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:

• 

  STOP STARING AT ME!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lex13 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The c Element is great overall. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The audio system is great in the EX, but it doesn come standard with remote entry. I love how u can turn all of the seats into a bed. The car rides great and doesnt tilt at all, but what was Honda thinking by putting only 160 hp into the car... come on you got to have at least 200 in an SUV. If you want attention, this is the car to buy. Everywhere i go people are just staring at the car, and within 3 weeks i have talked to about 30 people (that ive never met before) about the car and they have all said that they liked it.

• 

  Great SUV, The right size. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gbnutter - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just perfect for everyday use. Honda quality, great gas mileage, although we would love a hybrid CRV. More than enough power for highways, climbing, everything, we have never wished for more power! We did have an after market leather added, a really nice addition!

• 

  First SUV and happy w/ choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sherd538 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It deffinetely handles as nice as any car that I have owned. Fun to drive and my kids love riding in it. Plenty of cargo space. Easy access to 3rd row but 2nd row should be adjustable. smooth driving but makes an unusual amount of under carriage noise. Also the rear passenger side wheel well area rattles an awful lot (appointment setup to check problem). Other then noises and rattles the pilot is a good reliable suv. ($30,000 for cars/suvs is obserd but what can we do). Compared to the other suvs its the best bang for your buck. Buy it you will like it.

• 

  Honda Hits Homer with CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mohusker - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After 8,000 miles, nary a squak. Power tops many competing V-6s while delivering decent fuel economy. We considered Escape (attractive but pickup interior and too many recalls), Santa-Fe (roomy but unproven reliability) and RAV-4 (cute but cramped with hard-pressed engine). CR- Vs roomy rear quarters, quality, efficiency, and stellar powertrain won out. Few of 30 dealers contacted would bargain, however the CR-Vs sticker is $1,500-$2,000 below competitors. We needed a tall wagon with a higher step-in height rather than an off-roader. We made the right choice.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Hondaacord - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has all a driver entusiast could want, with its peppy V6, semi what styling on the outside and reliability expected out of a Honda. The factory tires were poor but other than that its just a fun car to drive.

• 

  none - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bgtiger - September 15 - 2:00 am

  thsi care is an amazing machine that anyperson can turn into a street racing machine

• 

  SSSWWWEEETTT!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Suzy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Got my car 2-22-03 from Rusty Wallis Honda. Anthony Smith is absolutly one of the nicest salesman Ive ever met. (If there is such a thing)... Got a GREAT DEAL on my car. Absolutely love everything about the new accord. I wouldnt change a thing. Fun to drive very cozy and rich feel.

• 

  smooth... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By citiboy76 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car was all I was dreaming of, especially at the low price it was negotiated at. Very reasonable pricing for a quality vehicle such as this one. The LX V-6 is one powerful engine.

• 

  Undecided - 2006 Honda Civic
  By undecided - September 15 - 12:10 am

  I did a ton of research before buynig my new Civic. I love the features, the smooth shifting, the look of the car, and how it drives. Unfortunately, my new car has not been reliable. In the first 3 months I have had to repair my vehicles brakes, replaced the power steering assembly, and due to a faulty grounding wire, Ive been stranded on a busy freeway with a completely shut down car. I purchased a Honda for reliability above all else. My story isnt a typical one, but I post it here in case it helps other people. Other than the continuous repairs, I am very happy with my purchase. All repairs have been covered by warentee, but I would have prefered the car to be realiable.

• 

  Fuel milage is below expectations - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LB - September 14 - 11:26 pm

  Its a little car that gets about 28 MPG combined driving and around 33 MPG on highway. This is very close to what our 2004 Accord does, and the Accord is 4 years old. I was expecting MORE. It is well constructed and easy to drive. The driver seat is a little hard. I do not like the gas gauge; would prefer one that shows 1/4 1/2, 3/4 and full. Those little dots on the gas gauge leaves much to be desired. The AC is not adequate at low speeds and the split level puts too much on the feet and not enough on the upper level. I may not keep this car very long.