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 2006 Pilot EX 4WD Success! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ed M, Virginia - December 27 - 8:40 am

  Have had my Honda Pilot now for 2 years, just passed 50k miles! Still an outstanding value, even if the mileage (urban 18mpg Highway 21mpg) is not best. Great value, low maintenance, high utility for a mid-sized SUV and does extremely well in mid-atlantic winter ice/slush. Better than my previous Ford SUVs (Explorer, Bronco) and Mustang! Pilots rock! 3rd-seat roomy enough for 6 (not 8) adults or 2 large dogs! EX model AWD Pilot is a great total value SUV!

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  Excellent small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 27 - 7:26 am

  If you consider getting small SUV under 25,000 $ Honda CR-V is definitely worth trying out. Before buying it I checked out Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 and CR-V was much better for me. The only drawaback for me is that 166 HP engine will not allow you to accelerate really fast. Also do not expect dealer to give you much discount from MSRP as they are selling very fast. In all other respects it is an excellent car.

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  FUN! FUN! - 2003 Honda Element
  By sgo - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellant!! This is the best purchase Ive ever made. I love it! Everyone stares at you driving down the street. Its extremely comfortable to ride in as well as drive. This is the vehicle for FUN, FUN, FUN!

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  Fun To Drive. - 2003 Honda Element
  By tklug - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have had is the constant questions "what is it?" "How much does it cost?" It is a blast to drive and the best part is it is kid proof. Traded in a Ford Explorer and dont miss a thing about it.

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  Elemental - 2003 Honda Element
  By jaysone2001 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Gets good gas mileage for a SUV. Plenty of room. Engine is plenty powerful. Great for carrying stuff.

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  Coool! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Shred Ed - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We have been snowboarding, surfing, camping, towed three dirt bikes through rain and mud. All in all, I cant imagian having carpet on the floor again based on how dirty this car has been. With the plastic floors, it can actually be cleaned after one of our weekends. Our kids think its cool. People ask if its electric a lot :-| The interior room is great, especially compared to our Jeep Wrangler. Weve owned lots of cars and SUVs and I dont understand the complaints about mileage. It weighs 3500 pounds! Far better than our 10 or 11 MPG V8s. Just like my S2000, I think this ones a keeper.

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  In My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By over55 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I require a car to be more than a mode of transportation; it must be functional. As an over 55 male that purchased a new 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan and drove it 250000 miles until the mechanical problems overwhelmed it I appreciate versatility in carrying both people and objects. The Element has this flexibility: I can transport my non-driving relatives; I can carry furniture; I can carry paving stones; I can carry recyclables; I can carry building materials. The style of the car has intrigued many people: I have met numerous people while refueling; they ask if its one of those "hybrids" and then ask to look closer. Comments have been very positive.

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  too expensive for such an ugly - 2003 Honda Element
  By Daniel J. Graber - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the worst looking car my company could have bought. It is terrible. It drives worst than my John Deere tractor. Ride is not good at all. I would have liked the company to have bought a Kia. I think this is one of the worst vehicals I have ever seen or owned

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  Sold it within a year - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gift4gab - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Maybe Im just not a minivan person, but I hated this vehicle. Where were the memory seats, what about the wind noise, gas mileage bit it and for the amount of money we spent, they couldve made the interior design more appealing and less plastic. The automatic door openers were too sensitive, but if you turned them off, the doors were too heavy to open or shut. We sold it and got the Volvo Suv and I feel like Im in heaven now.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RocketStar - December 27 - 2:00 am

  love the smooth drive. everything is wonderful except the infamous real tail light. It doesnt look right.