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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  Elementary - 2004 Honda Element
  By bikejock1 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is far and away the best car Ive ever owned. With a roof rack and a little imagination this can be your modular assault vehicle. Plenty of room for bikes, snowboards, skis, even pulls a trailer great. Just got back from a 3 week 4200 mile road trip, through the mountains, snow, rain, baking deserts the Element took it all and came back for more. Mileage varied depending on terrain but it kicked butt the whole way. Id buy another one in a minute. Adding a K&N airfilter improves power and mileage...a must have.

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  Too Much for the Money - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Polk - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from long road trip to Disney and the Pilot made it bearable. DVD is awesome with 1 and 6 yr. old. Gas mileage is okay but performance and room is unbelievable - at least for $33k. I am 61, 220 and I immediately astounded at the amount of lateral room. Arguably the best third rower out there that will fit comfortably in garage without killing you at the pump.

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  OK, Very Pleasantly Surprised... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Pleasantly Surprised - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle a little over a week ago. I have been very pleased with the overall performance for a small SUV. I shopped around and test drove similar SUVs in the 20K - 30K price range before I decided on the CR- V SE. This vehicle, for the money, has got my vote. All the "bells and whistles" you need in a small (midsize?) SUV. There is plenty of interior room to fit 4 adults very comfortably. If you are in the market for a small SUV, give the CR-V a try.

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  Forget stigma, look at the convenience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dorty - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I was fixing to purchase another SUV, a friend told me to at least consider and test drive a minivan. We have three kids. I had a Totoya Sequoia previously. I couldnt get over that we actually had more space for the kids in the minivan. I figured cargo space would be less behind the third row seats, it wasnt. Plenty of cargo room, and such versatility in this minivan. I had a stigma about not wanting to drive a minivan (I use to think it was for much older people). I got over that quickly after seeing and driving my family around in it. I love the features inside, but when you get out of it-it is still a minivan. Not a sporty look, but I would give that up again for this vehicle!

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  2004 Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By volsfan - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 3 months now and love it (5,000 miles total). We have taken two trips (9 hour, 4 hour drives). The car is very well built--quiet on the road--drives great- -very comfortable. I love the power of the V-6 engine, and the great gas mileage (around 31 mpg on our trips with four people + bags). I also was very happy with the dealer--Meyer Honda, OFallon IL--the salesman let us take multiple test drives on our own without providing several forms of ID, absolutely no high pressure sales tactics, then provided a fair bottom line no haggle price after the test drive. He even let us test drive an Element because my youngest son thought is was "cool."

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  Not So Many Miles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By New2Honda - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Well, I just purchased this about two weeks ago, and have put on it about 400 miles, but its a very good piece of equipment. Ride quality is great, handling is very sporty and it accelerates very easily, without having to put the pedal to the metal. Nothing has changed between the 04 and 05, so if you still find an 04, buy it, you wont regret it

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  Great truck, horrible gas mileage - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By EA - October 22 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased the Ridgeline in May 07. PROS: In-bed locking trunk, good handling and great turn radius for a truck, extremely comfortable and roomy interior with extra roomy center console, decent power from V6. CONS: Horrrible gas mileage (under suggested sticker), terrible blind spots making it very hard to see to your left, right, or rear, base stereo system lacks any mids (I have heard better quality from a ham radio), seems like you have to gas it to accelerate at a decent pace. All in all, its a very good vehicle if you dont mind forking out loads of cash for gas or backup or change lanes often. Those two issues are enough to have me trading it in this week.

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  92 Accord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Brent - October 22 - 3:58 pm

  I have been very happy with this car since I purchased it new. Outside of normal maintainence, no problems with it mechanically. Some of the interior pieces havent held up but overall very happy with the car.

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  I love this car!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ecurn0502 - October 22 - 2:48 am

  I love my CR-V. I did a great deal of research before buying this car and it paid off!! The CR-V drives very good and gets excellent gas mileage. Its roomy on the inside and is very comfortable. I actually find myself making excuses to go out just so I can drive. The XM radio is wonderful and the sound system is great. This SUV has pick up and go with a smooth ride to boot. I really love my CR-V.

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  simply awesome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By j_dub - October 21 - 11:10 pm

  This car is damn near perfect. Fast, Luxurious, reliable and efficient. The exterior styling is unique and appealing (a set of nice 18s really sets it off). The interior is ergonomic with very intuitive controls. The gearbox is very clean and precise, the clutch is silky smooth.