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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  Elephant Moves Anything - 2006 Honda Element
  By Mark - June 20 - 7:18 pm

  Friends always want to bowwor the "elephant" when they move stuff - My wife has an 03 Element with 103000 - never been down for maintenance except routine stuff Daughter has one, Niece has one and mine is an 06 - pretty much perfect - Honda could -for about 100 bucks more make this the perfect vehicle 1 - a little more sound deadening 2 - slightly more aerodynamic would get 1-2 more mpg 3 - slightly larger fuel tank 4 - one more intermittent position on the wipers. 5 - put a gizmo in that would allow for pax - p.s. Honda,this seems like the perfect platform for an all electric or hybrid - what gives??

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Vtechalltheway - June 20 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car for 2500 with 108000 miles, its at 188000 and its still going hard. This is a great car for anybody that likes hatches.

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  I Love My Honda! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By philliplove1290 - June 20 - 1:08 pm

  This car is amazing! Bought it at 59,198 mi. and Im still as in love with it as when I bought it! Shifts BEAUTIFULLY! Cruise control is fantastic. Now at 66,000 mi. its still running fine. I hope to keep this car for many many many years to come! I love this car!!!!!!!

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  Happy so far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Leon - June 19 - 10:02 am

  We drove it from Augusta, Ga. with 14,000 mi. It was smooth and comfortable but so was my 2000 Dodge Minivan with 154,375 mi. Too many toys on the Touring model. Fun to drive: Its a Minivan, how much fun is it driving a Minivan, its not a sports car.

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  Id buy it all over again - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Foghorn - June 19 - 9:42 am

  Wow! 18+ years, 150K miles and going strong. I have not babied it but I have done all scheduled maintenance. No issues at all before 120K. Since then, distributor, clutch, radiator, AC, axles, and sway bar links. They all came at once. Ouch! It was a shock but now it runs like new again and I am glad I did the repairs and kept the car. The engine is as good as ever and no leaks. Old oil looks clean at 5K mile changes. What prompted me write to this now is that I went new car shopping and I was amazed at how well this compares to the new cars. Drives just about as good as anything new I test drove. I seriously doubt that can be said of many 18 year old cars.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cbme1965 - June 19 - 8:23 am

  Ive only had my Accord for a few days. This is my first Honda ever. My main reason for purchasing this car was to get a fuel-efficient vehicle that also was comfortable to drive on long trips. Little did I know, when I bought the car, I would be getting so much more. I normally dont like to drive. This car is fun, though. For years, Ive resisted 4 cylinder vehicles because I like to have good power while driving for quick takeoffs in the city and good speed for passing on the highway. So far this car is a prime example of having my cake and eating it too. The interior is luxurious and large. I have long legs and the Accord EX-L sedan has more than enough room for me.

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  Still love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lynn - June 19 - 6:40 am

  At 10,000 miles I still love my Civic. Getting 36 mpg (34 when new) and the gas mileage keeps improving! Quiet engine. No squeaks, leaks or rattles. It was bought to replace an Acura Integra and it is hard to believe this is an economy car! This is also the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. Overall it seems to get better as it breaks in, or maybe Im just getting used to it.

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  Fun and reliable vehilce - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SamIam - June 19 - 4:40 am

  Traded a 2005 altima. AWD needed in the hills of VT even if snow has been scarce this year it will come. First impression is vehicle feels very tightly built. Feels safe and secure. Mileage has been a resonable 25-26 mostly city with some highway during commute. Higher when just highway. Fit and Finish are excellent as usual with Honda. Down side is no storage to speak of in the main cabin area.

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  luxury at a cheap price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Karen - June 19 - 12:46 am

  This is my first new vehicle purchase and i must say it was pure heaven test driving it! This is my escalade wanna be at an affordable price. The leather seats are very comfortable and everything is within reach.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HawaiiFive0 - June 18 - 8:27 pm

  I have the V6 and it is great, has 190,000 miles and still goes. Of course I have changed a few sensors and alternator but nothing before 100k. Gas is ok in Missouri I got 28 mpg but now here in Hawaii I only get about 21 but she is getting old. No major problems but you must be sure to take it to someone who knows Honda or else.