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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  Horrible experience!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Douglas Kelley - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this Odyssey from Rick Case Honda in Florida and from the beginning to now the Honda Odyssey and the Honda experience has been horrible!! The vehicle has been to the shop 5 times for different things going wrong....The problems can be fixed but not always permanently as 2 of the problems have come back....stay away...stay away...stay away!!!!

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  Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Wendel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The Cr-V is fun to drive...tight and very responsive to the road. Quality is evident throughout. The rear is easily accessible and plenty big for hauling items from general shopping errands to small household projects.

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  Reliable, Solid, but not comfortable - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Alex K - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I really like how well this car performs and how solid it feels. Superb fuel economy, solid engine, trans... BUT, its not really comfortable. The seats are hard and awkward. Honda needs to put more foam in those seats.

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  honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gobin - August 18 - 2:00 am

  its a good car

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  Greatest Car EVER!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MJKSKDB - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Well I have the 4 cyl. and was going to get the V6 but just as happy! This 4 cyl v-tech engine comes with 160 HP. If you want your accord to look even better put some 18" racing rims on it, looks beatiful. I have had people roll down there window and yell to me nice car. If your looking for a reliable and fun and great car to drive get the honda accord!!! HANDLES TURNS GREAT

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Terra - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with this car. Performance, comfort wonderful.

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  The Element: So Ugly, It is CUTE! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dean - August 17 - 9:03 am

  It runs well, and gets over 21mpg REAL mileage, in the city and mountain driving. TALL PEOPLE ALERT! More important to me, it has enough headroom -- I am 65". I cannot safely sit in and drive most cars. The element is a joy to drive. Big rear door and tailgate, removable moon roof, and big side doors with no post are really great! Great power with good mileage. Only has two rear seats, but they fold up and come out easily for major loads and camping. I love it! I have had Isuzu Trooper and Suzuki Sidekick and other cars, but I really like this and recommend it. I have received (jealous) jokes about it being a delivery truck, but it is so ugly, it is cute!

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  goodbye chevy, hello honda civic hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ken good - August 17 - 7:36 am

  having been a chevy diehart most of my life, i simpley got tired waiting on g.m. hybrid. purchased a honda civic hybrid, got the shock of my life. handels great, fun to drive, gets 50 mpg and 100 mph if i want to. a very very solid car, compaired to my priouvis chevys. my corvette has been parked.

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  Safer than You Think - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Angcrum - August 17 - 3:03 am

  We bought a new base line Honda Fit several monthes back and absolutely loved the car. Last week my wife was driving home when another car hydroplaned and crossed the median. She hit the side of this car at 60 mph. Our Fit was totaled but my wife walked away with just bruising from the airbag and seatbelt. The other driver had to be cut out of the car and spent several days in the hospital. The front of our Fit was destroyed but the internal integrity of the cabin was never compromised. We have a new Fit on order and would recommend this car to anyone. We primarily use it for cummuting in Denver and were averaging 40 mpg for our base model 5 speed manual transmission.

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  I love my Lude!! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Akane-chan - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Prelude is my 1st car and I would never dream or ponder of selling it. I bought it just under 100K the handling is awesome, the body is strong (I was in a hit and run and thanks to its strong body styling I didnt get as hurt as I should have) and wow I have never seen a car get so many glances. ^.~ It has a lot of power for a 4 Cylinder, speedy, and very sporty. The interior is perfect with its bucket seats, and I believe even the stock system is awesome. I have installed a cd-deck so it sounds crisp and clean. Besides everything, Ive had few minimal problems with my Lude other than the normal changes and tune-ups. Its fun to drive!!