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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  Incredible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By veleven - November 23 - 1:56 am

  This van replaced a 96 Grand Caravan. No comparison! Excellent build quality and features. Designed for Mom and drivers both (may be one and the same). Nav system is fantastic...once you learn the many options. Back seats are the best bar none for ease of folding and comfort.

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  First 90 Day Impression - 2005 Honda Element
  By Skip2r - November 23 - 1:16 am

  Bought it to haul my Great Dane and Lab mix dog. Works great, however the Dane likes to look out the front window and obscures my view to the right. Things I love: The massive amount of room. Quick clean up and multifuctional back section, rear seats are completely out in less than a minute or they can just be folded up and out of the way. After a week of hauling dogs, cleaning took 3 hrs in our 2004 Honda CR-V, the Element less than 15 minutes.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA - 2008 Honda Accord
  By faithann straub - November 22 - 10:45 pm

  I absolutely love my Honda. Its so roomy and just looks great on the outside. Its extremely reliable. Great car overall. You wont regret getting this car!

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  Gas Saver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mr Camry - November 22 - 5:56 pm

  Ive had my LX automatic for 1,000 miles. First tank of gas, I averaged 32 MPG. Second tank averaged 35 MPG! I am impressed by the fuel efficiency.

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  Love My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jamie - November 22 - 7:43 am

  This is definitley my favorite vehicle I have ever owned! Its so fun to drive, and extremely comfortable! My favorite is when someone says....EEEEWWWW You drive a BOX!?!? Hey, my "box" has character! (Plus I never lose it in a parking lot!!) It definitley shows you are an individual when you step out of the "norm".

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  Gas Company Approval for Home Filling - 2005 Honda Civic
  By fbaldwin - November 22 - 3:50 am

  The quality of the US built CIVIC GX is excellent. The rear seats only two people and the trunk space is smaller because of the CNG tank. The fuel mileage is close to 31 mpg. Do not forget to get approval from The Gas Company before purchase if you plan to install the PHILL unit (home fueling) The selling dealer may not tell you about obtaining approval from the Southern California Gas Company. The PHILL can not be installed in all areas because the Natural Gas may not be approved for use as a motor fuel. It took 21 days for the Gas Company to approve the gas delivered to my home for use as a motor fuel!

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  A true sports car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By BlueRidgeBoy - November 21 - 7:53 pm

  The S2000 is a driverÂ’s car. The steering is quick and precise. It turns on a dime and handles curves like itÂ’s on rails. The brakes are superb and it has excellent power delivery even below the VTEC range. For day-to-day driving the mileage is excellent, however, it does require premium gas. If you use the VTEC mode a lot, expect the mpg to drop significantly. The overall driving experience is exhilarating, particularly if you live in an area where there are lot of curvy roads, preferably mountain roads. Its best stress relief known. Its even fun to drive back and forth to work. In summary, this is a uncompromising sports car that will delight anyone who loves driving!

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  98 Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Darrell - November 21 - 3:47 pm

  Have driven for 10 years and am very pleased with the service I have gotten from this Honda.

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  Perfect All-Purpose Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By J Mahon - November 21 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the Element has been fantastic. It is the only vehicle Ive ever owned that I really do like more every time I drive it. The versatility, ease of maintenance, fun factor go well beyond my expectations!

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  2 months old - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KSmith - November 21 - 10:00 am

  In 2 months Ive put 9000 miles on it. I like everyting about it. Power is great, it is comfortable on long trips, and Im getting 21-22 miles per gallon. I found no flaws on our Pilot. I checked out the Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer and Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer. They drove like trucks. The Pilot drives like a car. A luxury car.