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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  Beware of Blind Spot - 2003 Honda Element
  By Fran - August 11 - 1:19 pm

  I loved my Element until I was driving in the LA Convention Center Parking Lot, and hit a post. I had never done anything like this before. After going through weeks of repair, and self recrimination, I thought that because Im not tall, the blind spot was worse. Then my husband (tall) almost missed a pedestrian in turning left. Beware of the blind spot as you turn left. I am in the process of replacing this car.

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  Uneven Tire Wear - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By honda_addict - August 11 - 10:10 am

  I was very pleased with my 2003 CRV until I noticed that the road noise was increasing dramatically. The tires have been rotated every 7,500 miles and the alignment was checked twice - one minor adjustment on the rear passenger side. At 25,000 miles, the outer two treads were below spec on all four tires, but the middle and inside treads were fine. I keep 32 psi all around. Im disappointed - new tires after only 25,000 miles. I wont tolerate that and got rid of it... Too bad, I really liked my CRV. :-(

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  Nice Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kens - August 11 - 12:53 am

  Very nice truck for Hondas first year. I put on about 3,000 miles per month and I own it now for 9 months. Everything in the truck suites my needs well. The drawback for me is I need a larger cargo area, at least 6 feet long with tailgate up. It should come standard, like with the top of the line truck, the enclosed watertight hard cargo cover. It should have running boards and fancier wheels (chromes). Other than that, I cant see anything else the truck needs unless you are gong to pull heavy things - then you will need a larger engine... Good Luck in your purchase.

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  They should build em all like this! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Kate - August 10 - 1:44 pm

  This has been a great car for over 11 years. Car makers of the world should take lessons from Honda. Id have kept it indefinitely except for wanting the more advanced safety features available in new cars. I held out for as long as I could!

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  My best car - 2005 Honda Insight
  By frank manley - August 9 - 9:44 pm

  Had many cars in 84 years, including Ferrari, etc. This is the BEST one ever. I will never sell/tradeit! (Unless the new desigh Insight comes on the market).

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  Good but not Excellent like my 2003 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By George - August 9 - 9:06 am

  The seats in my 2008 which is just like a 2009 are considerably less than Im used to from Honda. They are definitely cutting corners and making the vehicle cheaper. I discovered one of the reasons to be that my 08 Honda was made in Japan and imported rather than made in Marysville like my others. I believe this made a considerable difference in vehicles and would recommend that anyone purchasing a new one look very close at assembly location on the window sticker...

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  Bad Start - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By engr - August 9 - 7:50 am

  Im off to a bad start, as is the Honda. It has difficult starts. I took it in to the dealer, and they claim its just a faulty battery. I got a new one so well see. I also hear wind/whistle noises, as does my occupants, but the dealer doesnt. The vehicle has yet to exceed 20 mpg. Everything else is fantastic. Smooth ride. Comfortable. Others mat wait until new model problems are worked out.

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  Great car! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By r1c - August 8 - 5:37 pm

  Ive had this car for seven months, it has 163000 miles on and the only noise comes from one of the original wheelcaps, but I havent changed it because I cant find the original ones. Everything works fine, power mirrors, windows, central lock, air conditioned etc. Its bit down powered compared to lighter newer cars like Hyundais of Nissans, but it is a lot more reliable and the design looks always cleaner and not as fast-dating as other makes. Im planning to keep it until next year and then buy a newer Civic, maybe a 1996 or 97, but I know Im gonna miss this one, maybe Ill sell it to my brother so it stays in the family!

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  My First Honda is 13 Years Old already! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Rose - August 8 - 1:21 pm

  I decided to purchase a Honda Accord used recently. It was the best decision I made in a car ever. The interior looks great. The maintenance on the car by the previous owners has lead me to believe that anyone who owns a Honda has a deep respect for it. Its a great car whether its 13 years old or 13 minutes old.

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  Solid Reliability - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bill - August 8 - 2:58 am

  I bought the Nav Model new and have only needed lube changes in 90k miles. The brakes are still good. The GPS is easy to use and very useful but has tricked me sometimes. I have few complaints but am thinking about a new Mini van now and dazzled by the high tech sizzle of the Quest but concerned about some of the negative reviews. But then this model of Ody has attracted far more complaints and I have had scant concern in the 90 k I have driven. My Ody drives like it is almost broken in and ready for more action but Oh!!! the Quests sleak, sporty, gizmo laden, futuristic, earthbound space shuttle appeal quickens the heart of a true technofile. I hope I luck out and get as good as my Oddy.