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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  sick sivic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By S_Elliott - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I baught my civic as my first car. The thing now has a little ove 6000 miles on it. As you can tell i like to drive it. Its fun, has great breaks and an easy clutch. I have put many upgrades like intake, exhaust, wing, rims things of that nature. And the car looks so clean. I would advise of purchasing a new honda civic.

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  Better Than Expected - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Chad - January 14 - 10:00 am

  The feel of the car takes a while to get used to, but when you start driving it a while, it becomes very easy and manageable to drive. When the engine shuts off at a stop sign or stop light, you have to be aware when on hills because it rolls back like a manual transmission vehicle. It has better acceleration than a 6 cylinder Mazda that I owned, and great interior comfort. I have been able to max out the storage capacity of the vehicle, and it has turned out to be very adequate for a smaller car.

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  Excellent, a car for everyone! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Silly boy - January 14 - 8:53 am

  I love this Element! I would buy this SUV again. The gas mileage is perfect and the price I was given was just awesome. This suv couldnt get any better! The comfort was superior. Anybody who thought this car was a poor decision to get, well, they thought wrong. I am really glad that Honda came out with an SUV that would put up to many customers standards.

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  Fun car with economical personality - 2008 Honda Civic
  By reedhands - January 14 - 4:56 am

  I love this car...I bought it brand new off of the lot and have loved it since! I have the manual and love it...only negative feedback would be it needs a stereo with more output for when you really want to rock out. Everything you could want in a car, great price, great gas mileage, roomy truck and big enough to fit four...awesome!

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  Getting Better - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By rwf - January 14 - 1:13 am

  This is my second PILOT. The first was a new 2004 LX (great vehicle). The 2007 EX-L however is an outstanding vehicle. Honda has refined the design. Listened to the customer and made small changes that make a big difference in the PILOT driving experience.

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  A two FIT family! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Janice Huffer - January 13 - 11:46 am

  I researched a lot of different cars for my husband to drive since he works away from home. His truck was going to be going to our daughter for her first car. The fuel economy, interior space, and safety features sold me on the car. Had to wait 3 weeks to get it, but we loved it. Daughter got that one! Husband got the second one! We are officially a two FIT family! White and Storm Silver. Both very pretty. It holds my daughtes stand up bass with both front seats up!!! I was impressed. She also has to transport her stool along with her bass. She has room to spare!

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  Best Van Ive owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - January 12 - 11:20 pm

  Maybe were just lucky however the only problem weve had w/the Ody is a rear seat seam became unraveled and was fixed under warranty, At 52,000m we replaced the original Michelins and that is all we have done to it other than an alignment and O and F changes. Much better reliability than any of the four domestics minivans we had previous to this one. Well thought out interior design compared to some others.

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  Stay with quality you know! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - January 12 - 10:51 pm

  I just bought an 04 Civic EX. I had owned other Hondas but for a period of time owned an 03 Mazda Protege then an 05 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Civic I have now runs & drives flawlessly and is solid when it comes to handling. I dont worry like I did with the other cars when I see gas go up. The moral of the story is if youve been a Honda owner especially for a while and are thinking of something else, stick with what you know. You just cant go wrong with these vehicles.

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  Need a truck but want a car? - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel - January 12 - 10:27 pm

  I looked at the Tacoma, the Frontier, and the Ridgeline. Granted, people told me the Ridgeline wasnt a "true" truck, well thats all right with me! Drives like my Accord V6 - but with loads of space to haul or tow things. Super comfortable, super styling, and Honda reliability - how can you go wrong??

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  So Far, Very Satisfied.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By greg - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  This is my 2nd consecutive Honda Accord, after replacing my 1992 Accord Coupe purchased in 1996, due more to size limitations of a growing family than mechanical need. The 92 was the best car Ive owned in 24 years of driving. I test drove several models from Toyota, Honda, Acura, VW and Nissan. The Accord was the best in my book with the Camry running a close 2nd. We wanted a safe, functional, affordable & reliable family 4-door to haul adults and kids for a variety of activities. So far were very satisfied. Safety ratings are very good. Ride, comfort, visibility, braking, steering and acceleration are excellent for a car of its size and price. MPG are decent for this size car.