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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  Neat Little SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By EllementDave - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a neat little SUV that gets 26 to the gallon and its 2.4 four has enough power to make it fun to drive. Slightly more small truck than car. Nice and roomy. The look takes a bit getting used to. Some say it looks like a Hummer on a diet. One guy asked me if the windows were bullet prove because it looks like a small Brinks Truck. It also reminds you of a Jeep. It is quite roomy yet quite small and if fact it is shorter than a Civic. The Ex has a great sterio with SubWoofer between the seats.

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  New Element EX automatic 4wd - 2003 Honda Element
  By sam25 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I had tried out the Nissan Extera and toyota Highlander prior to buying the Element. I am very pleased with the vehicle. Handles and steers very well. Easy and fun to drive. Love the practical and elegant simplicity of the interior. Very comfortable driver seat.

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  Love It? Love It! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mike in KC - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Its either you really love it or you really hate it. Its design is a bit compared to other small SUVs in its class, but overall the Element stands up to competition very well. The price of the Element came as a shock, I was expecting another $30,000.00 SUV, but this one barely reaches over $21,000, not bad! The prototype Honda orginally designed was named Type X. It had round headlamps, and side marker blinkers. After some tweaking of ideas, we have the current Element. Smart, Practical, and made for everyone.

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  My First Non-Toyota - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nicky Ritter - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non-Toyota and I love it. My last vehicle was a 97 RAV-4, and while I loved it, I wasnt impressed with the 2002 model. The Honda is bigger, faster and more comfortable, which is why I switched to Honda. I also found the price to be better for the options I wanted.

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  Hondas Done It Again!!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Driver - July 9 - 2:00 am

  The Civic EX is a great commuter car. Fun to drive, great on fuel, comfortable and low maintence costs. After more then a year of driving and over 68,000 miles, Ive only had to change the tires and the breaks. This is a great car for someone on a budget or whos just looking to have a car that just doesnt break down!!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By skabob - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand peoples neg. reviews for this car. Its been absolutely great for me. Probably just a few Americans that are jealous because the japanese make better cars.

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  Best Little Car On the road - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Wm. C. Zickefoose - July 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best compact cars w/ a 4- cylinder engine that I have ever driven. It is so quiet that you really can not even here it when its running. I switched to this from 1996 Pontiac Firebird because of the Fuel Economy that you get with Civic. I really can not tell a difference between my old car and this one it is definitely an all around better car. I would have to say that it beats the competition hands down no contest.

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  Excellent Ride! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Proudmom - July 8 - 5:37 pm

  I had a ford explorer before but the Honda Pilot is better by far. It has more room and it rides smoothly. I am so glad I bought this car.

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  You cant go wrong with the fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By dabell - July 8 - 5:28 pm

  This car amazes me with all the space this car has to offer, I was looking for a wagon but I cant afford the price of VW Jetta, Passat, Audi and some other wagons on the market, the Honda fit is very useful, affordable & very well made, excellent handling, nice ride

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  The Perfect Compromise - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Big Dave - July 8 - 1:46 pm

  After trying different trucks, this was the one that suited my needs the best. It has the right size (not too big), comfort (leather!) and utility (a bed AND a trunk!) for my familys needs. We can tow, take it off road, haul the groceries as well as the Home Depot run and it does all that in comfort and style. Its safe, reliable and well thought out. The best thing is that it does not bounce you around like other kidney-buster 4X4s. 90% of truck owners use them to commute. The Ridgeline will get you back & forth without beating you black & blue. A success for Honda.