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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  06 Civic EX 2-dr Coupe Best Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kathy - September 27 - 6:53 pm

  OMG! This is the best car Ive ever owned! I love it! Id buy another one I plan to buy one more before I retire. The ride is smooth, it looks great, fabulous gas mileage. I love this car!

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  Expected More - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By klw - September 27 - 11:27 am

  I am the not so proud owner of a 1999 Honda Odyssey. At 176,000 miles we are looking at our third transmission. At $4000 a pop this is really a no brainer. Very frustrating to say the least. We have put a fairly good amount of money into the care, repair and maintenance of the van and expected more from Honda. I am wishing we had gotten rid of it after the first transmission went bad at 75,000 miles and gotten a Toyota. We also drive a Camry with over 186,000 miles and have never had a transmission problem. Comfort is nice but Id really like reliability and the ability to drive a vehicle long term without these repeated major repairs - like I though a Honda would provide.

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  nice car for the $ - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jj - September 27 - 11:26 am

  Nice car over all, bought it brand new. now 2008 have about 49k miles. No problems. Havent changed brakes yet, but its coming. Great car overall.

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  My Elementary Way of Life - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jim Denham - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Whats amazing is the unlikely convergence of free-spirit, quirky design and a brand that Ive always bought for dependability and longevity: HONDA!! Its feeding both sides of the brain!! Attitude with dependability behind it: thats my car! Jim

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By jww - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is big, yet small. Its like a Mini Cooper on Steroids. great stereo, seating positions

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dawelch_in_AK - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Im finally back to owning a Honda again! I cant believe Ive owned other vehicles; shame on me. The CRV is a dream to drive, and compared to my last SUV (Isuzu, ick), the CRV gets Amazing gas mileage. Im averaging 27mpg, which is better than EPA estimates! I feel much better having a Low Emmission Vehicle in Fairbanks; a city that suffers from Smog in winter. Im the very proud owner of a Honda again (last honda was a prelude, loved it). Im even thinking of giving my CRV a name, like I would a pet!

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  why i love my civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jadam - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I just do! its the perfect price range for a struggling college student with friends and clothes to haul back and forth. its cute yet stylish. somewhat sporty (fast and the furious)but elegant. i feel very safe in it and have lots of room to get comfortable when we go on road trips.

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  review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By mark1234 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  great car!

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mred0950 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Accord and my 4th Honda. I have owned over 12 cars in the past 35 years and no car has impresed me as much as the 2003 Accord EX V6. I had looked at Toyota and others but for the price no car could beat the Accord. Ive had the car a few weeks now and I have no complaints of any kind. The car is loaded with everything and anything any driver could ask for.

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  Best all around car Ive owned. 24 mpg - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dave Mathews - September 27 - 3:06 am

  After totaling my 2004 2WD (not my fault), I now have a 2005 AWD. I had my 04 for 6 years and it was still worth what I paid for it used! I was lucky to find a replacement because they are getting scarce and people are holding on to them. My new one is all-wheel-drive, which it turns out is awesome! AND, it gets consistently 24 mpg, which is better than my last one. Spacious, comfortable, utilitarian vehicle. When researching to buy my new one (11 yrs. old) I found many with over 200,000 miles and even a couple with over 300,000. I intend to drive this car for a very long time.