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 Van... Trans went out at 65k - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - July 23 - 3:02 pm

  The Odyssey is a great minivan, powerful and good looking. Smartly designed interior and very comfortable to ride in.

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  Great 8 Passenger Compromise - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Charlie1009 - July 23 - 12:10 pm

  Our Pilot is a great compromise between a mini-van and a large SUV. We wanted three rows of seating, with enough room in the third to accomodate teens for rides of up to one hour. Handling and ride are car-like, ergonomics are good, interior design is simple and attractive and the vehicle is comfortable for 4-6 persons, at least long enough to get everyone to sports practice. Six-airbag setup was a must and is standard. Mileage with the Pilot is merely OK (17 mpg in town and 24 mpg at a steady 80 mph. If you regularly haul more than 5 for long periods of time, look at a larger minivan instead.

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  Love my Element! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Joleine - July 23 - 11:37 am

  My Element is a lot of fun to drive, has great get up and go, is very utilitarian and has everything we needed in an SUV!

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  Crosstour beats Venza hands down - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Howie D - July 23 - 10:30 am

  My lease was up on my RX350 and test drove the Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano before trying out the Crosstour. The Crosstour was a clear winner! Excellent drive train and quieter engine vs the RX350. Love the new styling, very sporty and fun to drive. I am 63 so headroom is very important and the Crosstour had the most headroom.

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  Best Honda so far - 2009 Honda Fit
  By steve - July 23 - 10:03 am

  This is my 8th Honda. Have owned Hondas for 33 years. I love this car. It is a blast to drive, is getting 35 mpg overall. I love the navigation, ipod connector, and the paddle shifters. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for a fun, reliable, roomy car. You cant go wrong with a Honda, and the Fit is just perfect.

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  Love this little car! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By MarcieLovesJohn - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best roadster out there for the money. I have a blast everytime I take it out, although I would not recommend it as your only vehicle. It does not handle well in inclement weather.

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  Made a believer out of my friends - 2004 Honda Element
  By Roboboris1 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  When I told my friends I was buying an Element, they all just smirked. But then I took them out cruising on a Saturday night, and they fell in love with it. The only problem is now everyone will want me to drive when we go out. My friends are all 510" plus and 200lbs or more, and they have more than enough room. Not superfast, but enough power to dart and weave through the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Go Cubs!

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  BEST CAR IN A LONG TIME - 2004 Honda Element
  By Stephen W. - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is great it runs like all get up and go.

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  WHAT A CAR! - 2004 Honda Element
  By JSA - July 23 - 10:00 am

  ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I LOVE IT. IVE MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS, BUT THIS IS THE MOST EVERYTHING A PERSON OR A FAMILY WOULD WANT.

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  Great Fun Car !!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By crocshop.com - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I first test drove one of these puppies back when they were released in 2003. It was great how much "pan-o-ramic" vision that the front windshield offered. I waited to purchase until this St. Pattys Day only because ov 2 reasons: the dreaded "1st Model Year" curse, and also desperatly hoping that HONDA would replace the STUPID looking "Plastic" wheel guards/side panels with real "Body" / Metal panels (kind ov like the kewl looking Scion from Toyota). - crocshop.co