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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  Honda rules! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jack in NorCal - May 23 - 7:46 pm

  This is my third Honda, and my first Civic. My last two were accords, both bought new. I just sold my 91, with 326k on the odometer, for $1,800! Looked and ran almost as good as new. You take good care of a Honda and itll return the favor. This Civic is an awesome little car, roomy, zippy, comfortable. The gas mileage is fantastic. I have a heavy foot and its hot where I live in the summer. I usually set the cruise control at 75, drive 50 miles a day, 5 days a week, with the A/C on, and Ive been averaging 34 mpg! The build quality is typical Honda, tight panel gaps, no creaks or rattles. Overall, I have zero complaints. Honda has done it again!

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  New Honda Loyalist - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RRoss95350 - May 23 - 5:36 pm

  I am a first time Honda owner, but I think that this will definitely not be my last. There are other vehicles out there that offer more economy, or power, or more comfort (usually at a much higher price point). But the Accord seems to be a perfect meld of all these facets, without sacrificing anything in the process. It has a great power to economy ratio, the leather seating and interior controls are functional, easy to use and comfortable. Trunk space is more than adequate, and the new exterior styling is just what this car needed to really pop. I purchased the EX-L Coupe 2.4L and at 30 miles per gallon, my wallet thanks me as well!

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  06 Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridge rtl - May 22 - 7:05 pm

  With 22,000 miles behind us, Im still quite pleased with my Ridgeline. Something I had not appreciated much as a feature when I purchased my Ridgeline was the swing out tailgate. On several occasions, it has made loading bags of stone, concrete and other landscaping materials so much easier and another is of course the locking in-bed trunk.

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  Ideal Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John - May 22 - 3:19 pm

  We have had our Odyssey 5 years next month and covered over 45,000 trouble free miles. The only issues weve had is one of the tailgate struts failed (I replaced it myself costing $30) and were on our 3rd set of tires (they only seem to last 20k or so). Other than that, no problems. Weve had the recall on the tranny done and (knock on wood) no issues with the transmission so far. We have been very pleased with the van. Its been great as a school bus (its primary role) and great for family vacations. We have no problem loading up the van with kids, dogs and luggage and then plowing up mountain roads at 80+ mph with both AC units going. We average 18 mpg around town and 21 on trips.

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  My "new" car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By 1993 10th Anniversar - May 22 - 2:57 pm

  I still call my 1993 Honda Accord my new car. I do love it, but I dont like the whistling from the windows if I go more than 30 mph. Otherwise, I love my Honda and I will buy another. I love the style, the large front window and the large back window. No cars compete with that so far. Otherwise, I love my car.

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  Even the base model LX is wondrous - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By boomike - May 22 - 10:43 am

  Even the base model 05 Odyssey LX is a wondrous vehicle. Full side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. The drive is like riding on a cloud. Having driven a Chrysler minivan for over 14 years, this van is like a dream. The third row "Magic Seat" is stunningly easy to put up and take down. Second row seats are far more comfortable than the current Chrysler minivans with "Stow-n-Go." Can anyone really use 15 cup holders? Deep bin where third row seats go makes great space for groceries. The fit of trim pieces is tight. The entire vehicle seems to scream "quality."

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  not my dream car but.... - 2004 Honda Element
  By bill d. - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted an SSR but the "War Department" said (an emphatic) "NO ." A compromise is now the vehicle I look forward to driving daily.We drove to NYC 3 weeks ago in every bad waether condition imaginable and the ELEMENT conveyed us four in comfort AND STYLE ! This car was designed for Generation X....but everyone I see driving it is an old fart like me !The back seats come completely out to leave a cavernous amount of space and the mileage per is much better than my Wrangler. As far as Im concerned , Honda has a big hit on its hands with the ELEMENT ! And such a deal I got : Leased it on line and our salesman delivered to our HOUSE ,ON A SATURDAY !

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  I Love My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Wesley Taylor - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my Element. So far I have only about 2000 miles on it but I am extremely pleased. It is fun to drive and handles well for this type of vehicle. Of course, the Honda quality speaks for itself and so far I believe that the Element will live up to the Honda reputation. It gets one of two responses from those who see it. Either they think it is really cute and love it or they think it is totally ugly and dont like it. It definitely isnt for everyone but I kind of like that. I am interested in pleasing myself, not pleasing the trend. If this vehicle continues to please as it does now I would say that it is a home run!

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By ASongirl - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Element is versatile and roomy, rear seats remove or fold to sides...great storage, especially overhead compartment, controls easy to read and automatic shift in comfortable position. The rear seating is roomy, although the back only seats four. The car is reliable and runs well with excellent steering and breaking. The fuel economy is good. I average 24-26 MPG. The Element handles well in ice and snow and has a killer stereo. I love the MP3 jack for my ipod. The side doors opened easily to load equipment.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Love it! - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt have made a better choice for a vehicle. I have to be careful with my back and the Odyssey makes getting the children in and out of the car a breeze. We will be driving an Odyssey for a long time and you cannot beat a Honda. Between my husband and I we have had three other Hondas and were super happy with each one.