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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  Happy i bought it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dick - August 24 - 11:44 am

  This my first foreign car. I bought the car because of the raves about Honda quality and reliability. I chose the Se auto. V-6 because it had what i wanted in a car without all the frills. The car is everything i thought it would be,and more.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Darren - August 24 - 10:53 am

  Great truck, the longer I own the more I like it. Cool trunk space under bed and tail gate opening both ways makes loading alot easier. Excellent sound system.

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  Honda S2000 - 2004 review - 2005 Honda S2000
  By CNAP - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the most nimble and tightly wound sports cars I have ever driven. The 2004 model has plenty of low end torque (compared to the 2003)- which I drove but did not buy. The handling is supurb and the short throw shifter is the best in the business. The only driving complaint is that when the top is up you have a blind spot to your left rear if you look back.

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  cute and functional - 2004 Honda Element
  By jrjr - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element to replace a Jeep pickup truck. It has exceeded my expectations. I find it to be well built and functional inside and out. Since it has only a four cylinder I wish it got better gas mileage. I also wish it had a six cylinder. I would definitely buy it again. My wife does not like to drive it only because she says it lacks power. Please note that she drives a Buick Regal GS with a super charged engine. We have taken it on a 1,200 mile round vacation and it was extremely comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By sd brownie - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Got my new Ele last month and cant say enough good about it. As a prior Honda owner (98 Accord lx v6), and still have it, I knew the Ele would be a great car. I wanted an suv type vehicle, but with good gas milage and lower insurance costs. I have to say I get 23-25 mpg in the city and about 28-30 on the highway. Great job Honda, keep up the good work, Ill be a customer for life.

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  My Wonderful Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By honda gal - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first honda (but NOT) my last. The car is beautiful inside and out. Roomy in front as well as back and trunk. The heaters in the leather seats are wonderful. The car handles well in rain and snow. I cannot imagine driving anything else. I would recommend this car to first time buyers in a minute. Thanks HONDA!

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  Dependable, enjoyable and quick - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ODS - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Honda Accord Coupe. My last Honda was a 1998 Honda Accord Sedan (4 cyl), Wow what adifference. It has jumped 10 years ahead in style and performance. This is an exceptional car for the price. I am well pleased.

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  Elementary Perfection - 2008 Honda Element
  By Roadkill - August 24 - 9:00 am

  Overall, the Element is exactly what I have been needing for years. The quality of build is exceptional with the ride and handling as I expected. Before purchasing, I read numerous reviews and so far no surprises. It handles the winding backroads to work with ease and gas mileage is as advertised.

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  Trading up, blast from the past - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Honda Owner - August 23 - 11:25 pm

  I traded in my 1995 Dodge Dakota truck for my 2007 Honda CR-V. Its been over a year since the purchase and Im still very happy. Ive owned a 1980 Honda Accord and an 1982 Civic. The CR-V reminds me of the Civic except with all the cool technology, safety equipment, and design upgrades. The handling is very smooth. I can park this thing ANYWHERE! (Unlike my old truck.) I get between 27 and 32 mpg in a mixed highway/city commute 36 miles, 5 days a week(Florida). The mpg meter really lets you see how you are driving. There was obviously a lot of thought put into the interior design of the CR-V. There is storage everywhere. Doors open wider than on other cars. Power plugs everywhere. Buy one!

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  Fit to Love! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By TnD - August 23 - 1:45 pm

  This car is ball to drive. Mileage is good, if not excellent. Interior is very good but could use some safety improvement on the door sills and on the step bumper since gloss paint is very slippery when wet. They are offered as accessories added by the dealer but should come from the factory as part of the new vehicle. Honda slipped up there.