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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  practical but funtional fit. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By marcusjd - October 11 - 1:58 pm

  The first tank of gas I got 33 mpg, wow! Better than my 07 Civic lx. The last tank I got 37 mpg. The car has 2500 miles on it. I just wish it had a 6th gear. Motor revs very high at highway speeds around 3500 @ 70 mph. Keep at 60-65 and you will see great mpg. The car is fun and nimble you can squeeze in and out of traffic with ease. Dont expect to outrun anyone the car is not that fast. With this car you must drive smart, keep the momentum or youll find yourself downshifting. Overall comfort and room is excellent stereo is good too. Too many good things to say about this car. Nothing really bad. I mean what do you expect from a $15,000 car. You get your moneys worth. No problems to date.

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  fun with function - 2004 Honda Element
  By H K - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Element for ten months now. It is the most functional vehicle i have ever owned. there are only a few things that can be improved upon. The suicide doors while being essential to the function of this truck pose a problem for back seat passengers. The front seatbelt must be unbuckled and the front door opened before the back seat passenger can enter or exit. Also, the windows barely open at all in the back seat. For this reason I would recommend the vehicle to someone who only carries passengers occasionally. For an active lifestyle the Element cannot be beat.

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  Impressive........ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By talshiar001 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  My first Japanese car....I must say I am beyond impressed. I just traded in my trusty ole 1991 Chrysler 5th Ave on this, so it feels like a Ferrari in comparison. A bit jumpy on the interstate due to the stiff ride, but it sure hugs the curves.... Im REALLY glad I got the manual, the automatic just plain felt weak. Sharp handling, zippy 4-banger, slick shifter, impressive reliability....HMMMMM, now I see why they sell so many of these things.

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  Nice!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sigmaman - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, reliable, sporty, looks good to the ladies too... V6 is good on gas, and plenty of power. Nice luxury for an affordable price. This is my 1st Honda and wont be my last...

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  Hondas First Truck a Success - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J. Anderson - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Had the truck about two months. Never driven a truck that is so quiet or smooth. It drives so comfortably but is still a truck.

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  I love my Honda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Sandra - October 11 - 4:18 am

  I have had my Honda for almost 5 yrs. It was the best investment that I ever made truly. It was my third car to have owned and I was kind of nervous picking it out at a tote the note used car lot. It had 123k when I bought it. it now has 210K. This car is perfect. I do virtually nothing to it, aside from general maintenance, and it still runs and handles very well. 5 yrs from now, when I am ready to retire it and save it as a starter car for my girls, I will be buying another Honda. If Honda had a middle and last name. it would be durability and reliability. When I bought this car, the guy asked what I was looking for, and I told him a car that had four doors and drove. Its all that+ more

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  Honest Review - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaLoyalist - October 10 - 8:57 pm

  This is our sixth Honda, and third Honda minivan. The 2008 van is impressive in every way but one. The brakes are - (and I am not stretching the truth here) - the brakes are the worst brakes Ive ever had on any vehicle be it car, van, truck, or bicycle! Took it back to the dealer and was told this was normal? Now if it were a faulty cup holder or other trivial item, I would have some tolerance, however I am almost afraid to drive this vehicle. It seems the vehicle quality from the Georgia factory is way below par for the Honda that I know (My 2002 van was built there too and had a huge list of problems).

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  Its a Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Nancy Sandoval - October 10 - 6:30 pm

  We traded in our Kia SUV Sorento for the Fit. We love it. It performs very well, is comfortable, cute and tons of room when the rear seats are down. We have gotten 40 mpg on the open road..up and down hills in Virginia. We have had the car for 7 months and would recommend it highly

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  New to me but excellent so far - 2008 Honda Element
  By Brian - October 10 - 1:41 pm

  I picked up a 2008 Element and so far it has been great. The sales person was decent and with the incentives I think it is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a small SUV with good utility uses. Granted, it isnt going to pull a huge load but for normal use, grabbing a dresser, mattress or something like that it will work much better than most smaller SUVs. Any things I might "want" on this truck are minor.

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  Miss My Suburban! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Shelly - October 10 - 1:38 pm

  While my husband recently came home bearing gifts. He left with my Suburban and came home with a Odyssey. I was expecting to notice a huge increase in gas mileage. Only about 18 in the city w/air. Not at all pleased with the quality of the interior it barely gets touched by something and scratches horribly! Some pieces are not put together well and they dont match up. The carpet seems to stain really easy and not the best of quality. Seems to change gears at times a bit rough when slowing down quickly. STILL cannot figure out the concept or design with the middle seat belt. TOTALLY useless! The space is so little for a small child but then the seatbelt cuts them across the throat!