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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  2004 CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Yamaha - December 6 - 8:43 am

  Overall a reliable SUV for the money. Very good exterior style and comfortable yet noisy (road noise) interior. I look at Ford, Toyota and Honda and found the Honda CR-V to be the best overall value.I have driven the SUV for 3 months and 4400 miles and I am pleased with the vehicle.

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  It doesnt get better - 2003 Honda Element
  By Paul Nerenberg - December 6 - 7:58 am

  With my very high mileage driving at mostly high speeds on all sorts of road conditions, I can truthfully say that the Element is the most pleasurable vehicle of the more than 20 I have owned. At close to 100,000 miles, I am not pleased that the struts must be replaced at extremely high cost. Other than that, I recommend this vehicle to family, friends, neighbors and strangers every chance I get.

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  Wendys Wonderful Ride - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By yankeeladee1 - December 6 - 6:39 am

  I have had nothing short of a fantastic experience with my Pilot. The ride is comfortable, seat belts for everyone, room galore, great heating/cooling, and a great stereo from the factory. Ive driven it long distance (2500 mi) and had no troubles of any kind...no mechanical nor body aches either. The seat comfort is unbelievable until you ride in it for a time. It offers enough support for long distances and is firm enough for 4-wheeling. I love my Pilot...though Id like to customize the interior to suit my needs a little better.

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  The trick is to drive like a grandmother - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sirrdavid - December 6 - 3:53 am

  The more miles the car gets on the odometer the better gas mileage is achieved. Important point The cars computer gas mileage is off by 4-5 miles. In a hybrid, the trick is to drive like a grandmother.

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  awsome ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mary - December 6 - 3:50 am

  My husband and I purchased this suv a week ago and love it! There is so much room inside and in the back seat that we were suprised! We go on trips all the time with our friends and now we will all have plenty of room. The interior is well designed with plenty of storage. Overall just suprised at how well it handles, not joking when they say it handles like a car. Also is much quieter than the toyota rav4 on highway.

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  2007 Civic 4dr LX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By lbowen - December 6 - 3:23 am

  This vehicle is very fun to drive and very dependable. The gas mileage is great, yet it can get up and go if necessary. The overall body style is nice and sporty. Also, I owned a 98 civic LX and when I traded it in it still has a lot of life left. Hondas can easily reach 200,000 miles and keep on running! This car is very nice for the features as well as the price.

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  great rebound - 2005 Honda Accord
  By accorddriver - December 6 - 1:14 am

  This car is amazing. Honda did it right with the EX-L coupes. This car has great performance and great comforts. The 6 disc cd changer with xm radio built in sounds amazing. The styling makes it aggressive looking. My last car was a lemon of a Jeep and this car is the total opposite being very reliable, amazing gas mileage for me 26/34.

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  Excellent Vale - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - December 5 - 1:52 pm

  Second CRV I have owned. Traded 02 for 05 EX. Love the vehicle. Original Tires were crap. At 12k replaced with Cooper Tires--road noise disappeared and ride and traction improved. Good mileage 22/28-adequate power, easy to drive and park.Looked at several competitors--beat them all hands down. Fit and finish the best on the market. Resale cant be beat. One of the safest SUVs on the market.

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  Gas miser - 2008 Honda Fit
  By GLEN - December 5 - 2:06 am

  I love my Honda Fit Sport. Drives like a golf cart. Brought home a washing machine in the back..no problem. Gas mileage 33 mpg. Stereo is great. Seats are a little stiff. My other car is a Mini Cooper. The Honda blows it away & is 4k cheaper

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  Awesome - 2007 Honda Element
  By Carol Ramos - December 4 - 11:51 pm

  I wanted an auto that my husband would hate! When we went in to pick up My new Element. He fell in love with it. I selected the Metallic Root Beer SC. What is so great, it accommodates tall people really well. Hes 6 and my son is 64" and there is head room to spare. Now this is what is really awesome, the base part of the Honda Element is about the same size as an compact car but the box design allows for more interior room and it fits in my garage easily. It maneuvers very well.