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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  1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By TMD - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Honda should have had the manual transmission produced in the year V6 coupe. I would have rated it a 10 for "fun to drive" then. No issues with it. I did have to take it to the dealer at about 65k miles when the check engine light came on. Free-of- charge, the Honda dealership reprogrammed the EGR system (exhaust gas recirc) and the light hasnt came on since. .

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  There are better ones - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Mr49er - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Passport for my wife. She absolutely loves it. I, on the other hand, find it very uncomfortable to drive. On the passenger side, however, its nicer. I keep having problems with the check engine light coming on and no Honda dealer can tell me why. I dont think Honda made a good move to team with Isuzu just to get into the SUV market. Like I said, "there are better ones".

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  Nice Automobile - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Dirtbikerprn - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda Civic. It gets excelent gas mileage about 37-38mpg.

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  It keeps on going Strong! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Brian Leding - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Total of 211K miles and still runs like new. All service and maint. has been kept up. Front axles have had to be replaced twice and the water pump once. Condensation from the A/C dripped into the radio and shorted it out. The A/C developed a slow leak after my wife wrecked it once. Those are the only issues Ive had with this car. It is easily the best car Ive ever owned. Interior is still holding up really well. The arm rest has some wear on it. Wonderful car. I cant say it enough. Highly recommended. Very reliable transportation. Car holds its resale value well too.

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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By westin - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive put more miles on this car in a shorter amount of time than any other vehicle Ive ever owned. It fun to drive and camp in. The interior is genius and the gas mileage is great. It has the SUV looks without the SUV budget busting gas drain. Bieng that it was a first year vehicle, I leased this auto. As soon as this lease is up, Im buying a another new one.

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  Elements are versatile - 2003 Honda Element
  By New Honda - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The versatility of this "cruck" has been fabulous. Easy to convert it to haul large items and even the family dogs. Comfortable to travel in and use as a camp accessory. Easy to clean inside and out.

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  Great Van Great Value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Good1 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  We love our Odyssey! It has about 4000 miles on it so far. We have taken a couple of road tirps of about 2 to 5 hours in duration and it drives like a dream. I have yet to find anything that I do not like. It is very user friendly and a great value for what you get. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good mini van.

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  my civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hman - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Great first car but also a good family car. Good gas mileage, with great reliability and resale value.

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  OUR HYBRID - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GBF AND MLJT - July 31 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT, GREAT VEHICLE WITH WONDERFUL AGILITY AND GREAT RESPONSE. BUY ANOTHER IN A HEARTBEAT!!! WE HAVE TAKEN THIS ONE INTO THE SNOW AND INTO THE WORST HEAT OF THE DESERT AND THE PERFORMANCE IS AMAZING. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE!!! GBF AND MLJT

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  Honda Civic Sedan EX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By VictorP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been pleasantly surprized by this honda civic sedan ex, its acceleration has been better than I thought it would be and milage is better than 32mpg. It feels good inside and is not as noisy as some econo cars that I test drove. Overall better than a 30+mpg car should feel. I am very pleased.