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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  1st honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 1st honda - February 12 - 4:56 pm

  Awesome little car my first Honda, I can see now why Honda gets all the press. The only beef I have is Im not very pleased with the front seats my back hurts after driving a distance in this car but overall I am very pleased. This car glides along you barely know youre driving it.

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  Great Overall Value - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - February 11 - 5:11 pm

  This is a great SUV. Roomier and better build quality than any other I test drove. Very smooth shifting and good acceleration. Quiet ride and responsive handling (considering its size). I have the 2WD version with the "ECO" feature. Seems to work as advertised (getting about 18-20 city/22-24 highway).

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  Pros and Con - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By steve villarreal - February 10 - 4:25 pm

  Easy to drive and manuever in traffic, enjoy the trunk space underneath. Very poor on gas mileage, Engine has a hesitation problem when taking off fast. Radio fades out but otherwise OK for this 07 Ridgeline.

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  Bulletproof - 1998 Honda Civic
  By kennj - February 10 - 2:43 pm

  Great car. Bought with 65000 miles on it, now have 190000 and it is still going strong. Drive 100 miles a day and it has been totally reliable. I have not done a timing belt since I got it. Great MPG, 34 up to 40 on occassions. My first Honda after many Toyotas. They make a terrific car for commuters like me.

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  This is my civic 2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Superino - February 9 - 9:55 pm

  I bought this car in November 2006 having 14000 miles, now after 15 months I have almost 28000 miles. Since I have the car Im obsessed by the road noise. I put a blanket in the trunk and I changed the Dunlop sp20 fe tires with Michelin x-radial dt, big improvement, tires are not so noisy anymore and dont squeal on turns. Still if I ran more than 65 mph (sometimes less) I can hear the wind, if it rained I have the sensation that I have the doors open and I hear all the noise, when the water is splashing under the car its unbelievable how clear you can hear it. The doors starts to shake when listening music with heavy bass. The car starts to shake when the AC is on. Noisy engine.

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  The rumors are true! Solid car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SammyC - February 9 - 8:27 pm

  Smart choice, great looks, reliable and an all around solid car. Have had it for roughly a year and still glad I chose it!

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  AC problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Moore - February 8 - 5:22 pm

  Before purchasing this CRV, be VERY CAREFUL. The air conditioner has gone out the past three years every June. I have a great foreign car mechanic that will work with me and keeps great records. He was able to get a compressor for half price since I have had such poor experience with the AC unit in this car. I amnow considering something I never thought I would, changing brands to a Toyota. These AC repairs are killing me.

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  Not perfect, but close - 2003 Honda Element
  By ThadDecker - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Element satisfies most of the requirements of a typical family. The build quality is excellent. The performance and ride are great. The price is right and hopefully the resale will be good. After 9 months and 16,000 miles, we have had no problems, except for several intermittent rattles in the dash. We have had no mechanical issues and no trips to the dealer other than service. Though not perfect, it meets more of our requirements than did any other vehicle available at the time.

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  First new Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tanda - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Just the right size. Roomy without being bulky. moved up from an old sports car and dont feel overwhelmed. Good performance, but doesnt have quite the power Im used to, which is probably a safe thing.

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  bad breks - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mr. b - February 8 - 2:00 am

  when i start the car my brakes usually grind ,and i have lost the pedal 2 different times. they replaced the master cylinder ,but did not fix the problem ,its been in the shop 3 times. they say nothing is wrong i guess i will bring it a fourth time and go the lemmon law never had any problem with my 2000 accord.