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:

• 

  Love the car, hate the noise - 2007 Honda Fit
  By WallabysDad - September 4 - 11:33 am

  When I test drove the Fit, I listened for road noise/cabin noise because I drive quite a bit. I should have driven the car longer. The cabin noise is simply overwhelming at times. I will consider other tires to see if this helps, but the noise is so loud, it makes the car feel cheap and tinny. Dont get me wrong: I love this car - I just cant stand the amount of road noise I hear. And my wife doesnt like the stereo playing at full blast in order to drown it out!

• 

  Love it! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Thew60 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Accord. Cant beat Hondas reliability, quality. The ride is harsher than that of a Camry but a hell of a lot more fun to drive, and the seats are more comfortable.

• 

  club house on wheels - 2003 Honda Element
  By dam - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The day after I got my car it snowed 18" and I didnt know how the little Honda would do even though it is all wheel drive I thought it might get hung up in a drift somewhere but it did amazingly well. I was shocked at all the accidents I watched happen right in front of me as much more sophisticated trucks spun off the road and the little fearless Element rolled on through. and before my temp tags expired I went on a cross country trip from Wash. DC to Moab Utah for a week of outragious mtn. biking. the car gets great mialige, has enough power, piles of space and is just a kick in the pants to ride in. I love it

• 

  Unlike any other - 2003 Honda Element
  By palmetoboy - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive looked at everything over the past year. Decided to take a look at this "Ugly Littly SUV" just to ease my curiosity. I couldnt believe the interior room. Im 6, 250 lbs and felt right at home. I was concerned about the power of the 4cyl. Went back to the dealer the next day and drove one. Drives as good as my wifes Maxima. They had me in mind when they left out the carpet and used waterproof seats. Theres nothing to mess up on this vehicle and its so versitle. Had the dealer locate a 2wd EX in black and took delivery last week. Other than the ragging from my buddies, everyone seems to think its pretty cool.

• 

  overrated! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By fbakir - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The strong points of this van are capable handling and excellent braking. From there on its all down hill. The ride is firm bordering on harsh. Build quality is so so. The middle seats are easy to form into a bench seat or to remove. Good design and comfortable seats. There is alot of road noise transfer into the interior at highway speeds. Also plenty of tire sound slapping uneven pavement joints. A/C system is poor in comparison to my old Toyota Sienna. The air intake for recycling the cooled air is poorly placed next to the drivers right leg. Wonderful feeling if you have arthritic knees! Would not buy another one.

• 

  I love my Honda Accord!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sgh2b - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. Not only is it a beautiful car (dark blue with gray interior), but it drives very well and is very dependable! My dad bought it as a graduation present for me to take to college and use for the next 5 or 6 years, and I can see myself driving it and still loving it for that time at least! I highly recommend Honda Accords.

• 

  my favorite car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By TERESA - September 4 - 10:00 am

  what can I say about my civic. this will be the second one I have owned. I gave up my ford explorer for my civic and I dont reget it. It is so fun to drive and zippy. I fits in small places, witch means less door dings from other cars because thier doors dont reach it. I cant say enough about my civic. I tell everyone they should own one. It fits a small family, I have to children, and they tell me they have plenty of room in the back. they like my zippy car, as they call it.

• 

  I love my new Honda Accord Coupe!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Foxyangl - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my firstcar and I absolutely love it. It is so stylish and at the same time so dependable. The four cylinder engine is surprisingly powerful and only struggles when going up steep hills. The seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of leg and head room which I really appreciated seeing Im almost 6. My only complaints about the interior deal with the dashboard. At night the radio and all the controls glow a very annoying bright orange color. Also the vents are positioned so they blow right on your hands when you have them at the proper 10 and 2. Those are my only complaints on the entire car and I can definitely live with them.

• 

  Best Car Made - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BrDu - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a Blk EX 4cyl w/Leather and spoiler. Its a hot looking and driving car. It does everything you could want. I love the 6 CD changer in dash and the audio controls on the steering wheel. Love the dual climate control, leather, power seats, sun roof, and is quiet and drives like a dream. Anything you can think of this car already does. I have the Automatic 4 cyl, I would like a bit better gas milage but you cant have everything.

• 

  So Glad I Bought It!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bluemist - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Accord!! I get so many compliments on its looks and the color I picked (graphite pearl) is so classy. It handles well and is so smooth riding. The sound system is excellent. I am tall and it gives me plenty of leg room. The drivers seat is very comfortable. I dont have back aches like I did with my 92 Subaru.