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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  Perfect for my lifestyle...but want something else - 2011 Honda Element
  By Matt Larson - February 21 - 4:03 pm

  Honda, as usual, really thought through the design of this car. It is the most amazing combination of utility and flexibility I have ever owned.....aside from my 2003 Element. As a serious cyclist, this car is absolutely perfect; I can roll 2 bikes in the back (with rear seats removed, or hinged up on their sides) without taking wheels off, put gear in, and still have room to bring back several grocery bags full of stuff. Ive been able to haul tons of oddly shaped, and occasionally very large, items in the back. LOVE the utility of the car. The car, given that it is a big giant box on wheels, accelerates, corners, and brakes surprisingly well. The turning circle is one of the smallest (making the car supremely maneuverable) that Ive ever been in. The 4-wheel drive is completely unobtrusive and works GREAT in snow and ice.....saved my butt several times. Now, its time for the gripes....which unfortunately are many: the car is NOISY....hard to have a conversation when at highway speeds, gas mileage is around 20 mpg no matter how I drive (Im excited when I get 22 on the highway!) which bugs me greatly for a 4 cylinder car, the seats start out ok, but after about 50k miles get just plain uncomfortable.....and that was with me getting extra foam installed when they were new!, the car develops rattles after 60k, and the ride quality is pretty harsh. I really wish that Acura had done an upmarket version of this car, I GLADLY wouldve paid the price for a quieter, better handling, more comfortable car with some more creature comforts. Instead, Honda just stopped making this truly one of a kind vehicle, and now Im stuck. I cried when someone hit me and totalled the car. What else can I get that even comes close to this incredible combination of attributes that happens to fit my life to a T?

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  Good Mini SUV needs some changes - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By JimmyC - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Good gas mileage. Good room interior. Great to drive around town. But need more HP for the steep hills. The stereo should be moved donw a bit. Some road noise on Highway. Firm seating could be more comfortable. Nice vehicle, but not impressive.

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  Very Nice - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JDJ02 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Better interior quality than even pricey SUVs like the BMW X3, better overall quality in every department than direct competitors like the Ford Explorer. The engine isnt the most powerful or the smoothest on the market, but it is adequate for city and freeway driving.

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  My New Adventure - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michael - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My second Honda, first one was a Civic 99, then I had a Maxima 01, and now this dependable 05 Accord automobile. The inside of the car is flawless, lots of leg room, the material used for the interior is sure a lot better then on Altima & Camry interior. The dealer gave me a price I could not walk away. I have the Accord for over two months...no problems no regrets.

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  Da Bomb - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jorgtheswede - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing to complain about,I love the car.I do most of my driving in the city and I am getting 46-48mpg.The car is pretty good off the line

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  Nice Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By IT745 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The car has excellent build quality. The audio quality is impressive. Its handling & acceleration are very good. Very smooth transmission. It is quiet inside. Tire thump is a little intrusive on bumpy or concrete roads. There were no options for interior colors (would have prefered gray).

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  Hybrid Owner - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JasonLev - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I have about 2000 miles currently with lifetime MPG of approximately 42 Great car, luxury line for Honda Civic, just take a look at the EX and compare. Cost is an issue, but remember that there is currently a $2000 Federal tax rebate and the improved savings on fuel. Also, the state of Maryland does not charge sales tax on low emmisions/alternate fuel vehicles, so I saved about $1000 there as well. I recommend this vehicle to anyone, young or old, as an intelligent and responsible choice - just keep in mind its not a sports car.

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  economy car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ria - February 16 - 12:06 am

  We wanted an affordable car that would last and be reliable. This car has been. I personally prefer toyotas, my corolla got better gas mileage and was funner to drive. I dont like the heavy feel that hondas have but some people do. I am tall and dont have a lot of leg room and the seats arent comfortable for me. I was content with it until we had our second child, with two car seats in the back and a stroller in the trunk theres no extra room. Id recommend this car to somebody who just wants a reliable commuter car.

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  luv yur ride? Yes i still love my ride,even moreso - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By michael samaroo - February 14 - 1:36 pm

  I am very happy so far with my honda cr-v (2012) purchased 1 month ago. I will be going on a 1200 mile trip and will be in a better position toevaluate vehicle at end of trip. Ride and cornering is very smooth if you dont yank steering.

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  Love my mini van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By psychokim - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Great minivan. My son loves being able to watch tv in the car.