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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  Forget the Jones - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Fronteeer - February 27 - 7:24 am

  Why did they stop making cars like this? Underpowered fuel-sippers with lots of passenger and trunk space. Who cares if you cant take off fast? Im getting 38mpg. This Honda is 13 years old and its better than any car Ive ever owned. Sure, its got a few dings and scratches, and theres a little surface rust on the fenders, but thats to be expected when salt is sprayed on the roads all winter. The transmissions still tight and smooth, everything works, and its the most reliable vehicle in my driveway. On a few occasions this winter its been used to jumpstart two much newer vehicles on really cold mornings. This is definitely not my last Honda. It has 125,000 miles on it and runs great.

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  Has all I need - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By cro - February 27 - 2:56 am

  Very nice vehicle, extremely comfortable and has great amount of room in 2nd row seat, enough room for my giant Britax Marathon rear facing child seat, smooth, plenty of bells and whistles.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Honda Element
  By aseltzer - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a utility vehicle with a bit of personality and the Element became my single focus. I wanted something with a manual transmission and the Element is one of the few SUVs to offer this. What surprised me wss the sporting performance that this vehicle has in terms of passing power and handling, especially for its size. Combined with 4wd, a very decent sound system and flexible configuration, this car is an outstanding value.

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  Very Nice - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ron65 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  After first 500 miles, this is a very comfortable, easy to drive car. Handling is great, is roomy for a small suv. After comparing to RAV4 and Subaru Forrester, the CR-V has more to offer, and it costs less too. Highly recommended.

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  2004 Civic LX Sedan BEST CHOICE EVER - 2004 Honda Civic
  By way2fashionable - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I am a soon-to-be college graduate that is serious about quality and style. I just traded in my 99 Nissan Altima for a 2004 Honda Civic LX sedan and I LOVE IT. I cannot stress what a good value this car is. The body style is very European and the inside will remind you of a pricer Volkswagen Jetta! I recommend this car to anyone that is serious about style and value!

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  great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lisachula193 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I just got a 2004 honda civic it so cool and cute and great to drive. I have had other cars but honda by far the best!! Great work Honda

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  80 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By stephenie Landon - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. Its cute Great on gas and for being a small car it still has lots of room.Love the new colors they come in. Mine is the new lite blue. I just love driving It!!!

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Honda Civic
  By civic lover - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have no regrets...

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  Good deal to be had. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bill R - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Find this baby for under 13k and you have a good deal. Great milage, lots of pep. Kind of plain on the body with sporty rear lights and interior. Ill put 250-300k on this one. Its a commute car for me. And I will probably let my daughter drive it in about three years.

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  Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Honda - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 5 months and am having lots of issues. Breaks have been resurfaced twice. Steering column and rack have been replaced. Car steering wanders and is difficult to stabilize. Plus some other minor hassles. Honda and the dealer are very reluctant to resolve any issues. I have just filed car under "lemon" law and hopefully will get my money back. My advice. Look for something else. Honda is not the car it used to be. They are cutting corners on quality and customer service