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 Benchmark - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Adam0331 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought it as a returned lease vehicle namely going off Hondas reputation and havent been dissapointed. Other than fixing the front wheel bearings (previous owner abuse problem) the car has been 100%. Would like a more sporty version w/4 doors. Looking to upgrade to the Acura TL Type S.

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  Rattle box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Drduer - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Very appealing design, very spacious interior in spite of small exterior package. Noisy inside, persistant dash rattles. Seating position uncomfortable for smaller drivers. Owned the Element for six weeks - it was in the shop for three weeks for dash rattles - old rattles mostly fixed, not eliminated, and new rattles created. Traded in on an 03 CR-V, very happy with the CR-V. If youre interested in an Element, do yourself a favor and test drive both the Element and a CR-V before making a decision.

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  one year later - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hondavet - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 02 around one year ago and still love the car. Have especially enjoyed comfort, interior design and build quality. Car is still fun to drive, though it probably could use 40 more horse power and larger wheels. Has very good handling and aside from oil consumption in first 6000 miles no real problems (just turned 16K). The exterior design grows on you, but the large slab sided doors are an invitation to dents. Would be nice to have some sort of side molding or other protection. Sun roof controls should be near steering wheel.

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  Good for its time - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Noah - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over a year and havent found it to be as "bullet-proof" as my other (86 Accord LXi and 87 Prelude Si) Hondas. It does get good mileage, handles well, and is well-built. It shows its age in the design of cup holders, passive restraint seatbelts, and the size of the cabin. Still in all, it runs well and is reliable.

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  Mixed ratings - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Heath - October 9 - 4:26 am

  My honda has turned out better than i expected. I drive about 120 miles back and forth to work daily. It keeps up with traffic on the highway once you get up to highway speeds.

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  Good car, but no longer the best - 2004 Honda Civic
  By thel - October 9 - 1:46 am

  I got this car mainly b/c I like the local Honda dealer so much. I retrospect, I wish Id gone with the higher fun factor that you get with the Mazda Protege5 or the new 3. I would also like the wagon utility that the Honda doesnt have. The Civic has good ergonomics and a quiet cabin. It is easy to work on and gets great gas mileage. The 04 facelift is also far more appealing than the earlier Civics. On the down side the car is painfully slow due in part to the gearing which seems more interested in fuel economy than performance. The seats are also a bit uncomfortable on the long haul. Overall, the Civic is a good car but the Mazdas are a lot more fun.

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  Nice ride for the money - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bigguy - October 7 - 4:36 pm

  I have 2000 miles on my Fit and like it all right. It doesnt have the handling, stability and gas mileage that my 94 and 96 civic HBs had. Ive about had it with cars that you cant see where they begin or end from inside until you bang them against the curb. The front clearance is too low. But it gets decent mileage: 43 hwy mpg best thus far. The seats are not very comfortable. You ride low and feel every bump. Not so in my civic HB. Cabin is loud and the engine and trans buzz and rev a bit on the AT. The shifters are nifty in sport mode but trouble in D mode. Seems they should disengage in D mode.

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  decent - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By ratrap - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a great car and for the most part reliable. ive had a few problems with electrical but thats about it.

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  It doesnt seem sluggish - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ragekit13 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element because Im married now and have a dog and needed something more versatile and easy to clean on those weekend getaways or out camping. I gave up my 2002 WRX...it was hard, but someday...Sti? Anyway, Ive read reviews on the automatic being sluggish and am confused. Sure 0- 60 time is o.k., but off the line it has plenty of torque. I would have had to rev my WRX up to 6000 RPM and drop the clutch to beat this thing off the line. Its been a very fun vehicle and I highly recommend it for anyone with an active lifestyle--old, or young.

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  very nice car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rotomloot - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Car is very comfortable to drive ,had to have leather upholstery put in. The honda interior was ugly. Honda lies cheats and steals on the gas MPG. Am getting 17 in the city and 20.5 on the hwy. For a 4 cylinder!!!!!!! Oh well great car and am very happy.