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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  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Baby-G - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. The 160 hp engine is really fun to drive. If you step on the gas this baby goes! No need for the V-6. The XM satelite radio is a great addittion to an already sound car. The heated seats are great and act as great compliments to the comfortable leather. The 6-disc in dash cd player makes a long road trip not seem so bad. I have been a Honda owner for the past 8 years and dont see myself switching anytime soon. Recommend purchase. Hard to beat all the extras you get for this car for the price. Also looked at an Acura TSX, not enough difference in the overall car to allow me to justify spending the extra $.

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  2005 Element EX Standard AWD - 2005 Honda Element
  By elementred - August 29 - 9:20 am

  I expected lower gas mileage with the lower gear ratio on the Standard. BUT, we received higher gas mileage 25- 27mpg. Very peppy engine, Great to take bikes in. Rear seat is more like sitting in a limo. Handles very well.

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  Cheap - Junk - Bad Buy - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Kelly Fredericks Wag - August 29 - 7:16 am

  This is my first Japanese brand vehicle and I am very disappointed. I had a 2006 Town & Country that I really loved. No issues ever in 30,000 miles. Then I get talked into this Honda Odyssey. Well 19 trips to the dealer in 10 months for repairs to the brakes, transmission, seat heaters, oil leaks, electrical system and door motors makes me not recommend this, or any other Japanese nameplate.

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  Happy Accord owner - 1997 Honda Accord
  By hnk000 - August 29 - 12:10 am

  Ive had my Accord se since it was a year old/25k miles. It now has 250,000 miles on it. Ive done every maintenance requirement on it. And had only a few problems all things considered. Brought it from la to ca and back. After all this time the only problem I have is the leaks. But after so much wear and tear what else could anyone ask for. A great car. Im attached still after all these years. And it still looks perfect. Word.

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  What a fun little Go Cart - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lesson - August 28 - 10:30 pm

  I traded in my SUV for a car that will get excellent gas mileage and be reliable over the years. I got more than that! This car is great. It is a lot of fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. My friends and family have always owned Hondas and have never been disappointed. I have owned BMWs, Jaguars, Saabs, Land Rover, and Mercedes. This car beats them all in fun factor. I am more satisfied with purchase than all of the others.

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  I wouldnt buy the 2003 model - 2003 Honda Accord
  By No More Honda - August 28 - 10:13 pm

  I have had many problems with my Accord. Transmission slips without notice, electrical problems, a/c only blows 1 temp. The car seems to have a mind of its own so I wouldnt recommend the 2003 model since this is the 1st year of the new style. Check out the recalls on the 2003s, there are many! Always trouble. Get the 2005.

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  Excellent for the Money - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Next Batman - August 28 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2006 VW Passat and I loved it. 75000 miles in just 2 years... Commuting to work 165 every day. I looked for another Passat and WOW! The minimum sales tag was 28,000 bucks.. No way! Then I start to look into something more affordable and I found the new Accord. My wife has a Odyssey and we both love it. No problems at all, meaning none! So, I went for Honda blind bet and until now was a good decision, especially for the money. There is no car available for 21,000 with all those features. You want a better car? Prepare to spend more. Nissan Altima is a good competitor but no need to mention resale value. Happy but is not the Audi A4 I dream with.

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  2008 Ridgeline RTS - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 28 - 3:25 pm

  Truly enjoy this truck! Was looking at a Tacoma, but decided on this for the price and the trunk inside the bed, which justified getting a truck with 2 small children.

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  Honda quality not what it used to be? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 28 - 12:36 am

  We have bought only Honda and Toyota since 1976. This Odyssey makes a loud noise after driving on the highway for a few hours. Maybe power steering? Dont know and the dealer says they would not be able to find it till it is happening which is never when I am in town or when they are open. I am thinking to trade it for a sienna. Never heard of not finding a problem like that. Dont they have computerized systems that find problems? Not happy with service at Springfield Honda so may trade. If I do, I will never buy another Honda. Want this dealt with before my warranty is up.

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  Not fuel efficient in city driving - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ghasbun - August 27 - 10:59 pm

  My CR-V does fine in Highway 27 MPG but very poor in city driving, 16.25 mpg.