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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  Brand New-So Far So Good - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Trudy Heinz - January 2 - 5:36 pm

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  extremely happy - 2017 Honda Accord
  By james harrison - January 2 - 10:56 am

  great value. best looking car with the red color

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  Fun to drive and you will love it. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Doc - January 2 - 8:47 am

  Almost 2K miles on our 05 Elle EX auto tranny and gets 20 mpg in town and 24 on the road. Gas mileage could be better, but hey, it has the aero-dynamics of a brick pushing air but the most fun vehicles this senior citizen has ever owned, and Im hard to impress. If you have bad knees, back or hip it is soooo easy to get in and out and tall folks will have six inches of head room and all the leg room you ever need and you will not feel cramped in an Elle. Too many features to put here so go to your Honda dealer and let them demo and you will be very impressed at how many features for such a low price. Hondas hold their value.

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  Dont buy from Honda Carland in Roswell - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Helen Slater - January 1 - 12:19 pm

  Dont buy from Honda Carland in Roswell.

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  A big little car - 2003 Honda Element
  By ferrariracer - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Cute and ugly? Functional and ugly? Whatever it is it gets attention and questions. I love the car. Performance is more than adequate and while gas mileage could be better I like 22/24 mpg. Visibility to the extreme. Versatility with individuality.

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  very good value - 2003 Honda Element
  By aak007 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Before purchase I check out many more expensive cars and bought ELEMENT. Its the best for the money. Its engine is pretty peppy, ride is very comfortable and smooth. Overall, this car exceeds my expectations. Honest!

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  No Regrets - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By App - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Im prorating the yearly mileage as I have only got 5000 on the odometer at this point. The Pilot still has the fit and finish it did when I drove it off the lot. From a very unpractical point of view, my favorite "feature" of this rig is that I dont see myself coming and going when Im on the road. Its nice being a little unique.

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  Excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dmorgan - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive Limiting seating space in rear

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  Finally I bought Japanese - 2002 Honda Accord
  By T. bone - January 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning a VW jetta and spending thousands on annual repairs we decided to try Honda and I wish we had did it sooner. Great Car Awesome amenities!!!

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  WOW!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RA War - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Never been more impressed by a car.