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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  Almost perfect. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jon P - May 7 - 11:45 pm

  Purchased used 7 years ago, our 2005 Element has proven to be one of the best vehicle purchases I’ve ever made. Rivaling my 2003 Subaru Forester (the most consistent vehicle I’ve ever owned) in terms of drivability and reliability, and surpassing all other vehicle in terms of versatility. Pros: Amazing storage capacity and versatility. Outside of a cargo van, I can’t think of another vehicle that allows this much cargo space. I’ve spent night sleeping in it. I’ve moved beds, countless pieces of furniture, gardening supplies/equipment, etc… I’ve been completely, and utterly spoiled by the Element’s ability to transport things. It will be very hard to replicate when it comes time to buy another vehicle. Solid winter performance. The AWD system is reliable in getting through snow and ice. I have noticed it sometimes hiccups on wet roads, though that could be tire issues. Driving height is also a boon. You’re seated just a bit above sedan level and are afforded great view of the road, and the ‘widescreen’ windshield does a great job of exploiting all that visible space. Handling is responsive, and the turning radius is really good. You can tell this SUV was built off of a sedan chasis. The stock sound system is really superb. So-so: MPG is about what you’d expect. Nothing to write home about, but not exceptionally low. Doesn’t have a lot of get up and go. Not quite sluggish, but you’re not going to win any races with the Element. You’ve got to plan your traffic merges accordingly. Visibility is kinda subpar outside of the front seat. Lots of columns and little blind spots to be aware of. Only a 4 passenger vehicle. I knew that in advance, but an option for a 5th person would have been great. Cons: Brakes! Oh man, have we gone through brakes. About every 18,000 miles we’re investing in new pads. We’ve had to replace the rotors a few times as well. We’ve used the dealership as well as recommended mechanics. Doesn’t matter. The Element chews through brakes like no other car I’ve owned before. Suicide doors. Getting backseat passengers in and out, especially in parking lots and garages, is painful. I understand that they may assist with the loading/unloading of the vehicle, but for as often as you would actually need suicide doors to accomplish this it’s totally not worth it. Getting things in and out through the back isn’t much more difficult. All in all, I’d recommend an Element to anyone who wants a unique looking vehicle with an incredible amount of cargo space and utility.

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  Like the E - 2005 Honda Element
  By gkrum - May 7 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 5000 miles on my Element - it is working out very well. It has lots of room and gets about 23 mpg in mixed driving. My growing son loves the room in the back seat, and my dog enjoys the space too.

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  Runs Forever - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Runs Forever - May 7 - 5:36 am

  This is our 3rd Accord LX 4 cylinder (See similar reviews under 97 Accord and 2000 Accord Runs Foverer). 97 LX model has 209000 miles & still going strong with no major repairs, 2000 LX model has 73000 miles with no repairs. The new 2005 model finds an excellent middle ground between the 97, which runs and feels like a sports coupe / 2+2, and the 2000 which drives and feels more like a traditional family sedan. I switched from Toyota after blowing the head gaskets in our 92 3.0 liter V6 engine twice (@ 85K and 140K miles) due to an engine design defect which necessitated a complete engine rebuild. No more toyotas for this driver.

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  preludelover - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By cmburns - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Honda preludes are the only type of car I have ever known. I have driven many other cars and have owned a 87 prelude, a 88 prelude and 3 98 preludes. I had unfortunate mishaps, both acts of god, and both times the prelude did a extremely good job of keeping me safe and sound.I am extremely upset that Honda has discontinued making this fine automobile. Hats off to the prelude!

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  What A GREAT Car! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Axel3693 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I had to get this car, it is so great, for the low cost, you get so freakin much! Me and my wife go out all the time cruisin just for fun.

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  My Rubics Cube aka....the box - 2003 Honda Element
  By the farmer - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Honda should be marketing to the older driver, due to the ease of entry and exit. Rooooomy!!!!! People cant believe what I can fit in it. Grandkids cant hop out until front door is opened---an unplanned extra. Havent seen the young "targeted" drivers in one yet. Seems like 40ish and up in this area. It really turns heads! As one lady in Maine said, "Do you love your Element? Its so ugly, its cute". Shorter and more manuverable then the Neon I had. Saw one on display in our shopping mall and thought, theres the wheels for me.

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  Almost total Feng Shui! - 2003 Honda Element
  By fanrog - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My Satin Silvers on order (I have my VIN)! Im in love, but just a few things that unnerve me: 1. no front sunroof, 2. Im skinny but even I would have liked wider seats in the back than what the silly middle cup holders take up (the Japanese versions are all- seat), 3. missing 4WD-is-happenning indicator light in the dash or at LEAST some interior/exterior marking that what I paid for is actually in there, 4. prefer foot E brake and serious (TV supporting)console to low-profile handbrake, and 5. the mandatory lagoon blue interior is so un-feng shui with the satin silver! By the way, a really neat Element animation is at www.honda.co.jp/ELEMENT.

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  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Renejade - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Element is the epitome of COOL. I love this vehicle. It is perfect for me, lots of room for my dogs and equipment, great mileage and Honda reliability. Easy to clean, rugged in and out and still has class.

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  Miami Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By crad - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Our 2003 pilot has 29,000 miles and has been a pleasure to own. Other than regular scheduled oil changes and gas when needed, it has not required any maintenance at all. Our kids love the entertainment system (first one weve ever had) and they love the SUV style (again, first SUV weve ever owned). The pilot drives like a car and does not waste any more gas than our 2000 6 cyl. Maxima did. My wife and kids love their Pilot, I like it too!

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Warrior Chic - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I am having a great time with my Pilot. I can drive anywhere day or night and feel completely safe in my reliable Honda. I feel it has great personality. Like the fairy tale says: This SUV is too BIG, this SUV is too small, but the Honda Pilot is just RIGHT.