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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  Shoreline Mist - 2003 Honda Element
  By johi77 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was trying to decide between a PT Crusier, a Matrix or Vide, a Focus, and the Element. The Element won me over! First off, the price was great. Then comes the design and the practical elements of the design. COOL CAR! I am a little worried about the gas mileage...I traded in my 98 Civic DX hatchback and am missing the mileage on that little thing, but well see since my Element is so new. So far the reaction from people in this area has been staring, pointing, and a few yells of "What the hell is that? " or "Looks like a shoebox on wheels." I think it looks like a cross between an old woodie and a jeep with a touch of Hummer.

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  Best SUV on the road! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By zinx - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is extremely quite even at highway speeds. It eats up every bump as if there were none on the roads. It has plenty of room for all passengers. My wife and I no longer bump elbows at the armrest. My first tank of gas I averaged 20.35 mpg. That is driving in the Dallas Forth Worth metro.

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  rhondas honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By drummermama - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Pilot last week.It is the nicest car I have ever had. It handles like a dream glides as you are going down the road.The interior is extremely well thought out. Many and good sized cup holders that are deep. Rear air/heat. Rear hdphone jacks. Mine also has the dvd player,most enjoyable.Plenty of leg room, I have a 6 foot 4 16 old that says he has plenty of room back there,more than enough head room also. The 3rd row seating has already come in handy, and i like that you can lay all the back seats flat for a nice sized cargo area.Its definately worth buying the Pilot if you are looking for a mid=sized SUV.

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  2001 EX Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By dantheman2 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Im unsure of why people conplain about the wind noise and tires in the 2001 Civic. I have driven my Civic for a few months now and have yet to hear or expierence anything bad with this car. The gas milage is great, but some complain about the sticker mileage to the actual milage they recieve, this all depends on the way they drive there car. (Going 80 mph will not give you 30 miles to the gallon) The features inside of the Civic are nice and it has great exterior looks. I added the alloy wheels and a spoiler, these add to the good looks for a relitivly low price. Its a great car for a comutor.

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  a great decision - 2002 Honda Accord
  By robert kotas - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was wavering between Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. I am very happy about buying the Accord, as the car is built very well. Absolutely no problems after 8000 miles. I am happy about the V6, as the 4 cylinder engine feels so weak comparatively. I average 20 mpg in the city.

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  The best of the best! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By E Alan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We own three Honda now. A 1992 Accord EX, 2001 Odyssey EX and now the 2003 Accord V6 EX. After having the this car 5 months now I still can not beleave how much fun it is to drive. In fact I have 13,000 miles already. That with 29 MPG average, I just can not wait to go no my next trip. I have had some very minor problems, but Honda has fixed them all.

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  I am Loving It - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Missy - October 27 - 1:03 pm

  Great purchase decision. Love the car in totality. Lovely exterior and luxurious interiors makes Honda CRV the best buy of 2009 making it a value for money car. No complaints and fun to drive.

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  my sports fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By CA driver - October 27 - 7:43 am

  I finally traded my gas guzzler, SUV for a Sports Fit. After doing the research and driving the car, I purchased my orange Fit. I had to adjust to less suspension, a rougher road ride than before. I loved the quick turn action and actually entered the freeway and hit 60 mph in six seconds. It performs nicely and I came from Mercedes and Nissan Pathfinder. I love my little car, more features included than on the Matrix. I definitely saw the quality in this buy over its competition.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By spritzy - October 26 - 6:53 pm

  I have nothing but positive remarks on my purchase of a Honda Accord. Very comfortable, fun to drive, and Im hooked on the XM radio. A great value for the amount of extra features.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By klaut - October 26 - 6:52 pm

  Just bought my CRV last week and so far so good, I am thrilled with it! Downsized from a Dodge Caravan and not missing the extra room at all. Drives great, looks great (Tango Red) and best of all Im loving the better gas mileage. Handles so well and the moon roof and GPS are added bonuses!