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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  Smart car for a family - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sonny Burnett - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda and the form, fit , and finish of this car are impressive. The IVTEC engine surprised me having performance at both the low and high end. First off the light and 60 to 80 for a pass is fast and safe. The rubberised floor is a dream to clean soda and french french fries from. Hope to have it a long time.

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  love it - 2003 Honda Element
  By hazegry - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing. I couldnt have asked for a better car. I have 2 golden ret. and 3 cats, and the interior is perfect for animals. Easy clean up and versitale need more room just flip up a seat. I also just bought a house but didnt want to get a truck for all the home improvement projects I want to do, again just flip up the seats or remove them and I can put anything I need to in the back. I also teach Scuba diving did someone say water proof interior?? this car fits me like a glove

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  Love my SI - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SI Owner - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I have had other civics and this one is by far the best! the gas milage and the handeling are great. I highly recommend buying this car, if you can get your hands on one!

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  Very disappointed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle03 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I guess it was my mistake... to go from a 6-cylinder vehicle to a 4-cylinder... but I was guaranteed it was the top of the line 4-cylinder! What I didnt realize was that I would never again be able to pass anyone without literally watching the gas deplete. And, if I have to pass anyone on a hill... well, LOL, thats a different story. I have to turn OFF the AC just to get up enough power to do so. My paint has chipped and rust spots have appeared all over my vehicle. Very disappointed.

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  Honda Hit the SUV 10++++ - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By joekantx - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had numerous SUVs in the past from the too big Suburban to the midsize Pathfinder, the Pilot is the one for my family. Love this SUV. Ride is smooth comfortable,pleasure to drive. Most SUVs are a pain to park, not this baby, whips right in there. With 2 kids and summer travel DVD Please! Pack up the kids, CD case full of movies and you wont here a sound! Loads of cargo space for large trips to the store! Cannot express how much my family and I love this vehicle. My company even purchased one for mail runs and office errands! Honda, keep up the good work!

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  My Honda is my Booh - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Booh - February 10 - 10:00 am

  My Honda is great, I think thats its definately the better car for the $$$.

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  Wow! What a car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ppnff - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Being a previous 1996 Honda Accord owner, I had looked at other competitors (Camry-boring suspension and underpowered, TSX-too expensive, Maxima-not sure about new design). Ultimately, I went back to the Accord based on resale value, mileage, low maintenance costs, and reliability.

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  2003 Honda Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Carey - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The handling and pickup of the redesigned Accord is great. Also that the new V6 gets the same MPGs as my 4 Cyl 2000 Accord is pretty amazing. My passengers say the read seating area seating is very comfortable for long drives. The number of built in features added to the car was impressiave. There were very few things to add to the car.

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  Best car on Earth in this class - 2006 Honda Civic
  By J.Maloney - February 10 - 6:30 am

  When in for an oil change at the dealer with my CRV, I saw the 2006 Civic with Navigation on the showroom floor. I drove away in the Civic! Although paying full sticker for the car, I still feel it is the BEST DEAL out there in the below 30,000 dollar price range. The car has a fantastic, unmistakeably NEW design. Everything seems to make sense inside and out. It is loaded with standard features like Antilock Brakes, six airbags and power everything. BUY A NAVI if you can find one!

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  Along for the Ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John OLeary - February 10 - 5:10 am

  I originally purchased the vehicle strictly for use in the car pool lane for my 56 mile each way drive from LAX to ONT airports. The 112 roundtrip miles per day I thought would be painful at best. However, the acceleration, performance and sports car handling is makes the drive exciting and fun. I have blue tooth technology for hands free conversation and an iPod connection that allows me to set the mood for the morning and evening commute. Im extremely satisfied with the car. Oh yes, the gas mileage is great too.