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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  Loving the elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By CSKID - February 21 - 6:46 pm

  Do alot of traveling...Love the way the element drives and looks. Handles the curves of hwy 299 excellently at decent speeds !!!! Didnt feel too top heavy. The element shifts up and down easily...Fifth gear did great going up i5s grapevine with the best of them and even on steep grades going down, hardly needed to use the brakes going down in third.

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  Just What I Expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Todd K - February 21 - 5:33 pm

  I test drove a Camry and a Sonata before deciding on the Accord 4cyl LX - P. The Sonata was not very good with the details. The seat cover was coming out in between the seats. The engine was alright. The Camry was quiet, but that was it. The interior was boring and felt like a 5 year old design. The transmission shift point was hesitant as well. The Accord felt lively, sportier and I felt fit and finish was the best. Im averaging about 28 mpg so far on 7 fill ups. I like its looks and room as well.

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  tha bomb - 2004 Honda Element
  By buda - February 21 - 8:46 am

  this is a very fun to drive car and not only that it doesnt waste gas. it moves fast and handles great i wish i could have one more like this. i hope they keep this modle in production for many year i will most likely pick up another one if so.

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  Do you like to drive? - 2006 Honda S2000
  By motosuzi - February 21 - 4:47 am

  If you love the driving experience, this is the car to buy. I wouldnt advise anyone to buy it for comfort or the sound system. Honda threw in some nice leather seats and a stereo for people like me who drive it to work everyday. I just wish I could get to the curves more and mute the stereo and listen to the engine. Its an amazing little car.

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  NOTHING but a worry - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Jenna - February 20 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems. My dad bought this car for me 4 years ago from a woman that bought the car new. It currently has 127,000 miles and here are just a few of the problems. It takes forever to get the window to go up, often have the help push it up. Need a new muffler. Hesitates CONSTANTLY like its going to die, told it was the EGR (?) valve, paid to fix, still does it months later. Starter went out (normal, i guess?). ALL four signals do not work, went to mechanic and said fuses are good, so they need to run a diagnostic test for $90 for SIGNALS? Bizarre problems.

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  This car made me a huge Honda fan! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By AZSoonerfan - February 20 - 3:07 pm

  I bought my 2003 Civic EX sedan new in Feb. 2003. 6 years later it has just under 100,000 miles and is running strong. I change the oil myself every 5,000 miles and take it in for service every 15,000. The only issue I ever had with the car is that the front seat now slightly rocks back and forth. I guess this is a common problem, but a cheap fix with some new bushings and you are good as new. The build quality of the car is outstanding. Hondas are known for a somewhat loud cabin, but the performance and handling are superior to Toyota or Nissan (and I have driven a Corolla and a Sentra to compare). I am still getting about 33 mpg in the city and about 36 hwy.

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  Whats Not to Love? - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tee - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I am loving this car! This is a first Honda for me, but wont be my last! In my very recent contemplation of a new car purchase, I thought I was set on another manufacturer, until I had the opportunity to test drive an Accord. After having owned 3 used vehicles, I wanted to get the best that I could afford on my debut new car purchase. I couldnt have chosen better. Sweet ride, roomy interior, nice body styling. Although Ive never owned a new car before, Ive been both driver and passenger of many, so I knew what I wanted, and what it should look and feel like and Honda Accord does not dissappoint. Honda doesnt manufacture cars, they engineer them.

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  Typical Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Hurricane - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Everything works well. All controls are in the right place. You do not even have to read the owners manual except to find the spare tire.

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  Honda Civic LX 1998 - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Deeblacke - February 20 - 9:02 am

  I got this car when it had 125K miles and i have had for 3 yrs. Now it has 195,000 and still going strong. The only major breakdown i had was with the clutch but other than that its a good car. I intend to drive it until it has 400K

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  Hard to get rid of - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hpnutty - February 19 - 10:03 pm

  Handing this off to college age daughter and after looking at the 08 accord and others I dont want to get rid of it. Its been everything I expected it to be. When guests get in they talk about how nice it is. My father raves about the color (red). It so fun to drive and cant imagine ever owned a 4 cyl now. But its nothing to brag about from the outside. very plain.