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:

• 

  Immaculate car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By madbay - August 21 - 11:50 am

  Ive only had the car for about a week, but Im thoroughly impressed. The 8th generation Civic is everything I couldve imagined and more...its WAY too much "bang for your buck". I think the major improvements over the 7th gen Civic (which I was set on before hearing the "redesign" rumor in February) are the two-tier dash, backseat room/comfort, maintenance minder system, engine performance/efficiency, and the elegant yet aggressive styling. Just ask my friends--Im like an unofficial spokesman. This car is an automotive marvel.

• 

  nothing compares - 2005 Honda Element
  By Believe - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought our "E" Easter weekend. I cant remember another vehicle that was so unique. My wife traded in a 2003 Odyssey for this box of fun and I have to say that she really has fallen in love with how practical this vehicle is. Ive never seen here get excited about any car we have purchased until this one. Im not one for keeping cars very long but I think this will be a "keeper" for sometime. If you have not driven one ..you need to do so. It is one of the coolest and practical cars out there today. Just drive one.

• 

  Very Happy Guy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Walt - August 20 - 11:10 pm

  Leased car two weeks ago. Superior road handling--steering is sports car responsive. Car is very quiet and very comfy on long trip. Drove over 600 miles over Memorial Day road trip. MPG for the trip was just over 39. My commute is 50 miles round trip and have been thrilled to have made the decision to lease this car. Very reasonable payments--under $275 per month. I will have to drive my old car a few days a month to stay under 15K miles per year, but that is O.K.-- gives my wife a chance to drive it occasionally. Dealer experience was very positive.

• 

  Best van we even leased - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Firas Issa - August 20 - 10:06 pm

  Since day one both my wife and I loved it. We had 2 problems. The top glove compartment didnt close right, they had to add a piece of foam to get it to close. Also noise issue when on freeway, turns out the windshield seal was a little loose at one corner, all got fixed under warranty and the wipers dried up in six months(tx weather). Other than there minor issues we love the fact that it shuts off 3 cylinders when slowing down or cruising down the freeway and my kids love the dvd player. Sound quality is great. We had an 04 odyssey and we thought they couldnt top it, they did.Great van, for any mom or day.The leather is the way to go w/ kids,everything comes off right away.

• 

  The Need For Speed - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Selena - August 20 - 1:48 pm

  I first looked at the S2000 in 1999. I had to have it! I finally bought it in 2003. I still have it! I love the way the car feels, especially after driving a larger vehicle. It corners like its on rails, it feels solid at all times and the sleek, sporty design is an amazing attention getter! I will drive this one for another few years, give it to my daughter and get me a brand new one. The Honda car is the best for dependability!! Hands down! And the sports car has class, depenability, style and best of all speed!

• 

  Very Fun & Great Looking - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jeff D - August 20 - 8:50 am

  I bought a black Civic Si sedan. Its very fun to drive and is pretty quick if you rev it to 8000. I wanted white but all they had was a black one with 4 miles, right off the truck. Its great looking but black is a lot of work.

• 

  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Element - August 20 - 8:06 am

  Get past the ugly looks. Yes, we know. If the trunk was up front wed call it the elephant. Really, this little SUV (?) is the most practical vehicle Ive owned in 50 years. The only problem encountered is a little wind noise from the window gasket. Try it, youll like it!

• 

  Honda Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - August 20 - 4:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive and extremely functional. The hidden trunk with sideways opening back gate makes access a breeze. Great for groceries. Only negatives are the sun visor was an after thought. Its a bit cumbersome to manuver. Gas milage is not that great either. Also there are blind spots but this is my first truck. Overall the interior is loaded with storage and the back seats fold up to allow for a ton more storage in the back. Buy the moonroof option so you receive XM Radio. I am really enjoying this new feature. I added a Billet front grill and chrome side boards. So far lots of people have made postive comments.

• 

  Coming Back to Honda II - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Luis - August 20 - 2:03 am

  After 7,000 miles, the car is performing good. Nevertheless, there are some poor quality issues related to details, such as loose door panels, seats springs noise, and paint scratches in the bumpers. Brakes squeak and road noises are very annoying. In the positive side, the fuel economy, engine performance, car design and Cd changer/radio sound are great. If I decide to buy another Accord would go for a thorough road test and read more carefully the car reviews. Overall, I have mixed feelings, because I had greater expectations for a car like this, but still think the Honda Accord is a great car.

• 

  13 Accord Sport all the way!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sss39 - August 19 - 11:04 pm

  Just bought the Accord Sport less than two weeks ago and so far its met all of my expectations. This is coming from a Ford family. Just got tired of Ford products falling apart and feeling cheap, and you know its time to move on when the rest of the family doesnt want to drive/sit in it. Test drove the Sonata, Optima, Altima, Fusion, and Accord, and the Accord just felt right from the get go. Honda isnt the flashiest but thats ok, what it does do is build good, solid, reliable cars and the 13 Accord Sport, to me looks sportier than the other cars in its class. For all the standard equipment in the Accord Sport, I am sure the other vehicles in its class would be quite higher.