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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  Otter b. a. comfortable seat car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By flrodeo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my car . I have always had trucks . But the only thing I feel that is wrong is the softness of the seats. I drove it to NC and I was not pleased with it . short distances is fine . You need to work on comfort on the bottom of the seats. thank you for making a great car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Byrdbrain8@aol.com - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Extremely good car for anyone. People on the street are always pointing at the car and admiring it. The inside is incredible. There is so much room in it. In fact, there is more room on the inside than in any other SUV Ive ever been in.

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  I love my Element! - 2004 Honda Element
  By K.M.L. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the appearance of my car. What a wonderful experience to love to drive it as well. It is fun and responsive and I get lots of comments about it- good and bad. People seem to either love it or hate it.

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  Kick ass - 2004 Honda Element
  By takr301 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is exactly what the doctor ordered. I can tow my motorcycles, get it muddy, go snowboarding and not have to worry

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  Element makes sense - 2004 Honda Element
  By mrmontym - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Element is the only suv thats large enough to fall under the competitors size, with out the high price tag. It is only 200 lbs heavier than the crv and yet delivers great gas mileage for its mass. It doesnt make sense to pay high dollars for a vehicle that gives bad gas mileage and is not as acomodating as the element. This suv was built for me and I have been waiting all of my life for it. My wife and i will never drive anything less again and hope to purchase an advance model in the future.

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  BEST HONDA EVER - 2004 Honda Element
  By RedBarron1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a new vehicle. I knew I didnÂ’t want a car. I felt safer driving an SUV but wasnÂ’t sure if I could afford one. I test drove the Element and fell in love with it! Not only did I feel safe driving it, but I absolutely loved the way it looked inside and out. I have had it for about 6 months now. It is EXCELLENT on gas, FANTASTIC in bad weather and snow and I can honestly say that I have never in my life have received more compliments on anything I have even owned! To this day I am still amazed on how much room this vehicle has inside. This is the best purchase I have ever made!

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  Initial Quality Slip - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By David R. Chang - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought many Honda products in the past 27 years because of the excellent quality. However, this Pilot EX-L came with 2 defects, the unbalanced Goodyear Integrity Tires caused steering wheel vibrated and the 5-10 second ignition strat in the cold winter (Vancouver, BC, Canada; inside my garage with temp around zero degree C). The vibration problem is improved after dealer trip, now still some inconsistent vibrations during 120 km and up. The dealer promise to replace the iginition problem after Honda come with new improved designs in 2004. Overall, Honda Pilot is a good SUV fitting our family life with reasonable price. I like it very much!

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  my car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bens mom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

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  lucky me! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ron9002 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After years and years of many boring Accords, I can finally say I love my car. The CRV is such fun to drive. Its so responsive, not "trucky." And its a whole lot more peppy than any Accord Ive ever driven. The gas mileage is just bit less than the Accord.

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  Stickin w/ the hondas - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dwarfl0rd - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned an 87 prelude, 87 crx, 95 civic hatchback, 01 prelude and now a 03 civic ex sedan and honda continues to make cars that fit my needs. Ive owned my new civic for 6 months with 4400 miles. My wife was broadsided in it 3 months ago and the car flipped over. She walked away from the accident w/out injury. Caved in the entire passenger side, and flipped the car over onto the drivers side. Car did what it was supposed to do and protected my wife. Ill be stickin w/the hondas. The car also handles good, and gives me great gas mileage and reliability. I dont need anything else. Thanks Honda.