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 First Car - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tony Cross - August 3 - 5:13 pm

  This is my very first car and I am loving this Element. The gas mileage is wonderful and I love the interior design. The easy wipe floor is the best because if I had carpet I would have a big red stain on it because I spilled a strawberry soda. This little truck was a blast when I to Panama City for Spring Break. I only had to fill up this truck three times. One time I just did for the cheap gas price, but the other two times was before I left to go and before I left to come back home.

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  Very Well Rounded Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bennett - August 3 - 10:50 am

  This car offers a great deal for your money. Its not the fastest on the road, but its a real treat to drive. The build quality is top notch. It drives very different from other cars Ive owned...you must get up to about 6000 RPM to tap into the real power. But once you do, it really takes off. This car is a good compromise for someone wanting a sports car and a small family car.

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  Not great so far - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff - August 3 - 7:06 am

  Horrible gas mileage... noise (rattle) in door panels from speakers even when radio volume (and bass) is low. Transmission shifts very hard.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1990 Honda Accord
  By scampbell - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car because I liked the way it looked and was impressed with its performance. The 5-speed manual transmission is smooth shifting and fun to drive, even at nearly 14 years old. We replaced the distributor at about 57k miles, then Honda sent us a letter telling us they would reimburse us for the expense. Wow! This is why I will buy another Honda product. When we replaced the timing belt at the recommended 90k intervals, we also replaced the water pump, seals, and had the valves adjusted. So far, almost 200k trouble-free miles in a car that still looks new.

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  Just got it and think I made a mistake - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JMW - August 3 - 1:10 am

  Just purchased the sedan with the navigation and V6. Power is wonderful, the seats hurt after only 200 miles of driving. Maybe I will get used to them. Overall interior size of car is wonderful but the trunk is a little small in relation to the car. Beware - you can feel the engine move from 3 cylinders, to 4 then 6. Test drive to make sure you can live with this First impressions are overall good. But at $30k, I could have purchased a much more involved car (Audi, BMW,), this rides like a Buick.

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  What was i thinking purchasing a mazda? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Daniel B - August 2 - 9:00 pm

  Traded in my Mazda RX8, fully loaded, for 06 Civic EX coupe and absolutely LOVE IT!! What was I thinking buying a Mazda in the first place? My previous two cars were Honda and I loved them (both had over 150k mi. after I sold them). I thought Mazda wouldnt be much different - WRONG! I actually have more fun driving my new Civic! Can you say mechanical harmony?! And it cruises at 85 quietly and smoother than rx8.

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  SIMPLY THE BEST! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Eric L Riggs - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have never been more satisfied with a vehicle than I have been with my s2000. Nothing compares.

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  S2000 Love! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By k1nav - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I thought this car would be like my Miata, but with more horsepower, but almost everything is better except maybe trunk space and the Miatas classic analog dash - But, the S2000 has better SO-2 tires, silky smooth 6 spd trans, ultra quick elect pwr steering, ABS brakes, seats with better support & nicer leather, power top, better fabric, quicker more precise handling, HID, smoother engine low end and WOW! incredible top end to 8900 RPM - Did I mention the engine!

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  Amazing! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By JerseyGirl - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly fun to drive. Theres nothing else like it out there today!

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  Good little car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By pamrogersrn - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 8 years now, and it has served me well. It is a very reliable car. It never left me stranded anywhere. Its a great car for a single person, or small family. I now have two children and the back seat is just too small for a family to find comfortable.