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:

• 

  Did You Say Honda? - 2002 Honda S2000
  By I Love My Honda - April 14 - 1:32 am

  The top is down and its a beautiful day, you climb in open roadster style, you put your legs over the door and stand on the seat and then sit down in the low, yet comfy, bolstered seats that will hold you in while pulling VERY sharp turns, floor it all the way to the 9 thousand RPM redline, and then take the sharp turn that says 15mph at 40mph with ease. This is one fun car, Ive owned a Carrera 4 and currently own a Porsche GT3 an the S2000 is the best deal out there, a drop top car with a slick shifter and race car suspension for under 35k! You put it on more than you get in it, its like youre favorite pair of jeans, everything else just falls into place perfectly. A very fun car.

• 

  Honda Element EX-P 4WD Tangerine - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jeremy Smith - April 13 - 6:59 pm

  I felt that there was nothing that could come close in its price range.

• 

  Not Your Moms Honda - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SomeHondaGuy - April 13 - 6:04 pm

  Get in the car and sit in the comfy seats bolstered just enough to hold you while you pull .94 Gs but still comfy enough for long trips and press the start button. Bring the top down and go. Just starting it up is fun, you floor it down the street and before you know it youre at 60 mph. The lack of low end torque makes you think an then you hit 6000 rpms and you feel like youre in a F1 car, youre ready to shift when you realize you still have another 3000 rpms till the 9000 rpm redline comes up. I own an 04 M3 an a Lotus Elise and this is by far one of hte most fun cars Ive ever driven, for 31K it doesnt get much better than this.

• 

  Love my S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By TMac - April 13 - 1:34 pm

  Ive had my S2000 for almost a year now and love almost everything about the car. Im a huge fan of Honda and this car is a total thrill! The design is great and performance is even better. Everytime I get in my car, Im excited to drive! I was initially concerned about the hassle of a 6-speed, but the shifting is virtually effortless. To top it off, I can actually fit my golf clubs in the trunk!

• 

  100% satisfied! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By myfirsthonda - April 13 - 1:30 pm

  We test drove the Honda crosstour, the Toyota venza, Nissan murano, and Lexus rx, and decided to get the ct because it outshines in every aspect compared to the others. We love everything the crosstour has to offer, although we bought the base model, we found the options are more than enough for what we need. Overall, 100% happy.

• 

  Really fun car to drive - 2006 Honda Element
  By KevinK - April 13 - 11:09 am

  When looking for my first car, I didnt want to have a "bland" looking vehicle and this is definitely a head-turner. I was wary at first of getitng a manual for an SUV as I had driven others and the clutch always seemed tough. The manual trans on this car was very forgiving and shifting gears was very smooth. There was plenty of power available. The interior design was wonderful and ive never seen as much rear legroom for the rear seat. Overall great car.

• 

  2002 - Odyssey exceeded my expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Atlanta Odyssey Owne - April 12 - 9:06 am

  Ive read some of the previous reviews. How can some of you rate a 5 then put in your review that its the best minivan youve ever driven. Maybe the survey needs some idiot-proofing. Regardless the 240bhp engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 11 cup holders, folding rear seat, and the huge array of standard features in the EX is incredible. I got mine for $1,500 under MSRP and absolutely love it!!!

• 

  We named it Zippy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By tntprmtns - April 12 - 8:53 am

  I was really not even going to look at the fit but my mechanic encouraged me to. Well Im pleasantly suprised. Its got the fuel economy for my weekday commute and lots of space for my weekend dogwalks and camping trips. Its got more zip than you would think but its not the Civic and it does get chucked around a bit in high winds. Bad thing is there arent many of them so there are no real good "deals" to be hand. But at the price you really cant got wrong.

• 

  Valuable Coupe - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Luis Fernandez - April 12 - 6:45 am

  Love the car, except for the head room. If you are over 6 feet tall, look for something else. Otherwise, its a great small car.

• 

  The SUV that could. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dave - April 12 - 1:56 am

  This is a fun vehicle. The salesman told me that they sell most of their Elements to over 40 crowd. I am 50ish.This is a great all round vehicle, that does not have the foul carpet smell from wet snow.