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:

• 

  7th Honda and still going strong - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lee - August 13 - 7:56 pm

  A pure pleasure to drive. Great handling and brakes. Interior is much improved over 2002. Acceleration also much improved over 2002 and the entire drivetrain is silky smooth.

• 

  Great car - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By littlegeneral - August 13 - 11:43 am

  What is not to like about this vehichle. We have had it for 4 months and love the room, the features and the quality of this vehicle. If I was going to complain it would be regarding gas mileage but that was known at the time of the purchase. I would strongly recommend this vehichle. I just wish I would have purchased several years ago instead of buying a Mercury.

• 

  No problems - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Pyrofan300@yahoo.com - August 13 - 2:20 am

  I see all these reviews about the 13 civic with bad gas mileage or locking problems or the steerinv wheel is rubbing ect ect. Ive put 22,000 miles on mine in the last year and I TAKE CARE OF IT. Ive had 0 problems. I change the oil(synthetic) and i drive. Gas mileage is 40 ish highway and 32 ish in town. I drive it hard and have had no problems. 50,000 miles on it now

• 

  Most modern compact car in the market - 2006 Honda Civic
  By yortch - August 13 - 1:53 am

  This is my first Honda and I can really feel the build quality and the handling of the car is superior to others. Fuel economy has been around 28 mpg in city, but excellent on the highway. This was a smooth transition from a manual transmission, because this is also a 5- speed transmission and I like the way shifting works, I was surprised with the downshifting specially. I do have to say I was a bit unlucky and mine had a couple minor factory defects: headlights on reminder not working and driver door needed to be adjusted. Despite this, I have no regrets about buying this car. I strongly recommend it.

• 

  Nice Little Green Machine - 2003 Honda Element
  By DG - August 13 - 12:13 am

  Versatility and reliable powertrain are biggest attributes of this EX model AWD vehicle. Removing the rear seats turns it into a cargo van. No carpeting a plus, cleans up easily with vacuum and a wet sponge. Wont win races, but it wasnt designed for that purpose. A few defects, but were covered under warranty. 21 mpg mixed highway and city miles not great, but no surprise due to curb weight, AWD, and lack of aerodynamics. Tight turning radius is impressive. Stress on front "A" pillars may have resulted in windshield cracking. Hard to believe this vehicle is shorter bumper- to-bumper than the Civic in the same model year.

• 

  Root Beer Metallic is so cool - 2007 Honda Element
  By 30309 - August 12 - 6:42 pm

  This is my second Honda Element, I owned a 2005 EX and loved the car but was not impressed with the over all ride quality. Honda stepped up to the plate with the 2007 SC, this Element handles extremely well and at high speed the car is smooth and quiet.

• 

  Born to be a Classic - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Chris Sullivan - August 12 - 4:36 pm

  The Prelude is definitely an underestimated Honda. Very elusive compared to your Civic or Accord. Civic would be the bottom line daily driver, the Accord would be the nice family car, and the Prelude would be the slighty more exotic sports car. I get looks and compliments everywhere I go. I wouldnt trade this car for the world. If youre looking for something sporty, that also makes a great daily driver, then the Honda Prelude is definitely for you. Its fast, its fun, and its beautiful. What else could you ask for?

• 

  Beautiful, reliable, fast - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Eugene - August 12 - 2:44 pm

  We are the 2nd owner of this 4cyl Accord EX and after 48k miles we have zero mechanical problems. The only minor things I could complain about is an occasional rattling sound coming from the drivers side front door pillar, and a little cracking on the leather seats. Other than that, the car is flawless.

• 

  My Honda was awesome! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By stgermain03 - August 12 - 1:48 pm

  My Honda Accord was the best car I ever owned! I drive an average of over 100 miles a day and only had to fill the beauty up once every 2 weeks! This car would leave other cars in the dust. At 90mph the tach was barely hitting 3k! I finally sold it to a gal with her permit when the odomiter hit 230k. I really really miss it, but know that it is a great car for a kid to learn how to drive in. Very reliable, safe in the snow, and just overall fun to drive.

• 

  2005 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By indi mom - August 12 - 12:36 am

  We compared side by side the honda odyssey & toyota sienna. Hands down, for the price, the odyssey had more features, which when added to the sienna would have cost much more. it has a 6-cd changer, easy to fold down 3rd row seats, second row sunshades, 8th seat, dual power sliding doors, stability control & 3 rows of airbags. we opted for the EX with leather, but no video or navigation system. Honda charges about $1700 for their entertainment system ... we got a portable dvd with 10" screen that hangs on the back of the headrest for less than $400 at walmart.com. Also, you can get a nice navigation system at circuit city or a store like that for around $1000, much less than the honda one.