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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  2005 Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By stlmo57 - April 29 - 11:46 pm

  I have about 4,200 miles on my 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. After getting 31 mpg on my 1st full tank, I was anxious to see it improve to around 36 mpg as it was broke-in and I figured out how to drive it to get the optimun mpg. So far, after nearly 3 months I am very disappointed, the mpg has actually retreated to about 25 to 26. At this rate, it was not worth the premium. Cold weather appears to have an impact. I am pleased with the handling and acceleration. Overall, not the feel of luxury I had when I purchased my 2002 Maxima Nissan GLE new.

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  Review of my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Merrill Haas - April 29 - 10:24 pm

  Handles well on mountain roads. Has good acceleration.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Gerald H. - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  This is the first SUV my wife and I have brought together and the first Japanese nameplate that either one of us has brought. Before we have owned sedans and making the change to the Element has been nothing but enjoyable. The ride is smooth and quiet. For being a small SUV, you sit up as high on the road as the largest SUV so your field of view is not comprise. The Element is just fun to drive!

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  In Love With Our S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dale - April 29 - 9:20 pm

  This is our second S2000. Had an 03 at first & traded for an 04 only cause the 04 had some significant upgrades I liked better over previous years. Would be in an 06 but I dont see enough improvement over our 04 to buy an 06. I suspect I will be in an 07 thinking Honda will do some nice upgrades. Yet how can you upgrade what is & has been a PERFECT sports car. Ive driven the new Sky by Saturn & though it is cooler looking it doesnt even compare to the S2000 as doesnt a Miata or the new Pontiac Solstice. The S2000 is still the leader of the pack in small TRUE SPORTS CARS.

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  Honda makes smart vehicles - 2004 Honda Element
  By tallman - April 29 - 7:26 pm

  Handles well for a SUV. Gas mileage is among the best for a small 4wd SUV. No reliability problems at all. Im 68" tall and fit well in the vehicle. I would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  Love my black-on-black Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By E-Chick - April 29 - 5:48 pm

  I got a great deal on a great car-truck-SUV-thingee after loads of research on other vehicles....started off wanting an Xterra or Rav4, then tested a Liberty. Hadnt even thought of an Element because to be honest and shallow? I hated the grey panel thing...then I found the black-paneled black EX and couldnt believe how awesome it looked and performed and got decent mileage too. Plus I bought carpet with mine - very cool! Inside and out Im pleased and believe my Honda will be at least as reliable as my Toyota. Highly recommend the E...the EX-P models really make it more attractive to more people.

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  Rate it? Rave about it!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jim in NE - April 29 - 1:06 pm

  I bought the Element for a particular reason... fishing. I haul 2 other guys and three float tubes full of air that are wet and dirty between farm ponds here in Nebraska. No carpet to worry about, one or both back seats fold up and out of the way. Then I found out I can haul loads of furniture, antiques, trash barrels, tree branches, just like a small pickup with nothing blowing out. And it wipes out with a damp towel. Mileage? I continually beat the highway estimated 25mpg, getting 26 going 23 miles of country road to work each day. Did I mention the sound system? Awsome! Looking for a utilitarian AWD SUV that gets good mileage? Element!!! I am a happy owner!

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  For the Family - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John Griffith - April 29 - 11:44 am

  Having a new baby I was looking for something safe, and bigger than a car. After making my comparisons it came down to the RAV4 and CRV, leaning towards the RAV4 I went to test drive the CRV. I could not belive how well it handled, its get up and go and it didnt feel like I was driving a tank. Overall after driving it for a couple of weeks now I couldnt be happier with any other vehicle.

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  I love my Honda! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Susan - April 29 - 11:16 am

  Just sold my 95 Accord and needed a new vehicle. Of course it had to be a Honda. Saw the CRV SE and it was love at first sight. Had features I always wanted, safety, good looks and fun to drive. My first moonroof ever and I use it every day. Almost as peppy as the Accord V6 was, and that surprised me since I shy away from 4 bangers. Good gas mileage for around town, especially with the high price of gas. Very happy with the CRV SE.

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  Does it all - 2004 Honda Element
  By lawly - April 29 - 9:47 am

  This vehicle does it all! Ive used it for commuting-long distance traveling - camping and hauling. The gas mileage isnt bad for a larger vehicle (23) hwy. The ride is smooth and the transmission the same. I recommend it to anyone wanting an all-purpose vehicle.