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:

• 

  love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By homer s - May 17 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had this for one month and its the most fun I have had in a vehicle in a long time. It feels solid. I didnt exptect milage to be great since the mileage numbers are posted for you to see when you buy it. Navigation is great. I compared, drove and reseached Tundra and Tacoma before deciding on this one and I like my choice.

• 

  The one to buy! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Iluvdiscar - May 17 - 1:36 pm

  Great Car, I am very impressed with the fit and finish. Car handles well on both fwy and city streets. Ive always bought Detroit iron, but this car puts them all to shame. I just love the 43.5 average MPG. Cannot say enough good things about this car.

• 

  Happy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Happy - May 17 - 9:10 am

  Ive owed five Accords, an 84, 92, 95, 01, and 03. I still miss my 1984, but my 2003 is the best Accord Ive owed. I bought it new and have not had any problems in 26,000 miles, other than a transmission recall at no cost. I dont think you can buy a better car for the money.

• 

  Nice car... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By matt_landers - May 17 - 12:56 am

  Having owned a 2006 Honda Civic LX and traded that to an Accord with gas prices going nowhere but up I decided to go back to the Civic but with the upgraded EX version. Im glad I did. The little differences... wiper variable speed, sunroof trunk release on the key fob and 350 watt sound system and some other minor differences have me enjoying this car more enjoyable than the 1st time. If any problems happen develop.. Ill be sure to write back but almost a month into my ownership, Im happy.

• 

  Honda Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Tim Olson - May 17 - 12:19 am

  From the beginning I was attracted to the Element. The functionality of this vehicle is amazing. I have transported two bikes along with camping equipment. I have slept in the Element and have been very comfortable. Driving extended periods are a dream. I have logged 8 hours of continuous driving and have had no fatigue or stiffness.

• 

  I love my new Honda! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By SKIP05 - May 16 - 7:00 pm

  I have had my new Honda now for 3 months. I went from a Toyota Camry which I loved dearly until it was totaled in May. I had about a week to find a new car that I liked. I have always been a Toyota girl, until I started driving my Civic. I love it. The guys at the dealership were great even though they knew I was going to have to purchase a car. The dealers at Toyota were not very nice at all. My car is awesome!

• 

  The perfect family car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David Morin - May 16 - 6:00 pm

  When my wife totaled our Mazda6 Wagon I was sure wed replace it with a new Honda CRV. But after seeing the new Accord in the flesh it was too good to pass up. It was bigger, got better MPG, still offered a stickshift, and was cheaper. Even our "base" LX has all the amenities, all the safety items we demanded, and a ton of passenger space. The exterior, which looked so odd in pictures, is quite appealing in person. We got the black cloth interior and the polished metal exterior. It handles flatly in corners yet doesnt punish you with a harsh ride. The shifter is typical Honda-perfect. With a set of snow tires its handling VT winter like a champ.

• 

  I Am Impressed - 2006 Honda Element
  By DOLICA3 - May 16 - 11:18 am

  I own a 2003 Element FWD manual and have recently purchased a 2006 AWD 5 speed manual. I love them both. I gave the 2003 to my husband as he fell in love with the darned thing too for hunting and taking the dogs. With the high gas prices, I wish the mileage were a bit better. I am getting between 26-28 mpg. I was used to 40 mpg on my manual Civic. Nevertheless, it is by far, the best vehicle I have ever owned. 2003 Element shows rust already. Actually did within months of purchase.

• 

  Great Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Scott G - May 16 - 10:56 am

  I have 105,000 on this car and the only repair Ive had to make is a headlight that burned out about a month ago. Still the original brakes! Second set of tires still look good. I drive a lot of highway miles and average 40+ mpg. This is a great car. The only reason Im getting rid of it is to buy a 2006 Civic EX coupe.

• 

  Honda S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Bonnie Brown - May 15 - 9:41 pm

  I recently purchased a Honda S2000. I drove an Acura for 16 years and was spoiled by the low maintainance, high performance of my 5 speed. My new Honda S2000 is like a vacation on wheels! The quality of the craftsmnship is excellent. Dropping the hood sounds like closing a fine briefcase. The 237 hp engine zips effortlessly up the steepest hills and it hugs the road making the drive pure joy. The stick shift is quick and smooth. The interior is snug and you feel the road but who wouldnt want that in a sports car? If I wanted a pillow ride I would have bought a Lincoln town car (and a chauffeur).