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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  Dedtroit Look out - 2003 Honda Element
  By H - July 24 - 3:42 pm

  I traded my GMC for the Element and wish I had never seen the GMC! The fit and finish is fantastic, the ride is wonderful and unlike my GMC Sonoma Crew Cab truck, I can turn around on a dime. Maybe now I will not need ball joints every 45,000

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  2005 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By George Davis - July 24 - 3:36 pm

  We have owned this vehicle since December of 2004. We routinely travel from Detroit Metro area to Appleton WI. The trip is almost 500 miles and I make it on one tank of fuel. Not bad considering I make the trip in 6 hours or less. The vehicle is over 18 months old. It has never had a failure of any sort. It is the most practical vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Chief - July 24 - 3:08 pm

  I have never been happier with any auto purchase, than with the Pilot. Its just awesome, loads of room, and extremely reliable. In the 3 years I have owned it, I have only serviced it 5 times (every 7,500 miles). The only thing that would ever make me get a different vehicle, would be if they made the Pilot with some kind of hybrid engine.

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  Touchdown!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JDubz - July 24 - 2:46 pm

  Honda scores a touchdown with the new Civic. The build quality, reliability, gas mileage, and safety are excellent and typical Honda. The exterior design may take a little getting used to as does the interior with the two-tier dash design. But, Im used to it and I love it. What I also love is the surprisingly fun-to-drive factor. While the car is no Mazda3, its sportier than I expected, especially with the 5spd. manual. I would recommend this car to anyone. Honda has done a fantastic job with the 2006 Civic.

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  Fun & reasonably inexpensive to operate - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Isabelle Hafner-Youn - July 24 - 1:41 pm

  I pack everything but the kitchen into my Pilot and then it holds some more. Handles and rides as good as my Accord or Civic Hatchback my commuter car. Much smoother riding than my daughters 4 Runner and takes reg gas. We moved 17 rescued animals, 2 humans and supplies and was hauling a full trailer from California to Arkansas and survived being driven off the road into a ravine by a 4-wheeler. Pilot remained upright in the ravine and we had not a scratch on it or us. Trailer twisted side ways and was a mess but the Pilot stood firm. Other drivers were astounded. We love it!

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  CRV - doesnt get any better - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By marty - July 24 - 12:53 pm

  After driving Toyotas and VWs for years, this vehicle is above the rest. The engine is more than adequate, most of the time you forget its not a V6, roomy interior compared to most others in its class, superior design ideas, handles 5 adult passengers without losing a step. This vechile will be around for a LONG time to come.

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  Best Everyday Sedan Overall - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Silver EX-L with Nav - July 24 - 12:30 pm

  The 190 hp 4 cylinder is plenty strong enough for most driving conditions. In typical Honda fashion, it likes to rev and gets downright entertaining at 4000- 7100 redline. My last two cars were "fast" (WRX, TL) and I got this because my family got larger. On occasion, I do miss the power of the aforementioned vehicles, but the transmission is up to the task. I like the grade logic control and it seems like a very intuitive transmission (knows what I want to do). Overall, I am very satisfied on all fronts. I prefer the nav joystick over a touchscreen for cleanliness. Additionally, the set back nav screen is nice, and within a quick glance of my sightline.

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  My 06 Element 2wd 5spd - 2006 Honda Element
  By Matt Bennett - July 24 - 11:51 am

  I really enjoy driving this vehicle and taking it on trips. Interior room is very accomodating for family. I am 64" tall and can easliy fit in front or back seats with plenty of room to move.

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  This Hybrid is a Winner - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tnaber - July 24 - 11:40 am

  After driving a 17 year old Honda Civic without any major mechanical break downs, we needed a Honda that would be fuel efficient and safe. We settled on a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. This Car is a Winner! Fit and Finish is Excellent, Gas Mileage is consistently above 45mpg and it rides quietly on the open road. You hardly know its a Hybrid except when you see the "Engine Off" light blinking when the Hybrid is running off its battery. Do yourself a favor and purchase Honda, it beats the Toyota Prius hands down. Dont ever worry about the motor stalling out like the Toyotas have been plagued with.

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  how it drives - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ali - July 24 - 7:30 am

  this car was amazing. not only was it a good car, and good on gas but i completely totaled my car and had 4 kids in there with me and no-one was hurt. the airbags came out and not even a scratch was put on any of us. this car is amazing and i would tell anyone who is looking for a new car and wanted something small and cute to go for an 06 civic because they are amazing!