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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  Love It - 2006 Honda Element
  By Scott S. - September 20 - 8:42 pm

  This is one great suv. I had a 02 Toyota Tacoma 4dr 4x4 and thought that i was getting a slow no room vehicle. Think again! The Element has it all. The gas savings is a plus. Awd is great. I would never had thought the Element provides all that i need. My kids love it.

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  Great Roadster-Great Price - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rtack40 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Before purchase, considered corvette and BMW. S2000 was better buy. Excellent responsiveness, great looks and quality. Great fun to drive. Amazing power for a 4 cyl. Minimal road noise. Great feature is the glass back glass.Interior color choices could be better. Would suggest a few interior modifications: heated seats, auto door locks and 6 disc in dash CD player

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sharkzbyte - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted a 3rd row seat to haul the kids(ours and their friends), but didnt want a minivan, or stationwagon. I wanted something with as much horsepower as possible. After exhaustive research, and numerous test drives, the Honda Pilot seemed to be the clear choice. After 8 months, I dont have any complaints. The ride is comfortable, the looks are just right, and I love to pass sportscars on the freeway! Great Vehicle!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Givemlharry - September 20 - 9:08 am

  I bought my Insight al little over a year ago, used. It is fun to drive, has held up very well and averages about 62 MPG. I cant believe Honda is stopping production. Instead they should be advertising the Insight as the answer to the worlds oil crisis. Anyone that has to commute long distances should own one.

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  Japan built accords last longer! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By cer - September 20 - 7:55 am

  i bought my accord used, the ulev edition, which is built in japan. the transmission is only now, at 199,000 miles, is starting to slip a little, mostly due to old tranny fluid. american built hondas are the ones that are giving the company a bad rap. you cant build a japanese product outside of japan, it just wont work. wont buy another honda because they majority are built in the u.s. now, but will never rule out buying a used one after researching where the car was built.

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  honda 2006 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By network0 - September 19 - 7:53 pm

  got a good deal on the car (i think). Fun to drive. great control at corners. nice interiors, good looks. on the down side honda civic, accord and CRV on civic chaisis is that on uneven road (cracks) on freeway it gives some sound that is not there in toyotas. there is not any mechanical problem but the suspension of these cars is not same as toyotas. Apart from this hondas are great cars.

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  best Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By frank - September 19 - 5:24 pm

  This car/truck is the most comfortable, versatile, and stable vehicle Ive owned. It replaces an F- 150 and a Honda Pilot. Well satified with both, neither is as much fun to drive nor as pracitcal. It hauls and tows willingly, has a cavernous interior, yet, its easier to park and handles better than the Pilot and its more stable on the road than the F-150 or the Pilot. My wife drives it around town, and I on the road to work. Were we to replace it, it would be with a comparable model 2007 Ridgeline.

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  CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Joe - September 19 - 12:45 pm

  The CR-V is a perfict vehicle if you need something that is car like in everyway but has alot more space for cargo and people. The power the engine has is more then enuff in the city and highway. The ride is comfortable and quiet even at high speeds.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By smy0514 - September 19 - 10:33 am

  I am very happy with my new 06 Honda Civic EX coupe! I traded in my 98 Civic DX for this car and am very pleased so far. It is fun to drive; handles very smooth and quiet. I was a little hesistant about Hondas changes to the civic when I first saw the pictures. But seeing it in person and driving it made up my mind this was the car I wanted. Honda also has a strong reputation for quality and long lasting, dependable cars. I liked my 98 Civic and decided I wanted to stay with a Honda for my next vehicle. In my opinion, the new dash design is ok and looks cool all lit up in the dark; but I would just as soon have a traditional speedometer instead of the digital.

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  Smooth as Glass - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mr.Winner - September 19 - 7:53 am

  This has been the ultimate family vehicle. We have already taken day trips with the wife and 3 kids plus the dog and its been great for all. From the room inside to the versitility of the bed/trunk. Theres room for everything even when you go grocery shopping you can fit all of your grocerys in the trunk.