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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  Reliable Performance - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Maui - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Prelude for over 4 years now and have not had a single problem with it. Extremely dependable and reliable car. Handling is excellent for a car in this price range and acceleration is also quite good. Honda is the King of small-engine performance and the Prelude is no exception. True, you wont get the heart-stopping performance of a V8, but the Prelude can hold its own quite well and is cheaper at the gas pump too. All in all, just an excellent all- around package from Honda and a true pleasure to drive.

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  me love element - 2004 Honda Element
  By elementlover - April 20 - 10:00 am

  i feel like the king of the road in my element and when im on the road i need a place to sleep me and my element go together like spaghetti and meatballs theres no better car and i totally suggest this car over any other car out there escalade, mercedes, hummer, lexus, porshe ive driven them all and i wouldnt trade my element for any of themif you dont have a element thats like not having air to breathe

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  Fun to drive! - 2004 Honda Element
  By E. - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element, I have had several Hondas but this one has been the best. Its fun to drive and has so much hauling room, it makes going to the hardware store a piece of cake, not to mention how nice it is to fold up the seats and use it for a kennel when going to the Vet. I like that you dont have to worry about staining the carpet when you spill something. This vehicle is a must have at a great price!

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  my odessey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Lindsey111 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This van is exceptional and I love the transition from my accord to the odessey van.

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  strut problem - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By labest - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I had to have both front struts replaced within 2 weeks of my purchase. The warranty took care of it and the dealership gave me a rental. I was a major inconvince, but I would still purchace another one. I hope I do not have any future problems.

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  Had to choose the CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By kathgip - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I just got my CR-V 3 weeks ago. This car was not my first choice, but after extensive research and reading all the reviews, I decided to take one out for a test drive and I was impressed. I love the safety reviews. And the Honda reputation is unsurpassed. The interior room is amazing, and yet it is easy to drive. The turning radius is far superior than my old Altima. And the gas mileage is the same as my Altima. The 4cyl is very peppy and cruises at 65mph with no difficulty. I love it!

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  I love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mim - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd crv and I love it.It is so nice to drive. The 2004 model has a great interior with seats that seem to fit to your body they are very comfortable, and being a single woman i love the reliability.

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  honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By niki1213 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my honday in jan. 04,. runs good better body style then last year..good on gas and is sporty.

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  2500 miles on my civic,,,,,my fourth - 2004 Honda Civic
  By John Poelking - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I would not return to the dealersip I bought it at, the car itself has been flawless. Fit and finish, driveability,fuel economy..all well above average.Very happy.typical Honda. probably why its my fourth Honda purchased

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  the kreeper - 1991 Honda Civic
  By prgodfather - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for about a year. and all i did was drive that sucker to the ground. i strickly made it for street racing and the thing still runs.no problems at all.i love it