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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  I love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By JayRod - December 8 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 6 months now. The ride is stiff. It uses more gas than my accord 4 cylinder. But its considered a truck or compact SUV so Im not taking anything away for that. For the $21k sticker and fully loaded with premium wheels, AWD, and XM satellite radio, its a bargain for a SUV.

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  Excellent Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Jason - December 8 - 11:49 am

  I bought my car with 144K, replaced the belts, hoses, brakes, tires, fluids and cv axle. This car has been solid. I now have 260K and it still runs strong. All maintenance is done regularly and it keeps going strong. There is some rust over the wheel wells of the rear tires but driving in Minnesota for 15 years will do that. I would recommend a Honda Accord to anyone.

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  Fit 4 Me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By skye traveler - December 8 - 6:30 am

  Love my new 2008 Sport Automatic. I researched small high mpg cars for about a year before I decided on the Fit. The FIT is a GREAT car to drive. Fun, sporty & economical!

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  Outstanding Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 8 - 4:43 am

  This my second Honda, had a 90 Prelude Si, have to say Honda has certainly increased the fun factor! My coupe is the 6 speed manual, have had two bad experiences with 6 speed autos in other brands, (test drove the Accord EX-L V-6 with the 5 speed auto, was not impressed, decided to get the 6 speed and shift myself, great decision. This thing will fly low, was amazed at the power and response, handles great, wouldnt know that its FWD unless you push it past its limits. Gas mileage after 1000 miles is averaging apprx 23- 24 mpg in a blend of city/highway. A 75 mile freeway trip at 65 mph in sixth gear produced 28.4 which is above what Honda indicated. All around so far great vehicle..

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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By va-husker - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Its an SUV. Better still, its an SUV designed, engineered, and built by Honda. Fuel economy is reasonable for a vehicle with a 4400 lb curb weight, but could be better. Engine has plenty of power. Ergonomics are classic Honda. Quality can be seen throughout the vehicle. This SUV is the class of its price range. Think Acura MDX, with fewer creature comforts and a much lower price tag.

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  Happy with Honda! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda_Loyalist - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a Honda and was looking for an SUV that would be reliable, have good fuel economy, and was roomy enough for pets and kids. I honestly did not consider Honda as my first choice until I discovered the Pilot. I knew this was the one when I took a test drive and have not looked back since.

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  Great SUV, but seats suck - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Gadget 1 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Design, room, ingress, egress, ergonomics, ride, noise, handeling, transmission, engine, power, torque, brakes, steering, off road performance, fit and finish, & DVD surround system, are all perfect. This car has a very simple and logical design.

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  CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Duncan - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a much improved vehicle.

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  Honda the name you can trust - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By md180 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Odyssey EX (1999) van we have owned. We put over 160,000 miles on our last Odyssey with no troubles. Did have a lot of recalls, this was ok with us. We went for the 03 van only because of some upgrades and plan to keep the van for many years.

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  The Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Anup - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I liked the space. It is very roomy. But the heated seats in the front are terrible. It takes so long to warm up and when it does its still hardly anything. I love the DVD player