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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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By grpark - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. The 6 speed manual is always fun. We found the car by mistake as we were looking at the Acura. This car is more fun to drive and a better value. The dealer has been great as I am very picky about sqeaks and pops. I did have a bad windshield that they replaced and every squeak I complain about is fixed right away.

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  AWSOME CAR!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hedrich - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord from Agron at Schaumburg Honda He showed us the advantages of buying a Honda. He was right the car is great and I love driving it Ill be driving Hondas for a long time now because its pound for pound the best brand for the money

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  2004 Honda Accord LX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gutntag - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Accord, amazingly they keep getting better and better.

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  Awesome!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By 04elementex - January 7 - 12:29 am

  I love my element. I traded my 00 nissan maxima for it. The maxima was a great car but it didnt go with my lifestyle. I do a lot of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking and the element is perfect. I dont need to worry about getting the carpet dirty and it has room for all my gear. The rear doors are hard to get used to but they are cool and there is a ton of room in the back. As my friend said shaq could fit in the back seat. It has a great ride and great gas mileage for a awd truck. It handles like a car. The turning radius is awesome. It doesnt ride like a lexus but its not like youre driving an explorer. I wouldnt get rid of it for anything. I highly recommend the element!!!

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  Great, great car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SCSarah78 - January 6 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car about two years ago with 60K miles on it. It now has 120K+ and still runs great. Had to have something to do with the emissions control fixed, but it was actually still under warranty for that and no charge. Had to replace the battery, and then the oxygen sensor (about $200 at dealership). Also, drivers side window sticks in the rain, needs help coming back up. Other than that, still a great car. Reliable, practical, yet fun & attractive too. Great resale value too when Im ready for my next one.

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  Versatile, reliable car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By AM - January 6 - 5:58 pm

  Ive had this car for almost four years now and after 40,000 miles have had no major issues or problems with it. Its very reliable, fun to drive, handles nicely (has an incredible turning radius!). Peppy enough, although nothing special. Has been a good car for highway driving back and forth between school and also a safe car to take up skiing with plenty of room for a few people and their gear. I have been a little disappointed with the mileage though only getting 20-21 in town and at best 26 on the highway.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By boris - January 6 - 1:39 pm

  This is second Pilot I have. It suits me perfectly. Plenty of space in a front (I call it my second office). I need to put seats down and up quite often - itÂ’s easy and convenient and creates plenty of flat space. Occasionally we use 3rd row - access is not great, but doable.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Gamecock - January 6 - 1:06 pm

  The only thing that would be nice is better fuel economy. But I understand as this is a big SUV. Love everything about it.

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  Great vehicle with 3 rows of seats - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By D Stephenson - January 6 - 10:32 am

  In July 2006 3 adults and 2 children (ages 10 &12)went from central Texas to Colorado mountains. Very comfortable trip using small section of 3rd row for 1 child, other side down for luggage, etc. Strapped a large soft luggage bag on top for suitcases but created no problem. Have taken a couple of trips over 120 miles one way with 6 adults over 60 yrs old and the 3rd row seat was fine for smaller sized adults although a little awkward for older adults getting in and out. Great vehicle.

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  Great Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By liebesi - January 6 - 10:00 am

  We love it so far! Looking forward to many road trip ahead. Tons of room and comfort!