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 The Element! - 2008 Honda Element
  By mach1mustang6 - January 7 - 2:27 pm

  My girlfriend purchased a used orange 2006 Element EX-P with AWD and it had every option available on it. We both have fully enjoyed the Element. Originally looked at the new CR-V at the time but decided to go with the Element for its versitility and durable interior. Its fun to watch everyone look at you going down the road too especially with the orange paint job. Very easy to keep clean and HUGE room even for people over 6ft in the back seats. Love the interior design and simple climate control dials. Sweet sound system and it has a great spot for your iPod to hook up to the raido on the passenger side shelf above the glove box. The split liftgate/tailgate is a great feature too.

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  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

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  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

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  The do everything vehilcle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JC - January 7 - 9:14 am

  Ive had the Ridgeline for nearly a month now, so I feel I can give a better review at this point. Having owned several Hondas, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to drive a Honda Truck. My favorite things about the truck are its versatility and ride. I love being able to flip the seats up for extra space and being able to fit five adults if need be. I cannot stress how well this truck handles and how comfortable this truck is to drive. Weve had some snow in the north east recently, and the AWD worked exceptionally well. There are a few design quirks (placement of cruise control on/off switch, cavernous space below wipers for snow to gather), this is a great vehicle overall.

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  Love being a Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - January 5 - 12:00 am

  I have owned my 2005 Pilot since April. I bought it from a dealer and it had 2000 miles put on it by the dealer manager. I love this darn car so much I cant stay out of it. I have put 12,000 miles on it in 4 months! It has such great handling. Turning on a dime even though it is the size of a half-dollar. It has amazing power and is easy easy to drive. Love it!

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  4th new Honda -- Mixed Reviews - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Hondad in Houston - January 4 - 1:43 pm

  As my 4th new Honda--all were first year of new generation, 85 Civic, 01 Civic, 06 Civic, 07 CR-V--I knew what to expect: an excellent example of automotive ingenuity with superior fuel savings, exemplary reliability and the best, par none, resale value. Each of these new generations Hondas of mine had their own quicks, some which were never fixed by the dealer until they suggested an alternate fix--the month after the warranty expired of course--like the front strut knocking on my 01 and todays 07 CR-V the strange rattles from the undercarriage at idle and low speeds. Dont get me wrong, I loved all my Hondas but the dealers need to fix the quirks or switch to selling domestics.

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  2007 Honda CR-V, LX - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Silver2007 - January 3 - 3:18 pm

  Ive driven this car for six months before deciding to write this review. Overall Im very pleased with the 2007 CR-V. You really do get a lot of great features for the price of this base model. If youre like me youve done a lot of comparison with other makes and models in the CR-Vs range and of course went through these reviews, which for the most part are helpful. In keeping this short I wont mention everything thats available (you can get that in the vehicles "specs"). Instead Ill mention what I like and what I feel is lacking or could be improved in the sections below.

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  Excellent Roadster - 2003 Honda S2000
  By alangc - January 2 - 3:11 pm

  This car is for those who like to drive performance cars. It is not a weekend roadster or a commuter car. It is built for one purpose only and that is for cornering and high speed.

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  My 3rd Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By sunshinedaydream95 - January 2 - 2:03 pm

  I first had a 93 Civic coupe that lasted me 8 long years, then an 04 Civic hybrid, and now I bought this one in March 07. I bought it used with 72K miles on it, and I now have about 84K. When I bought it, I put new tires on it, new alignment, new water pump, and new timing belt. It has run perfectly the entire time Ive had it.

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  Boring, reliable car that MOOS - 1998 Honda Accord
  By tessa - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Good car, fun to drive, boring to look at, very reliable, but there is a mooing sound near the gas tank which has never been resolved. Every once in awhile, more often when it is hot, the car moos like it is relieving pressure. Very weird. Owned this car three years and have to sell for a minivan now. But wont consider the Odyssey because of the mooing.