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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  Fun, zippy, and gets a ton of attention! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By jpyrz - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I didnt buy this car because Im an environmentalist. I actually am not a big fan of recycling because its a pain most of the time. However, when saving the environment can save me money, and let me drive a fun, zippy car, Im all for it. I was amazed at the get-up that this car has, I was expecting a weak little ride, but it has more power (feels anyway) than the 96 Toyota Corolla I traded in for it.

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  Preliminary review - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Drud Report - June 19 - 7:46 pm

  I will add more to this review later, but my initial impressions are very good. I dont have a long commute or drive a lot as other Fit consumers do, but I still got this because I know Hondas are reliable, I like the new Fits design and performance specs compared to the older versions and I wanted to be environmentally conscious. I sold my 2001 Jeep Cherokee and am glad to finally be past the SUV phase of my life. Getting used to the 4 cylinders will be interesting, because the Fit just doesnt have a lot of power. But its so low and aerodynamic that it still zips around and is fun to drive. So far I love the Fit. I think its a great value for the money in this economy.

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  you wouldnt understand its a HONDA thing - 2004 Honda Element
  By Helen Bennett - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Element for three months, and already 10,000 miles. This vehicle is terrific in every sense of the word. After four Accords since 1987 and over a million miles on them I again put my trust in them and this car is perfect. Ive camped in in four times been to the Indy 500, MIS races with one more to go and its just the best. Great fuel milage great ride and no not the noise that I have read about. I drive it over a hundred miles a day to work and back on the freeway and it doesnt skip a beat. And of course my 17 year old has to drive it just to "show off". Although there is nothing wrong with her Civic. Honda has another winner here.

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  Great Vehicle/ Interior Scratches Easily - 2004 Honda Element
  By jkemrick - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Our Element is wonderful. Its fun to drive, its roomy and it gets a lot of compliments. Our 5 dogs love it! However, considering it is advertised as a rugged vehicle designed to carry all sorts of gear, the interior scratches way too easily - including the dashboard area that the dogs dont have access to.

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  The best Honda yet! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bush - June 19 - 10:00 am

  If you havent tried it, youre missing out. Drive one and youll never have another car.

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  Honda quality? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By AKD - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Honda, bought used with 24k mi, 7 mos ago. Must now replace rear main seal & front axle shaft for $1265. Tranny is weak. Factory radio quit 2 wks ago, 1 window motor about to go. More rattles & whistles than my 89 Corolla w/ 273k mi. Front seats uncomfortable if youre tall. Fuzzy fabric grabs clothing. One seat doesnt lock down readily after adjusting. Fit & finish sloppy vs. Toyota. Cabin air filter buried behind glove box, expensive to replace per schedule. A/C not cold enough & makes brakes mushy. Fuel light only when you hit fumes. Trading for another Toyota ASAP.

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  Happy Days - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Test drive - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and reliable. Great for small drivers.

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Chinook47 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Peppy, good acceleration, great gas mileage. The swing up back window makes for easy loading of small items without having to open the entire back door, which by the way, has a very large opening. Cargo space in back is plenty big. Location of instrument cluster is easily readible. Standard CD/Cassette player one of the best features. Seats comfortable, but a little stiff.

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  Its a keeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spikebgood - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Honda build quality as usual. Fits my needs for size and look forward to awd during its 1st NH winter. Took it FL with the two kids and had plenty of rear cargo room for our stuff. Highly recommend.

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  cr-v 03 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By g thiebaud - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Outside of the disapointing average gas millage, the car is very practical, looks great, is built well, and a lot of fun to drive.