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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  Driving - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By george murphy - August 28 - 6:49 am

  Very comfortable and stable ride. AWD works extremely well. Pulled a 7 foot Hobie Cat in deep sand! 8 seats a bonanza with visiting grandchildren. 1 recall seanless. Took extended warranty as we bought the 1st model year, probably will never use it. Only problem we have had is collection of "carbon" on gas pedal mechanism causing sticking.

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  Hondas race car for the road - 2006 Honda S2000
  By sparcs - August 27 - 9:35 pm

  Absolutely SUPERB! Light weight more than enough power - VTEC, gotta love it! super 6 speed gearbox (rowing thru the gears - great stuff, especially in VTEC mode!) excellent throttle response and control precise, quick steering cornering grip is awe inspiring excellent brakes! stiff chassis with a superbly tuned suspension engine/exhaust sound is addictive. No doubt, this is Hondas race car for the road. Truly, a great, fun sports car, embodying the idea of the sports car from years gone past with todays engineering. With less than 10,000 hand built S2000s a year, buy another Honda car just to thank Honda for making the S2000. I did! One does need to break trips into hourly stages, to get out and stretch. And to grin the S2000 grin.

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  Great All Purpose Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Monte - August 27 - 9:11 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle to haul the family, move cargo, and is as comfortable at a work site as a formal evening event, the Honda Ridgeline is your type of vehicle. It is a great truck for the weekend "do it yourself" type. Not a truck for heavy duty construction. Terrific ride with front wheel drive when the computerized 4WD isnt kicked in. This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Highly recommend it to someone who wants a car like ride with a box for hauling bikes, lawnmowers, etc. The trunk under the bed is a brilliant feature that really enhances your hauling capabilities. Overall, Honda has hit a home run in their first venture into the pickup market.

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  First Element Purchase. - 2007 Honda Element
  By Orlando Dave - August 27 - 8:00 pm

  We just purchased our new 2007 Element Saturday, August 26th in Orlando. We had previously owned a 97 and a 2000 CR-V. The 07 Element was too cool to pass up. So far we have really enjoyed the Element, I didnt want a 4 speed auto transmission, so that was the reason for not purchasing an 06. Our earlier CR-Vs had the 4 speed auto and I always thought another gear would have made the performance better on those vehicles. After 150 miles both my wife and I, along with our Lab, love the Element. Now we are waiting to see how the fuel mileage works out.

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  All New Element Awesome - 2007 Honda Element
  By Element Lover - August 27 - 4:28 pm

  This all new Element is totally awesome. I was going to get a 2006 EX-P but I thought Id wait for the 2007 and all its new features. Have already slept in it. And also goes on back roads wonderfully.

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  Good - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pezz - August 27 - 5:16 am

  Very happy

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  The Best! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By gatormd - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, it turns heads everywhere, outperforms a Boxter S and is $20,000 cheaper. It is the best convertible in its class, and will stay that as the years progress. Honda definitely knows how to keep up with the rest of the companies.

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 Honda Element
  By JTDEW - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Buying a Honda Element is highly recommended if your are looking for a samll SUV. This vehicle is well built and plenty fun to drive. I use it as a work vehicle and find the adaptability of this vehicle is fantastic. It is easy to keep clean and maintain and is a rock solid vehicle. Being a Honda, this car will last me well over 150K miles given proper maintenance.

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  You wont be sorry - 2001 Honda Accord
  By summerheat - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I needed a vehicle to offset our Suburbans enormous thirst for fuel but one that would also work for carrying around the kids and fill in on cross country trips. I also didnt want to pay a premium new or used car price. In enters the perfect vehicle for the chore. My only problem has been not bypassing my exits as I am really enjoying its comforts and convenience. Thanks Honda.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 02SEfan - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 32K miles on it. Sold my 97 Accord to get it. Have not had any problems with it. It is much better than the 97 Accord. The interior is a lot roomier, the exterior is much more stylish, and the engine has a lot more get up and go. The gas mileage around town is OK at 19 MPG. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. Highly receommend it.