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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  Honda V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By James - March 22 - 5:16 am

  I love my V6 Honda coupe. It has the power to get you out of the way of traffic. The front of the car has plenty of room for two. I love the car because it is sporty and stylish. This car gets good fuel milage and has the look that turns heads. I cant tell you how many people have told me they love my car.

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  CRV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By cspan - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Biggest interior of the small utes. Great cargo space with or without the seats folded down. Comfortable car like ride, not stiff and truckish. Dont bother with high octane expensive fuel, it runs better and gets better gas mileage on regular unleaded. Great fun for weekend camping and outings.

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  Wonderful Car, Fun to Drive - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By LoriF - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in 1997, and to date have 112,000 miles on it. When my 100,000 mile warranty was about to run out, I took it to my mechanic for a full check up and he said there was not a thing wrong with it!! Will definitly upgrade to the newest one when the time comes!!

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  CRV 1999 - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By jules - March 22 - 2:00 am

  The 1999 Honda CRV is a fun and reliable vehical. Plenty of room, yet compact. doesnt drive like a truck...smooth ride. The only gripe I have is that they left the passenger arm rest off!

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  Honda Woes - 2005 Honda Civic
  By bobr - March 22 - 12:16 am

  I bought this Hybrid only becaue I thought the Toyota Prius was ugly. Well I had it for a few months and I like it. I received a recall letter from Honda claiming the hybrids computer software was defective and needed to be updated. I took it to my dealer and when they applied the update the computer crashed. My hybrid has been dead at the dealer for 15 days now while I wait for Honda to locate a replacement computer. I consider this service unacceptable and I feel that Honda should have shipped a new computer to my dealer immediately after then found out a new car they sold was dead due to a recall "fix". I should have bought the Prius. I am very disappointed with Hondas lack of concern.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fernando - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  It is a great minivan plus buying it wasnt as confusing as having to deal with all the Toyota alternatives. Its new look is awesome... Im also amazed with the fuel economy. I dont miss my 96 Town and Country at all.

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  CRV LESS THAN EXPECTED - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marissa - March 21 - 12:50 pm

  I had purchased this 2010 CRV approximately 4 months ago from COGGIN HONDA in Ft Pierce, FL. They tried to rip me off and succeeded, after fair negotiations in the financing room; typical cheesy, low life car salesmen, and this goes for the sales manager especially. I know others whom had a disappointing and frustrating experience there. I had traded in a Pilot, which I loved after lease was up, and the smalller SUV, really does not compare. The ride is not as smooth and comfortable + the interior is made of cheaper looking materials. The gas milage is only a couple miles per gallon less at about 25. So far, it has been dependable and have had no mechanical problems. Ranks high for safety.

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  Element-al fun! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Mudhead - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have one of the first "Es" off the line.(It was love at first sight).Its a very relaxing, comfortable and reliable car to drive and for the price and the features you cant go wrong! I talked two friends into an "E" and they are always thanking me for it!

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  Best for Money and So Practical - 2004 Honda Element
  By Virginia Haddad - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Although it seems to have been designed for males in their late teens, Im a middle aged female teacher who feels I look a little funny driving it, but given my lifestyle, the Element is by far the best car for me. I took the seats out in the back because I haul all kinds of stuff. I drive thousands of miles each month, often with my large dog, so again the Element is the best car for this. I dont think Ill ever get a car with carpet again--who needs it? I also like the big space in the back; Ive even slept in it a few times (though you need lots of padding for it to be comfortable). Ive only had the car for eight months, but I also bought it because of Hondas reliability.

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  04 Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By John Heim - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical at first, but I bought the Element anyway. It is a unique looking vehicle as well as a joy to drive. It pulls my 4 wheeler on a trailer as well as my small pontoon boat. I have the 4wd version, this helps to get the boat out of the water. Nevertheless it has plenty of power. My Element has never let me down.