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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  Love My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RJMartin42 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle.I got the Sunset Orange which is the best color. I get alot of looks from people wondering what kind of car it is...I love to Mountain Bike and can throw my bikes in the Element and no worries with a bike rack...

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  worth every penny - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By honda_addict - June 23 - 10:00 am

  We were in the market for a midsize to large sedan and were considering the Toyota Avalon, Camry, and Honda Accord, but passenger comfort just wasnt quite up to par. Not enough leg room in the back or an annoying center hump kept us from buying. Then we looked at the 2003 CR-V, sat in the back (all 3 of us) and we were impressed! The CR-V has as much leg room as the Avalon, which is 4 inches more than the Camry or Honda, and the person in the center can really stretch out. Very comfortable, decent gas mileage, powerful engine, and great handling (even for an SUV)..Very happy!

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  Civilized car needing a few improvements - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Schneider - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Civic, but I did, and its not quite a bad car. The performance is adequate for its size, and the handling is pretty taut. The interior has a nice look to it, but there are a few substantial rattles that are annoying. Overall quality is decent, but the "tight" feel of everything could be improved. The car really "loosens up" shortly after being purchased. Even with all of this, the fuel economy is what keeps me really happy about my purchase. Good car for the money.

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  the greatest accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mpetersen - June 23 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best sedan on the panet.great price 23k,great Performance (love the hp240)great gas mileage 30-32

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mr. Bee - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car in every way. Great milage (25-30) with excellent power. Quiet, smooth. Build quality tops. Dealer very good service. This car has a personality, unlike the Camry. Actually turns heads!

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  the most fun for your money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By marcelos si - June 23 - 4:10 am

  i used to have all kind of vehicles, usually i didnt keep a car for more than 6 to 9 month before i got bored of them but my new si its just awesome, from performance to design to fuel economy this car is by far the best civic ever and also the kind of vehicle that i really want to keep.

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  cr-v - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mari - June 22 - 11:26 am

  I love this car. I cant believe that I own it. Ive had it for 2 months. It looks great. Mileage is averaging 18 miles. I do many short trips in stop and go. I havent been on a highway yet. I love the shine on my Glacier blue. I wish Honda offered a blue interior too. The only thing that didnt make me happy was the fact that I couldnt get a great deal . CR-Vs are very popular here.

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  Honda Civic Ex 01 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By prasanth - June 22 - 6:23 am

  Good. No complaints. But less fun.

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  2nd Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Caleb Hall - June 21 - 11:56 pm

  This is my 2nd accord. I am changing from a 04 Maxima. It has excellent gas mileage drove from PHX to San on a half a gas of tank. Feels very light and responsive love the ability to be more agile. Ive gotten a lot of compliments even for just being a Accord. Have had no problems with blinking headlights.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Margo - June 21 - 10:36 pm

  I have only owned it a week and love how it drives--so smooth, quiet, responsive. Cant comment on mpg yet. I like the shelf in the back versus a privacy screen that rolls. Very good looking vehicle too. I waited for this new model to come out. My daughter owns a 2004 CRV which she loves but now she is in love with mine, especially the young, sporty look, the better radio sound the 6-CD changer and the moon roof. I was also comparing the CRV to RAV4 and chose the CRV due to the new styling, big door handles inside, and hatchback. I didnt need the moon roof and would prefer back-up sensors, automatic headlights, automatic soft closing of hatch. Still it is great value for the money!