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 first Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Joedallas - June 21 - 8:56 am

  Have this LX-P for 2 weeks now. Drives OK. I compared with Camry and end up bought Accord mainly due to the body style. I have read reviews on Edmunds; most are true to my experience. My LX-P is 4 cylinder so the pick-up is slower and quite noisy. The radio controls are OK after you learned them.

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  Shame on Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shame on Honda - June 21 - 4:27 am

  I have been purchasing vehicles for over 30 years, and this is the first new vehicle Ive ever bought. It is a total lemon! I am very, very disappointed in Honda as I used to think they were a very reputable company, but not anymore. From just under 10K, I started having oil leaking problems that my whole family would smell and each time I brought the car to the dealer for service, they would fix it temporarily. I have 55K on it now, and over the years I have had the oil pan replaced, the oil line, and the latest adventure was the oil sensor. This is a problem Honda knew about! Im done with them.

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  A 30K toy and worth every penny. - 2003 Honda S2000
  By koshiro - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Its been correctly quoted as the poor mans Ferrari 360 Spider. Captivating engine scream, wind in your hair, and begs for more spirited driving. (Resulting in a high insurrance rating). You must decide first that a 2 seater is practical enough for you. After that, this is the best 30K gift you can give your self. Noise, vibration, and harshness is actually better than my old Corolla. Harsh bumps only occur over very poorly maintained roads. I spoiled my self silly on this one. Im the happiest kid alive. The quality of life is measured by how many times the soul has been deeply stirred - Sichiro Honda

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  Its Simply Elemental ! - 2003 Honda Element
  By ELemental - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV Went from BMW to this vehicle Peppy ,smooth, fun, solid , smooth on the highway. Gas mileage could be a bit better small gas tank Defn need cargo cover and holder

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  Too Expensive once you add what you want - 2003 Honda Element
  By part - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I looked at buying an Element, I drove a CRV, a Rav4, and an Element. At first glance the Element looks to be a bargin. Its layout is very flexible, the rear opening is what all SUVs should have, not those stupid side opening doors the CRV or Rav4 have. When you start adding the option you want the price climbs quickly. Considering that most people are paying over MSRP for a Element it is no longer a bargin. Remote locks are extra, you got to be kidding, an arm rest for the passenger non existant.

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  Best Mid-size for the money - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jshallue - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Problem with the engine starting. It does not want to turn over at times. Dealer says they know about it, but cannot fix it.

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  Excellent Investment - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Angeliz324 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The car has everything- its both fun and sporty and it is a Honda, so of course its going to be reliable for many years to come. The EX comes with all the conveniences you could ask for.

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  I love Lucy - 2001 Honda Civic
  By SLPE - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My cars name is Lucy. It is an easy drive, handles well, has lots of room and gets great gas mileage. Does not have any problems (that I know about) and Ill happily drive Lucy for the next 10 years.

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  Elephant Moves Anything - 2006 Honda Element
  By Mark - June 20 - 7:18 pm

  Friends always want to bowwor the "elephant" when they move stuff - My wife has an 03 Element with 103000 - never been down for maintenance except routine stuff Daughter has one, Niece has one and mine is an 06 - pretty much perfect - Honda could -for about 100 bucks more make this the perfect vehicle 1 - a little more sound deadening 2 - slightly more aerodynamic would get 1-2 more mpg 3 - slightly larger fuel tank 4 - one more intermittent position on the wipers. 5 - put a gizmo in that would allow for pax - p.s. Honda,this seems like the perfect platform for an all electric or hybrid - what gives??

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Vtechalltheway - June 20 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car for 2500 with 108000 miles, its at 188000 and its still going hard. This is a great car for anybody that likes hatches.