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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  Honda Pilot 04 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bec - September 30 - 2:03 pm

  This vehicle rides as smoothly and quietly as any car and is a pleasure to drive. It is easily manuverable, corners well, and is not sluggish in passing situations. Gas mileage is acceptable for this type of vehicle and the interior features are easily utilized and convenient. It is asthetically pleasing and turns heads, which is uncommon for a SUV. It lives up to Hondas high quality standards and is user friendly, both for family and individuals. It is roomy inside and able to haul a lot of cargo, kids, supplies, etc. Seating configuration is good and easily modified and accessed. I really cannot think of anything I dislike about the Pilot.

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  Kudos to Honda! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dhectorg - September 30 - 12:56 pm

  This si sedan is almost everything I hoped it would be. Its dangerously fun to drive (got pulled over day after I picked it up...be careful!). It handles better than some cars way out of its price range. rRdes a bit stiff, but thats expected from a performance suspension. I love the exhaust note at pretty much any engine speed. It sounds menacing. But the best part about driving this car is the instant thrust and hieghtened exhaust note that you feel and hear at 6000+rpm. Its like somebody let a mad dog out. Pure adrenaline!

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  Baby has been WONDERFUL! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By LadyD - September 30 - 12:40 pm

  I bought her brand new on the last day of February. She has been great to me ever since. We did have an issue with her being an overachiever when they had to do the computer recall (accepted 115% programming when she was to only accept 100% and blew the computer). I have taken her to the dealer religiously for all of her scheduled maintenance and had until recently a set of Arizonian tires on her which helped me get better gas mileage yet caused the tires to wear quicker (what do you want in AZ?) I now have a set of Michelin tires which has caused her to have a bit of decreased gas efficiency. I have been averaging anywhere from 28 to 52 mpg. Never giving her up!

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  Great Ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By Len Ackerman - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is unbelievabe in rain and snow. I was also supprised how much fun it is to drive.And boy is there alot of room inside.

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  2004 Honda element - 2004 Honda Element
  By bguil1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a very utilitarian vehicle.We are not gen Yers, but it appeals to us.We are mid 30s with one child and it suits us just right.Excellent fit and finish.Typical Honda quality and reliability.Ease of cleaning.One drawback is not knowing what to call it.Its not a car although rides like one.Its not a truck not too much towing capacity.Its not really an SUV either.Overall we love it.

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  Fun Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Joker jack - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Element over a Chevy Trailblazer. Glad I did. Its fun, peppy, and comfortable. I have (6) vehicles, and everyone in the famioly want to drive the Element. With the price you cannot go wrong!

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  element 2003 - 2004 Honda Element
  By LKM - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element! It is fun to drive, drives smoothly and I love the openness from the drivers seat. It is great for kids because you can wipe up anything spilled on the floors or seats. It is so roomy and spacious! I can drive it around as the family car, or use it to haul furniture (large items). I love it!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jade29 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive enjoyed the Element immensely. It drives like a car and the roominess is great. I love the rubber flooring, too -- its nice to not worry about spills. The clamshell doors make it easy to load and unload, although theyre a bit of a pain when you just need to put something small in the back seat. You have to open the front doors to open and close the back. There are lots of nooks and the stereo isnt bad either, especially for a factory install. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. So far, Im getting about 16 mpg driving about 12-20 miles per day. Im hoping that will get better as the engine breaks in.

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  Possibly the best car ever - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By VanGuy-MN - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had 4 Accords prior to buying the Odyssey. This is an amazing van. Its safe, comfortable, fun to drive, and has Hondas thoughtfulness in every detail. I was a little bit disappointed in the mileage at first, but it has improved as the van has broken in. I drive between 25-30k per year and this is by far the most comfortable vehcile Ive ever owned. Highly recommended!

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  Rogers Pilot Review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Roger Frone - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, lots of power, and very quiet.