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:

• 

  Happy choice - 2004 Honda Element
  By LParsons - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a car that could haul a lot, from furniture to pets, that I wouldnt have to worry about getting dirty inside when, voila, Honda created the Element. I love its simple interior, pracitcal interior styling, with no-frills flooring and upholstery (able to be hosed off and wiped down). The versatility of the seating and space arrangement is everything I could have asked for. I do wish the seats were a bit more comfortable and that the gas mileage was a bit higher. An Element hybrid, now that would be something!

• 

  I enjoy my Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hho - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall, it rocks. I like the spacious interior, driving it is a joy. The fold- down third row seats provide ample cargo space. Even though I have yet to achieve the advertised gas milage, I believe itll improve over time (I only got 1500 miles on it). Typical Honda engineering and craftsmanship, I have had no problem with my Pilot. Ill recommend anyone looking for a practical midsize SUV to consider a Honda Pilot.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By frankR - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Honda Dealers are up front, they are not like the other Dealers that jingle silly promotions in front you.

• 

  Blah... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GM - May 24 - 12:57 am

  So I gave up on life and bought an Accord. This car will bring on your mid-life crisis within a year of purchase. No mechanical problems to date, just fiddly things like most of the buttons which used to light up no longer do, squeaky seat, questionable paint quality. Do not buy one with Navigation - you will really regret it, especially at trade in time. Fairly quick in a straight line, great highway MPG. Handling is borderline dangerous - attempt anything outside of granny driving and you will be sorry - a real issue in an emergency situation. All in all, a nice but boring car that handles like a van.

• 

  Fits like a glove - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jackie - May 22 - 10:04 pm

  I love this car. I went from my Acura Integra to this and was not intimated. Ive not had to get used to driving it because it practically drives itself. The view is great and everything is easy to reach. The alignment needs to be adjusted and will do that tomorrow. It pulls to the right on some roads within 3 seconds on others it drifts within 6 seconds its in the other lane. Im getting 25.7 an 25.8 MPG which is right around what I was getting with my 15 year old 1994 Integra. They are highway miles though with some morning commute (bumper to bumper). Of course I take it easy when I drive. No gunning like a bat out of hell. Its a great car. I expect to keep it for 15 years like my Acura.

• 

  Picked the right "Honda" - 1999 Honda Accord
  By OVERBOOST - May 22 - 8:21 pm

  I purchased a 1999 Honda Accord EX Coupe V6 in Apr 09 with 184,786 miles on it. The CarFax was downloaded on the website. Went to check it out. The engine was in great shape not "DOGGED" like most. Belts and chain replaced. No Tranny work done. But I can expect it to happen with this model. So I just go purchase a good warranty packet no big deal. This Honda is a great car. A drivers car not a "RACE CAR" Stop crying and face the facts. Normal maintenance, wear and tear. You cannot beat it.

• 

  2005 honda accord hybrid w/ navi - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Amy - May 22 - 7:10 pm

  I love this car.It rides so smooth, taking every bump and turn with ease. I have the hybrib with the navigational system,just to see if the navi worked well i took a weekend trip out of town and used only the navi to find my way. And let me tell you it works great.never missed a beat.it found me places to eat,things to do in the area,as well as showed me how to get back to my hotel. Alot of people think just because it is a hybrid it is slow.wrong..it has speed.if you dont believe it has speed and saves gas you need to go test drive one. also dont forget you get a $2000. tax credit.if you want the one that is the best get the one i have 2005 honda accord hybrid w/leather,woodtrim and navi.

• 

  Please stop the rattles!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Sue - May 22 - 7:08 pm

  Have had the vehicle for 15 months with little to no problems. I did hit a deer on Thanksgiving Eve which did $2200 damage to car. Had repairs done through the dealership with no problems. My only real complaint with the car is the rattles! The passenger side slider sounds like it will rattle right off the hinges. Both sliders creek when coming to and pulling away from a stop. Very annoying! While the second row power down windows seem like a great feature, when the windows are open it sounds like Im driving with flat tires and the thumping in my ears is annoying. I dont have the second row windows down. Id much prefer the far back windows to vent open.

• 

  Way to Go Honda - Thanks for Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gumdoc1 - May 22 - 6:23 pm

  Honda went for something different and they succeeded. A great 5 door hatchback with AWD that looks like a coupe and many luxury appointments. Quiet ride made it a contender for me, because the regular new Accord sedan was just too loud for all that money. Great power, great room, great handling, and great cargo capacity. If you want a wagon or an SUV this is not the car for you, but if you want sporty looks, more cargo space than a sedan and great legroom for a growing family, then you have found your dream car.

• 

  Never again - Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By never again - May 22 - 3:03 pm

  Bought this car brand new - thought it was such a life saver for twin babies. On the way home from the dealer some maintenance light comes on. Every time I turn around some warning/maintenance light comes. I have owned lots of other Hondas and maintenance was never an issue. I am surprised a maintenance light hasnt come on to maintenance the maintenance light for $500. Maintenance A, B what a piece of junk.