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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  A Lotta Bang For Your Buck - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kashiwa - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought this car, my main two concerns were price and reliability. Everything else would be icing on the cake. Shopping around, I realized that most the cute-utes were comparably priced depending on the model and options; so next up was the "outliving my watch" factor. All reviews, ratings, research, etc. lead to the CRV. I bought it without much worry and have been very pleased. Its not a 6-banger, but I live in Houston where hills are antbite-sized so the power from the i- Vtec remains steady and peppy. Its remarkably spacious and can hold five passengers even if not in complete comfort.

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  Luv My Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By JenC - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 2000 Honda Accord SE, from the first moment I got into the drivers seat. This being the first Honda I have owned, I would have to say that I would not purchase anything other than a Honda. The only minor complaint I have is the position of the front seat cup holders, its awkward to grab my morning coffee.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mcolburn - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Just got the EX 5Sp this weekend. Im happy with it so far. Got it for about $15800. I suggest you contact the "Internet Department" at your dealer for the best "deal". Tempe Honda will get my referrals, everyone was helpful, no pushy salesman, and they were concerned about getting me out of there fast. Plus I got 1.9% for 60Months

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  What a Luxury Car Should Be - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Casey Rose - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The new 2002 Honda Accord Mid-Size Luxury Sedan is the best car yet. It has all the features of a luxury car. It has a smooth ride, a sporty sound in the engine, comfortable seats, and an awesome price. The interior of the car is beautiful and luxurious. The exterior of the car is very nice. The shape of the car is cool as well. It also has an excellent navigation system.

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  Darn good value overall!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bill - March 1 - 7:46 pm

  The engine is great. Interior and exterior styling is awesome! The perforated leather is soft and of good quality. Seats are extremely comfortable. The car rides very nice and smooth. The 17" wheels and lower profile tires on this years V6 6M look sweet. Smooth shifting is difficult sometimes as another person mentioned. In traffic the clutch can be quite demanding as its especially springy; much more than your typical clutch. The brakes are not quite up to par with the performance. Handling could stand to improve a bit as its a little cushy feeling on fast turns. Overall youd be hard pressed to find a better value in this range. With a few tweaks, this car would be unbeatable!

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  The Fit is a good alternative - 2007 Honda Fit
  By madzfit - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the 2007 Fit Sport automatic now for two months, and am settling in nicely to the small car experience. My goal was to purchase a high mileage car for my 62 mile per day commute, one that was both comfortable and possessed an element of forward thinking design. I believe the Fit accomplishes that nicely. I was in that category of Americans who didnt want to give up their spacious minivan or SUV for something little and dangerous, but I knew that the time was coming to get on the conservation bandwagon. I researched sub-compacts for over a year, finally settling on the Fit. Initially it seemed startling to be zipping down the highway in my bright orange sweetie, but all is well.

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  A really great family sedan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SpiceUmUp - March 1 - 5:03 am

  An extremely comfortable and capable sedan. I went for comfort over performance to fit it in my budget so the EX-L with the 4 cyl engine. I dont miss the V6. More than enough power for getting on the highway and passing when needed. Plenty of room in the front seat for my large frame and plenty of room behind me for a 6 foot son to sit. The black leather seats feel a bit hot on the back in the warm weather but otherwise no complaints about the interior. The exterior is handsome and gets positive comments and the Accord no longer looks like a generic sedan. Im getting 25-26 mpg mostly highway. I am not known to drive slowly so I am pleased with the mileage.

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  Hard to do better - 1990 Honda Accord
  By beyelie - March 1 - 2:29 am

  Original owner. The most reliable car ever owned. 249,000 after 18 years. The manual transmission makes it more fun to drive and squeezes the most out of its adequate power. Has original clutch. Fuel mileage superb average 30+.

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  Impulsive purchase... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MS - February 29 - 8:10 pm

  Went in to have headlights changed on my former (03), saw the new model, and purchased it within a few minutes. The design, both ext. and int., is aesthetically pleasing. Whats improved over former design? New dash, loss of spare on rear door (which opens up), handling, shifter below center console, seats are more comfortable, int. space remains approx. the same. Wheels (17") afford a more contemp. look, although the drivers seat is set a tad lower than the former. Windshield is slightly more pronounced in slant; wind/road noise is decreased markedly over previous. Avail. colors are excellent, each most appealing. I had a time of it deciding. Interior storage needs improvement--cen. console

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  A Home Run by Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By Anthony - February 29 - 10:06 am

  Honda hit a home run with the design of the Element. Element gives you the best of all worlds. It has the smooth ride of a car, the safety of an SUV, and the cargo hauling ability of a truck. The functionality and design of the Element has to be seen to be appreciated. Fuel economy is acceptable. The 4 cylinder engine has surprising pep making everyday commuting fun and comfortable. The stereo in the EX AWD is awesome. The price of the Element is very reasonable, especially considering the quality and features the Element offers. Our first camping trip with the Element was so much fun. There was enough room for 2 adults and a dog to sleep comfortably inside.