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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  The best of 7 Hondas Ive owned - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mike - May 25 - 11:50 am

  As a proud owner of mnay Hondas, I have worked my way up from a CVCC to the Accord EX V6. The car handles suberb, great power, acceleration and fun to drive.

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  Function, Fun, Turns Heads! - 2005 Honda Element
  By baddawg - May 25 - 8:13 am

  Purchased EX ltd ed last summer - great function (holds 8ft lumber), very functional and convenient entry rear and front, seating OK, great flexibility. Good driving - sufficient power, Excellent saftey features, many convenience items Std., sound system VG. Suburban (40mph) and highway (60- 70 mph) mileage a bit disappointing, but it is an SUV. Well engineered and built. No regrets, zero initial problems!

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  If you like to drive..buy one! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M. R. Miller - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I did my reasearch in this catagory..the hands down winner was the S2000. Having never thought about this vehicle I was off to see what all the fuss was about. After an hour of face to face with this shy but powerful car I walked away owning a red one. I wanted a car to mimic the performance of my motorcycle only have the comfort of a 2 pasanger vehicle and I got it. If you love to feel acceleration, if you love to hear the motor music and love to turn on a dime this is your car. Sure, if I was in the market to pay $50 K plus there is another door open..however, this was a add on to my driving fix and the price tag was right.

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  $9,000 per cylender? - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Al Frank - May 25 - 2:00 am

  When I got in the cockpit I first got a positive impression of the car, but given time, other things came to my attention. The Cars performance would satisfy me if the price was around $25,000 because lets face it: 240 horses isnt extreme power by anybodys standards. I was dissappointed by the cars lack of power more than anything, although other aspects of performance were better.

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  Love My CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mark C. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Honda CR-V is the BEST small SUV on the market today.I have owned my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it has not had to go back to the dealership once for any kind of problem.I feel that it is the best value for its class.If I have one complaint, it is the cheap Bridestone Dueler HT tires that come as standard equipment on most CR-Vs. The tires produced terrible road noise. I just recently put Michelin X ones on my CR-V and the difference was like night and day.The ride is so much smoother and quiter.If you own a CR-V, do yourself a favor and trash the Bridgestones.I am in love all over again with my CR-V.

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  marco - 2003 Honda Element
  By DEmarco - May 25 - 2:00 am

  good its a good car or truck or suv whatever you want to call it.

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  great van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By uc_d4rk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  i have owned this minivan for a couple of months now this is a great vehicle, and my family and i have enjoyed it. the engine is silent but powerful, the exterior is sleek and beautiful, the interior so plush and perfect...i mean, this is just a WONDERFUL van...it was definitely worth the cost! its so valuable, wed never give it up! i highly appreciate and recommend this van. we love it, and we think that you will too!

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  Impressed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gumgardner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Had to wait 4 weeks to get the vehicle, but dealer experience was very positive. Loaded vehicle up with many dealer installed options, we hope that was not a mistake. Dealers servicemen took a lot of pride in prepping vehicle.

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  Lovin it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chaumayner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  What fun to drive. Rugged yet plush enough to look sharp. Spunky for a 4 cylinder. I have put it to good use and it even pulled a rental trailer very well. Lovin it since purchase 8 mo. ago.

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  My first Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jja - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just gor it but have read much about it. Will be for only two of us, wife and me. Want stability and safety in winter driving in NE Ohio. Want comfort and some amenities which this car has. Look forward to using it.