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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  My Dream Car. Also My best Car - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By David in Colorado - October 28 - 3:06 am

  The most excellent combination of practicality and sports coupe. My car has been a dream for the most part. I have 215,000 miles and limited maintenance. The ignition switch at 80,000 was a recall item. I didnt listen to my mechanic about flushing the tranny at every 60K, and the filter finally clogged at 170,000 miles. Otherwise, I have had no other problems. One nagging issue, is the low tires make driving in snow of more than 3" difficult and the car is very hard on tires. The sound system is incredible and the performance is very titillating for those loving speed. Its a tribute to Honda craftsmanship.

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  Love My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NurseKristi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! If you want a car that gets the looks this is the one. Mine is green and I love its trendy look. It handles great, all except in a windy rainstorm. It tends to blow around on the interstate when the weather is bad. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  My Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By swatchnut - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Element. It is perfect for my life style. I use it for work with the seats out to carry plants and containers. I use it for fun to carry my kayaks and bicycles on top and inside. It drives like a car, but has the room of a truck. And it gets great gas mileage. I dont feel guilty that Im driving an SUV. I cant wait for it to snow to try out the 4 wheel drive. I live on a huge hill and last winter was brutal, leaving me to park at the bottom and walk home until the plows came thru.

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  My wonderful Honda! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Catlynn - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my wretched, gas-guzzling, cheaply-constructed Chevy Tracker for a 2000 Civic EX Coupe. Do I love my new car? OH YES! My Civic runs like a top, consistently gets 38 miles per gallon, and looks great. This is a fantastic little car.

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  Best Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Francisco Peralta - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best minivan. The Toyota Sienna can not be compared to it. Nice job Honda.

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  HONDA PILOT - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kit Martsolf - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I had a Ford Explorer Limited before I got he Pilot. I love Honda anyway and I just love the Pilot! It drives like a sports car! I actually got four friends, who were looking at other SUVs to but the Pilot and they all LOVE it!

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  Never Thought I would buy a mini-van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pirogue - October 28 - 2:00 am

  With the arrival of our first child and the aging of my wifes car, we started to look for a dependable, safe car - and picked the Odyssey because of its safety features. I never knew how comfortable a mini-van could be.

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  over the top - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Heikki - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This one snuck up on me. Purchased for basic hi-mpg go-to-work transportation; found instead a personal coupe I really love. Made commuting the best part of the workday (really). A very well balanced, fun-to-drive car.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mohammad Turan Yurak - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have an excellent experience with my Accord, Dont try it, buy it youll enjoy it.

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  Defined by what you drive? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By smlltwngrl - October 27 - 6:30 pm

  Me? No. So if youre one of those peeps, this cars not for you. It looks like a very popular hybrid, but so much better and more budget conscious! Living in TX, I have to compete with a lot of V8 and V10 trucks (no, not horses). I am proud to say this little fuel efficient wonder zips through a sea of gas-guzzlers in a world of urban sprawl; and Im a manual-tranny-drivin-leadfoot! More features come standard with the FIT than any of its competitors: ABS, airbags, CD player, auto-locks, auto- windows and A/C! First tune-up? 100,000! I owned my last car for 12 years and 174,000 miles, and I look forward to owning this one for 12 more!