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 Car!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By cc - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id be excited and happy about a mini van but Im both!! I love the magic seat; it makes it great when your out and you need the space! Honda is not known for having many bells and whistles but it does have the reputation for reliablity and thats what is important in a mini van!

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  Best Reliability of any car I ever owned - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alphatango - March 2 - 8:57 am

  My first Honda was and is a 1995 Accord. It now has 230,000 miles on it and Im still using it. I was so impressed, I bought my Pilot, and with 80,000 miles on it, it has been in for repairs once---to replace the rear door struts. This is a excellent vehicle.

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  Practical - 2005 Honda Element
  By bdkamin - March 2 - 8:49 am

  When I was looking for a vehicle in the $20k range, the Element met more criteria than any other vehicle. Friends of mine have doubted my purchase because of its appearance. After riding in it with me, there opinions change. In fact, less than than a month after my purchase, a friend bought the same thing while another is thinking about it.

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  Element of Design - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sheila Todd - March 2 - 8:43 am

  Im a first time Honda owner. I loved everything about the Element. Its fun to drive and the handle is awesome. It couldve been made more sound-proof. I travel and the highway noise gets extremely loud. I would love to see family features, like Tv/Dvd players, and more cushioned seats.

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  Hottest Car on the Planet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Don - March 2 - 2:53 am

  Thats what the dealer called it, and he was right. Great design; reminds me of my 1988 Prelude in how it stole my heart. Didnt take long to get used to the speedo up by the windshield. 140 hp and 40 mpg? Oh yeh. Ive had the car two weeks, and I have yet to go through the tank of gas my dealer gave me with the car.

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  WILL FOREVER OWN A CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRV LOVER 4EVR - March 1 - 8:51 pm

  This car had endured two different jobs, both with one-hour-each-way commutes. It is roomy, has great pick-up, decent gas mileage for an all-wheel drive vehicle and has a five-star safety rating. Its cute, sporty and comfortable to drive. Once I broke this car in, it fits like a shoe. Ive had zero maintenance problems with it and dealing with Honda has never been a problem. This car is well worth the money and you will NOT be disappointed. HONDA HAS MADE A LOYAL, LIFE-LONG CUSTOMER OUT OF ME!!

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  Great Car!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By LR - March 1 - 2:33 pm

  This is my 5th Honda and Ive not been let down yet! The 5M is a fun car to drive. Handles well. Love the Cool Blue Metallic color. Ive filled up once and got about 27 mpg and thats with stop and go driving. I expect it to only get better.

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  Great Car - Few Problems - 2005 Honda Element
  By Leah - March 1 - 2:13 pm

  Love the car, but miss a front seat sun roof. Only other problem is the lack of protecton for the radiator. Had to go out and purchase Gutter Guard to attach in front to protect radiator from rocks and such. Also, daytime running lights should have been standard. If gas mileage were as advertised, I would recommend the Element to everyone; however, the mileage sticker borders on fraudulent.

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  Best SUV for the city - 2017 Honda CR V
  By JPinDC - March 1 - 6:30 am

  I wanted an SUV that was short and had a backup camera so that I could easily park it. The CR-V fit the bill. I couldnt find my preferred color in 2WD, so I got the AWD version. Gas mileage doesnt meet up with the EPA expectation, but is great for any SUV. Im most impressed with how effortless it is to drive - easy steering, excellent brakes. Another standout is the Apple CarPlay. Its integration is the simplest, most straight-forward that Ive seen. The safety features are great, as are little things like the cap-less gas filler, heated front seats, rear cover that moves up to make a flat surface with the rear seats folded down, etc.

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  Now THATS a Sports Car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Reno driver - February 28 - 1:51 pm

  What a car! It handles unlike anything I have ever driven. The high RPMs didnt freak me out because I had spent the morning driving Porsches so I was used to it. Kicking it into 6th gear is like launching yourself down the freeway - get a radar detector the day you buy it! This thing has road glue - takes hard turns like a go cart - as fun as a motorcycle but much safer and more practical. And it really turns heads! The hard top is great for noise & theft reduction.