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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  Best Commute - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ES in AZ - February 15 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased this car after my wife objected to the look of the Prius. She was right. This car is much more stylish and given my driving habits, almost as efficient as the Prius. The car has been rock-solid with the only hiccup being a modification to the rear suspension to avoid tire cupping. You learn to drive a hybrid. The car has several feedback indicators which allow you to adjust your driving habits to attain the best mileage. During the Phoenix summer my mileage will drop to about 42 mpg (as measured at the pump), versus a best of 53 in the winter. The best feeling is when you are in "auto stop", look around, and realize that you are the only car not putting anything out the tailpipe.

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  Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Flick5786 - February 15 - 3:19 pm

  The only good design out of this body style. The front grilles and headlights are designed to look sportier and the reverse lights inside the main lights on the back add a nice touch. The 2005 model is far better looking that the 02-04 models.

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  Silver Pearl Metallic Touring with Nav - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By madabout1269 - February 15 - 2:30 pm

  I finally got my Odyssey,and first off let me say that Honda got it right this time,I have owned a 2002 ExL,a 2003 Havasu Blue EXL RES and most of the shortcomings have been fixed.road noise has been greatly improved,power,well it accelerates furiously,only drawback is the engine is more vocal,quiets down nicely after that though.Now for the creature comforts,all I can say is you will not want to step outside of this van,the navigation system is the best there is right now,I used it on my road trip and it is simply inspiring,the stereo system says Premium Sound System and actually lives up to the moniker. All in all folks this is the van to own.

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  In My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Bob65 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Agile handling and suprisingly spacious inside. Rear seating has more leg room than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Especially like the CD/Radio sound system.

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  Love this empty nester vehicle! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hilander - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Great headroom, perfect for active "empty nest" lifestyle. Great for anything from loading gardening equipment to mountain bikes because of rear seat and headroom and also great to wash out when dirty! Love the handling and the fun of the drive. ALso like its distinctive shape.

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  i love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By charliebroun - February 15 - 10:00 am

  the reason i love this car is because i tend to go surfing and snowboarding a lot and it just seems very versatile when it comes to these thigs, so if your an outdoor person, you need this vehicle, besides the fact that it will run forever

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  made for me - 2004 Honda Element
  By ronnp1 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  my element was built for me. its perfect for people that want something specialized to their tastes and needs.

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  I Love by little/big Honda - 2004 Honda Element
  By Coty - February 15 - 10:00 am

  From the moment I opened the door – I fell in love. I’m a smoker and this SUV offers not only easy clean up for children spills and dirt, but with just a bit of cleaner and a rag the smoke smell is history. I vacuum my SUV out wipe him down and off I go. The real time four wheel drive system is awesome in the snow, sand and mud. I have really put my SUV to the test and it out performs all I have ever driven. I have driven thru NM, TX, TN, AL, and GA – This SUV is gas friendly and fun to drive. I recommend it to anyone that is in need of a dependable, very roomy, functional and yet affordable SUV. And it’s a Honda

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  I love my pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By redtail hawk - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic SUV that both I and my wife love to drive. We both feel very safe and secure.

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  GHQ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Humair - February 15 - 10:00 am

  love to Drive it. Great car.