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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  Lovin it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kevin - March 18 - 11:06 pm

  My dad has fun with his 04 Element, especially since it stands out with its Fiji Blue color. He mainly uses it to deliver restaurant supplies to his restaurant in LA. Ill occasionally take his car to school once in a while. I cant complain about those handy fold-up rear seats. Although they are a bit heavy, once folded up, you have plenty of cargo room. The floor is so easy to clean off as well - just spray it off with a garden hose. Handling is sharp sure doesnt feel clumsy on turns. I love this box!

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  Practical Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By David - March 18 - 7:10 pm

  Bought it for a week, drove in deep snow, it performed very well. I compared CRV to Toyota Rav4, Mazda Tribute, Chev Equinox, Mitsubish Outlander and Nissan Xterra. Factors I used to evaluate them are price, build quality, gas mileage, interior space, safty, resale value and features I like. After months of research and test drive, CRV is the winner. It has a good price with all disired features included, honda quality, best in class interior volume, very good gas mileage and best resale value. CRVs engine is only 160hp, but with 162 ft-lbs of torque at low rpm, acceleration should be enough for most drivers. To get most power out from engine, better select manual transmission.

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  5th Civic, big jump in refinement. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jay - March 18 - 3:26 pm

  This is my 5th Honda Civic. My 04 model was nice, but the refinement in ride, handling, quality, of this vehicle is a huge jump. This could easy have an Acura badge on it and cost thousands more. I am a very particular person and I have found little to complain about with this car. Alot of my previous grips with the 04 model have been met and or exceeded with the 06. I am very happy with the build and quality of this vehicle. No squeks or rattles, it drives smoothly, steering perfectly, its beyond anything I would expect at $18k, most near luxury cars do not feel this good.

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  So far, So Good - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By RS - March 18 - 2:27 pm

  Sold my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and bought the Honda Ridgeline. Ive had the Ridgeline for almost 1 month and am not disappointed. It has the quality that I expect from Honda. (My 2001 Ford Sport Trac failed in comparison to the Ridgeline with respect to quality, roominess, comfort, design, handling & 4wd performance). We got a six inch snow the day that I bought the Ridgeline. The 4WD with vehicle stability assist (VSA) is an excellent performer. I took the Ridgeline to an empty lot and tried to get it to fish-tail or spin-out. It didnt....good engineering.

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  An Absolute Champion - 1994 Honda Accord
  By dx_rocks - March 18 - 2:27 pm

  I love this car. First off, my history with it is important. It got me through high school and college, as well as six years delivering pizzas during that time. I treated my car about as bad as one could within reason. I was late with my maintenance, drove only 3 miles to school every day in Minnesota weather, and delivered pizzas, which is about as stop/go as it gets. It now has 220,000 on it and has barely had anything wrong with it. Given how poorly Ive treated it, its a wonder its made it this far. I dont think I could get rid of it unless it started giving me persistent problems or something really expensive occurred. It still runs great though, so who knows how long itll be.

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  Great Car! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By echri01 - March 18 - 1:54 pm

  This is an economical car! Very reliable. Costs for repairs is expensive suspension and steering was damaged prior to purchasing, costing over $2,500 in repairs if not more. Over all a wonderful, money saving car.Will never get rid of it. Its my 3rd Honda!

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  I love my 2 door EX manual, magnesium - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Honda.F1 - March 18 - 10:41 am

  I was only going to buy a Honda or Acura. I was going to get a RSX but after much research I found they have known transmission problems. Do a google search and youll see. I wanted something more sporty than a Civic but in the end I decided I didnt want to mess with transmission problems over and over again. I read lots of horror stories about people trying to get dealerships to fix their RSX transmission and never getting it done right or saying they could not replicate the problem. Im very happy with my 05 EX 2 door manual. The only modification I want to do is get the Ground Control coilovers and Koni (yellow) adjustable shocks combination. And maybe a K&N intake for an extra 1-3 HP.

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  Still lovin it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By skey1952 - March 18 - 9:23 am

  Ive driven my Fit for almost 2 years now. I dont have any major complaints. I drive a 30 mile commute twice a day on highways and average 36 mpg- cruising at around 75 MPH. I can get 3 grandkids (one in a booster seat), a large Lab in the back end and 2 adults up front. Ive carried large boxes and lumber with ease. A 1300 mile road trip in my manual transmission Fit was most comfortable and economical. Last winter I was rear ended and the back end smashed up pretty bad- but the safety features in the crumple zone prevented any human tragedy.

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  4-wheel motorcycle - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Beefbone - March 18 - 3:24 am

  My everyday driver is a Subaru Forester XT with stick shift, and would be hard to beat. Wanted a hi-revving, quick-handling Japanese bike for casual fun, but a bum knee precluded that. Figured adding 4 wheels and weather protection for rainy Portland couldnt hurt. Shopped Boxters, Z4s, TTs & Miatas, but theyre all too effete. S2000 is the real deal... simply beautiful, with clean, taut lines thrilling power when you turn up the revs, with matching sound track impeccable handling modest weight smooth, powerful brakes great perforated-leather seats driver-centric instrumentation, Hondas famous quality and reliability. Track-ready. No options to buy... its all standard equipment.

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  No regrets! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - March 18 - 2:56 am

  I had a 2005 sentra se-r spec V, but i wanted something more comfortable and bigger, so someone recommended a Pilot, i went to the dealership and fell in love with it. I went for a test drive and the ride was amazing so i decided right there and then to get it. Signed the papers and picked up on Monday. I am Loving every minute in that car, I look for excuses to drive somewhere. Def. worth every penny. The ride comfort can easily compete with high end luxury cars. No regrets here.