race knowing it is just like I left it the night before...Its just wonderful.

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  I LOVE IT... - 2004 Honda Element
  By JERSEY MIKE - September 1 - 10:00 am

  PLAIN AND SIMPLE..WHEN I FIRST SAW ONE I HAD TO BUY ONE...NO DISAPPOINTMENTS..IT DOES WHAT I HOPED IT WOULD DO...SOMETHINGS IN LIFE ARE BETTER THAN WHAT YOU IMAGINED, AND THIS VEHICLE FITS THAT DISCRIPTION TO A TEE!!

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  Great Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Suz1962 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy driving this vehicle, its fun and funky.

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  high expectations - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By eddie mejia - September 1 - 10:00 am

  looks like a sturdy suv rides like a car.

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  SUV not to be taken off road - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wizofwall - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Just got a 04 CR-V. Took it to my friends property for some very mild off road driving (got the car in May and I refuse to wait until next X-Mas to try the AWD). The result, $1000 in damages. The EVAT canister busted on me at the first rock. Youd think the car would have some sort of non-Mickey Mouse protection under the car... Overall it rides pretty nice though. The AWD did an excellent job. Ive seen anything from Explorers to Humbies getting stock in some places where I did too. The difference is that the CR- V got out and the others always end up requiring 5-8 guys pushing to get them out. Still licking my wounds over the canister, though....

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dowling - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this honda. We previously owned a honda civic, we needed more space and a little more power. Well we got it in our CRV. This car handles just like my civic did. I can make a u-turn anywhere I want, and I can fit into any parking space, no matter how tight! It drives very easily, I do alot of high speed driving in my commute to work, and I am always comfortable never feeling cramped. My two year old son loves it because he can see the road from his carseat(in the middle of the car). Even my husband loves to drive it because it has so much more power than the civic did.