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:

• 

  Needs more interior room! - 2008 Honda Element
  By hondagirl - February 26 - 7:45 pm

  Great to drive...very good gas mileage for an SUV!

• 

  Hondas reputation comes through - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Nate - February 25 - 9:11 am

  Good reliable car. With regular maintenance and responsible ownership, Ive never had any major problems. Great gas mileage! Seems to be built well, and is easy to fix and modify if necessary, both internally and externally. I hope to continue driving this car for years to come.

• 

  Ill keep it until the wheels fall off - 1999 Honda Civic
  By BustedFlush - February 24 - 9:19 am

  Has it been 10 years? I used to live very close to work, so my Civic only has 95,000 miles on it. Had to replace the exhaust line (Ohio winters mean salt trucks) but otherwise no serious issues. Had the fuel filter replaced, new plugs, timing belt and a tune up around 85,000. Someone asked me why I buy cars (depreciating asset) instead of leasing - this is why. Mechanic says this car is just getting warmed up and I havent had a car payment since 2003.

• 

  Honda rocks - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By abulazeez - February 24 - 2:32 am

  We love this SUV so much, it moves very fast, just like rocket, fun to drive. The 4x4 is very fantastic. I enjoy driving in turbulent off road terrain. It is a wonderful SUV. Will recommend it for every one.

• 

  Great car for the $$ - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Linda - February 23 - 2:03 am

  I bought my CR-V EX about a month ago. I choose the EX because I wanted the sunroof, which was standard on the EX model. The car is fun to drive and Ive been very pleased with my purchase. This SUV is very classy looking as well, just as sophisticated as the pricier SUVs. The interior is so roomy, you actually feel like you are in a much bigger vehicle. Nice sized cargo area & the rear seats easily fold up for extra storage.

• 

  1st AWD a GOOD Experience! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Charles Rickey - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Our best experience has been the ability to safely go up and down our steep, gravel road to our country home. The road is approxmately one mile long and we used to take our van. We would slip, hit bottom and hope we would make it. The 1st time we took the Pilot, the remark was - - why didnt we get this car a long time ago?

• 

  2003 Honda Civic EX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By madmjennifer - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun, reliable car that I plan to have for many years. Although Ive only had it for a little less than a year now, it hasnt given me any problems and I would still buy it if given another chance.

• 

  disappointed - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kc of toronto - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The overall built quality is better than the previous generations, and it is now more like its main competetor the Camry. The engine is more relaxed especially when the air-con is on. However, I find that the fitting of the interior parts is poor: my car is plaqued with squeaks and rattles. This problem is exaggerated by the quietl interior and firm suspension. The second point is the slow down-shifting of the auto box. It seems to move to the top gear (or overdrive?) as soon as possible. I wished I had test driven the Mazda 6 (or even a 3 with 2.3 l).

• 

  mixed feelings - 2004 Honda Accord
  By notimpressedthistime - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The new Accord has better built quality than my previous tinny 2000 Accord. The door are solid and the interior is quiet. Problem is you can hear MORE rattles inside the cabin. I also dont like the slow downshifting of the autobox, which always gets to top gear/ OD ASAP even at very low speed. Engine feels more powerful with the air-con on. Suspension is a little stiff and again doesnt help the rattles. Interior fit not up to par, Honda!

• 

  Loving the elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By CSKID - February 21 - 6:46 pm

  Do alot of traveling...Love the way the element drives and looks. Handles the curves of hwy 299 excellently at decent speeds !!!! Didnt feel too top heavy. The element shifts up and down easily...Fifth gear did great going up i5s grapevine with the best of them and even on steep grades going down, hardly needed to use the brakes going down in third.