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:

• 

  It just dont get any better! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By ibprogramming - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many "fun" cars, the last was a 6-speed Vette, but by far the S2K is best. I constantly come up with reasons to drive it. I love the 6K VTEC transformation to race car. Cant wait for the summer when I can put the top down, its gonna be SOOO sweet. I recommend this car very much. Im 60 195lbs, I fit perfect in the car!

• 

  Simply The Best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By PJSoto - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We look at everthing that the auto industry had to offer and adding all factors up we simply came to the conclusion that there was only on vehical that had everthing we were looking for, the 2003 Honda CR-V. With a small family it has been a joy to have. And with the weather weve had in the northeast its handled it with no problems. I simply have to say we made the right choice.

• 

  Smart Buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By larryhat - November 6 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the top rated modes in this category of SUVs, we narrowed our pick to the Pilot, Highlander, and believe it or not, the Hundai Sante Fe. We eliminated the Hundai because of the interior plastic feel. But when you compare apples to apples on the othere two, the Pilot was at least equal and much less money than the Toyota. At 26k the Toyota come with a 4 cyl engine and 2 wheel drive. At the same price the Pilot comes with a 6 cyl engine and all wheel drive. After only a month, we love this vehicle.

• 

  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DFC - November 6 - 2:00 am

  It is a great van so far. But it is too early to tell the reliability of the van.

• 

  Home away from home - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cmicahjohnson - November 6 - 2:00 am

  It isnt the quickest vehicle on the road, but it is fun to drive, easy to maintain and is definitely worthy of the "best selling compact" title. This is my third Honda and I have no doubt that it will hold true to the quality and reliability of its predecessors.

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Frank S. - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I traded from a Civic up to the Accord for power,comfort,safety (VCS)and more interior space. The car rides great,good feel to the road,smooth engine and the MPG were not that much off from the 4 offered in the Accord. Sound system is very good,nice to have Homelink built in and the heated outside mirrors along with running lights included. The only thing I did not go with was the Nav. and for the money did not see the value,of course dont drive that much where it is needed. Brush Metal Color on the exterior looks rich and Gray Leather in the Interior is a great contrast.

• 

  Love the Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By EXP - November 5 - 10:28 pm

  This was my first new car. What convinced me to buy this car was the interior. I love the fact that the floors are a rubber material that can be wiped up. The seats are stain resistant and the interior is supposed to be scratch resistant. I went for the top model that has real time 4 wheel drive. The car drives very smoothly and it can make really tight turns. Everyone who has seen it is shocked at the amount of room inside the car. There is plenty of let room and head room for even the tall people. There is ample trunk space, and the 90 degree opening of all door makes loading anything easier. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who has kid or who transports a lot of stuff

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sarna - November 5 - 9:10 pm

  Fun to drive and feels like a car. For a person of 5.5", the steering wheel seemed to be a little bit of a stretch. Moving the second row seats together seemed to be laborious the first time when we did it. Also, sliding the 2nd row seats for the back row occupants to get in seemed to be a challenge always. Liked the 6 cd chager and dvd player. Like to see the Navigation like console with options would be ideal

• 

  Bullet Train - 2005 Honda S2000
  By gardnpc - November 5 - 5:55 pm

  This thing corners like its on rails. Its also bullet-proof. Ive got over 11,000 miles on it and not a thing to go wrong. Have averaged about 25 mpg driving aggressively. Not much low end torque, but once you get north of 3,000 rpm, and especially when you V-tech the engine, its a wonderful thing. Highly recommended. The metaphor I like to use is its a precision scalpel compared to a butter knife. Get the New Formula Red, it sears the retinas.

• 

  Came back to Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Calvin Mott - November 5 - 1:20 pm

  Wow! I have had 3 Accords previously and then had an 02 Acura TL. I wanted to stay with Honda/Acura but needed regular gas. We love our 06 Accord. Regular gas, more room than the TL, smoothest engine and trans. I have ever had, great fit and trim, fun to drive, great style and design improvements, good value. We like it much better than the Acura TL. No regrets.