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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  my honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rs - May 7 - 2:00 am

  my honda is reliable, fast when I need the acceleration,comfortable,service is good most of the time. great engine,0- 60 is fine.like the heated seats,the sound quality of the stereo could be better and so could the speakers. overall the car is fun and for the money, the best in its price range.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
  By BobD - May 4 - 6:30 pm

  I have had my Element for 9 months and I love it. It is a blast to drive, it reminds me of the VW "Bugs" from the early 70s. It averages about 24 mpg as long as I keep my foot out of it. I use it as my commute car and have had to deal with its share of snow, ice mud and rain and the Element always handled it predictably. At highway speeds the Element tracks extremely well so long driving times and not too tiring. The shift is in a perfect position although it looks like it would be a long reach. I would buy another one in a second and I enjoy all the comments it brings, people either love of hate the looks. My daughter and I love it and my wife hates the looks, but she enjoys driving it.

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  My Honda Fits! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By iFit - May 4 - 10:56 am

  I eagerly awaited the arrival of the 09 Fit because, at 66", I just wasnt comfortable in the old Fit without telescopic steering wheel. When I showed up at the dealer, they said are you sure you want such a small car. They recommended someone at my height would be much happier in an Accord. Well, they were all astonished to see how well I Fit into this small car. And I drove off with my mountain bike safely stowed in the back. This car is amazing value; I love driving it compared to my previous Audi A6 mainly because it sips fuel. But also its just plain fun to drive. My advice: if you can handle manual, go for it. The automatic felt much more sluggish for some reason

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  Superb 1992 Honda Civic VX - 1992 Honda Civic
  By H. Pierce - May 4 - 2:00 am

  In 11 years of ownership, only four items have broken, two under warranty. A heat shield loosened and rattled, interior locking latches broke on both doors, the distributor cap cracked. Total repair bills: $353 (including 1 tow). All other items have been scheduled maintenance and expected replacements (e.g. battery, tires, CV boots, exhaust system) Overall average efficiency is 46 mpg in my mix of city and suburban freeway driving.

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  Nice, but with problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By reedner - May 4 - 12:36 am

  How did Honda build a bigger Accord with more horsepower and keep the same fuel economy? THEY DIDNT!! The advertised 21 city/31 hwy is way off. Ive put 1000 miles on mine and Im averaging about 19 MPG. Living in Los Angeles I do a lot of city driving, but my previous car (03 Toyota Highlander w/ V6) got the same fuel economy. Not good for a 4 cyl sedan. The ride is also hard. Again, my SUV felt softer. Otherwise the car is comfortable, stylish, spacious and it handles well. The navi, Bluetooth, XM radio features are great. Get this car if you want a stylish family sedan with a good track record. Dont get it if you want good fuel economy & luxury ride.

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  Still alive and kicking!!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By hpark21 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I got this baby when it was barely broken in at 25K miles. Now the car has 142K and so far, it cost me $300 in repair (muffler and tubing, recently) O2 sensor was replaced at 110K under warranty from Honda but even if I had to pay for it, it would have been under $1000 total in repair over the life of the car. This car still rides well and gives me 26M/Gal in Mixed hway and city driving. (during winter. now a days about 28M/Gal) I am hoping to drive until 200K. That will be coming in 3 more years.. :)

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  Anybody wants to buy mine... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rey - May 2 - 9:40 pm

  Its a Honda! quality, reliable its going to be. But on another note had three Hondas before this one, and to be honest, Im kind of disappointed with the Accord LX. The interior looks just like the 1993 civic that I had. They went to basic, on the LX model at least. Not so great for long trips neither. The radio could use some extra amps, its hard to hear music with the windows down. It seems like the new Civic has more futures and it just looks like it was made in this century. Looking forward to trade mine in for a Civic EX. Sorry Accord LX not so top of the line in my reviews. Hope this its helpful.

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  super car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By texaslude - May 2 - 2:00 am

  for a 92 model, it still looks like NEW ..people think its a 2 or 3 yr old car ...sexy looks too ..

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  Great SUV - 1999 Honda Passport
  By jsol95 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Well this is a very good suv, built on a solid platform and the 4X4 is excelent.....I know this information because I drive it all the time on the Beach at NC. As for the build my wife recently got into a car wreck and the car is so well put together that it held up in a 45mph head on collision without any injuries, the truck however is totalled, yet its only totaled due to the fact its a very expencive vehicle in insurance standards..I recomend this suv to anyone...and Im heading out to buy the Izusu brother.....

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  Pilot with a Noisy Bottom - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Rondelle - May 1 - 4:53 pm

  I feel comfortable driving the Pilot. It is great for long trips. The seats go down in the back for more storage and when traveling. It is a nine passenger vehicle, which is great when you need the room for others. I love the leather interior. The DVD Player is excellent. Great surround sound when playing a movie. I feel safe when driving this vehicle. Over all it is a great car.