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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  this car saved my life - 1999 Honda Civic
  By southpah99 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  this car saved my life i was t-boned by an expedition going 50 miles per hour....my car is totaled but i sustained little damage. this is a very save car and when i get my insurance money im buying another just like it

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  Pretty?Ugly! - 2003 Honda Element
  By XRanger - December 14 - 10:00 am

  After reading a number of hate mail reviews of the Element, I traded in my 99 Range Rover got a new Element and a check from the dealer. Most Range Rover people would not compare the two vehicles, I did, the Element is more fun to drive, cheaper to own and operate, provides more road feel and more cargo space. More people smile at me now, they glare at Range Rovers. They all want to know how much and where I got "it". The car performs extremely well, is quiet, feels secure and responive, has plenty of power and climbs hills as well as the Range. (Sorry to disbelieving RR fans)..all I miss is the heated seats and about 2 less fillups a wee

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  boxy, but great! - 2003 Honda Element
  By suzybelle - December 14 - 10:00 am

  people really do stop you in store parking lots to check it out. its just a good, easy ride. dont think ive ever driven better.

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  Smart Buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RealJoy - December 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Pilot two weeks ago and so far the driving experience has been wonderful. The Pilot drives like a car and it is very easy to handle. It is very quite even if you are driving 70- 80 mph. Pricewise, this is the best buy for an SUV that can seat eight and has the reliability and comfort. Long live Pilot!

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By egprice - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Had this car almost 2 years. No problems at all. HX gets 39!mpg mixed driving. Thought car was weak at first, but light body and high-geared engine very capable and fun to drive. Excellent interior, much better than other comperable cars. Roomy for a coupe. Exterior prone to dings though.

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  Get Up and Go!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RachelLeah - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Civic as a get me where I need to go kindof car. I do wish that it had a little more get up and go, but it is a great car and is very dependable otherwise.

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  Little Red Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By William Smith - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Wife and I drove it on a road tour from Atlanta to Montreal and Bar Harbor, MA. Comfortable for long runs, despite size. No problem whatever.

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  its worth the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lynhnn - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Its nice to buy a Honda Accord again as I did it on all new 1998 version. You never go wrong with your money when buying a Honda Accord! High resale value above Camry and the likes after 4,5 years.

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  2003 EX V6 Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JoeNJ - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this selection. I test drove passat/camry/altima and this was the winner in quite a few categories. Price was important as was reliability. The car accelerates rapidly and drives so smooth at 80- 90mph (not that I drive that fast!). I like the styling, especially the leather interior and all the standard features of the EX V6. Made shopping much easier. I make excuses to have to drive it. One small problem with passenger seat heater that the dealer promptly fixed. Diligent mileage tracking has me at 21.5mpg (70% local/30% highway).

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  Love the car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tota1pkg - December 14 - 10:00 am

  really cant complain... kinda weird getting 10,000 mile oil changes as the manual recommends. doenst sacrifice power for gas mileage, can accomplish both. i bought the car with the aero kit and spoiler, makes it look sooo much better. All complaints said, I would still buy the car.