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:

• 

  Solid All Around - 2005 Honda Element
  By Billr - March 27 - 12:10 pm

  Like many, did not like the style until I test drove one. Our family now loves the car we bought since it is as much fun for our 6 year old as it is for us. The stereo is superb along with the handling, quality, etc. The headroom and rear room is great but the driver could use about 1-2" more legroom. A carpeted trough to hold small items in the rear cargo area would be nice. The center console tray could be higher to be able to reach drinks etc. easier and there could be an out-of-sight (covered) area for change, phone, etc. These are minor things. The car is fantastic and a joy to drive. Our first Honda and definitely not our last.

• 

  Experience - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By David Carter - March 27 - 10:36 am

  We have had a 2003 for 13 + years. We have nothing but good comments to make. We plan to buy a new one in 2017. The 2003 wear-well. Our experience make it wise to buy a 2017 model. We are having some difficulty choosing to sell it. It serves us well.

• 

  Nice but... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hesaid - March 26 - 3:30 pm

  My wife loves her new CR-V. We did some comparison shopping and the CR-V is best choice out there for this size SUV.

• 

  odessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By anthony pace - March 25 - 10:00 am

  it is a terific car,,wish i had got the leather interior and navigator,,,that will have to be my next one,,,,i love my odesssy.

• 

  Review of LX-V6 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By long-time Honda fan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my 94 EX with a 01 LX-V6 as I wanted 4 wheel disc brakes without AL wheels (my 94 lost air). Basically a very good car. I have no fault with its performance or transmission. I get a consistent 20 MPG around town and about the same on the highway as my 94 4 cylinder (29-31). Only problem has been a few dash squeaks (not typical for Honda). I find it a bit less of a "sporty" ride that earlier models but it is heavy and bigger.

• 

  Reliability Unquestionable - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kurokat - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I just wish GM, Ford, and other American makers would make reliable cars of solid engineering ... this is my 4th Honda!

• 

  Hybrid Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Geezer - March 25 - 10:00 am

  So, a change in outlook has taken me from a 15 mpg Durango to the 51 mpg Civic. I just love this little car so far. My new job is about 60 miles away, and Ill be commuting for a couple of months. This will be a great commuter. If I drive it on the freeway at 75 mph, I seem to get about 45 mpg. At a more leisurely pace of 65 and under, itll pull down an honest (at least according to the digital readout) 52+ mpg.

• 

  Honda Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Dana - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I bought it before the recent spike in gas prices and Im glad i did. My other vehicle was 1 2002 Dodge Dakota and with 15mpg it was impractical to use it as my every day car. This vehicle gets in the mid 40s in the winter and improves to over 50 now that the weather has warmed.

• 

  Civic hybrids - 2004 Honda Civic
  By leomo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  i like my car

• 

  Good car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By htg - March 25 - 10:00 am

  i got this car as a high school senior and i thought it was the best automotive purchase i could have made. it is reliable, sporty looking, and has good gas mileage, and it is very roomy in the inside. it is very easy to handle and its and inexpensive to maintain.