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 for the money! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 16 - 7:22 am

  Grreat car for the money

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  3rd CRV and the Best one! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank A. - December 16 - 12:35 am

  I wanted to upgrade my 2012 CRV XE AWD and looked at the Touring model for the past year. Key features I was looking for included Home Link, Blind Spot Mirror, automatic lift gate. What I did not expect is the Technology loaded touring model provided, including Nav, lane departure and speed control cruise with automatic braking. Better headlights and interior upgrades such as memory seats for driver and rear heating and cooling vent for rear passengers were pleasant surprises. Update- after 6 months of steady driving, I must say this is a wonderful SUV, I enjoy the features that were lacking in the 2012 CRV with the lift gate automatic opening being the best new feature as well as the safety features in this CRV The ride feels firm with 18" tires and the rims on the touring are much more stylish. Visibility is clear and good both day and night. Regarding performance it is a four granted but driving around town turn the econ button off and there is good pickup, when on the highway and cruising put the econ button on and enjoy the ride and save some gas. Looks could not be happier, got the silver with black interior and it looks great with some quality wax on it looks great. I look forward to having this CRV for many years and could not be more happier.

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  For my wife and she loves it! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - December 15 - 8:20 pm

  Looked for an SUV for my wife for 6 months, including BMW, M-B, others. My wife didnt give the OK until she drove the Pilot. Lots of bells/whistles, but well laid out & easy to use. Its incredibly well- equipped, with pleasant surprises everywhere. She raves about it, and her friends want the salesmans card!

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  8th Generation Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Orien - December 15 - 5:36 pm

  Overall should be very worth while, the body reminds me of the older Lotus Esprit with the long racked windshield. While having to use premium I still already see the cost savings of using this car. Mileage is always in the upper 20s - lower 30s, and this is the sports model in there line, with gas approaching $4 a gallon the couple of cents for premium out ways the difference. It handles very well, corners great, even now I am still amazed at how spunky this car is, its not the big "Hemi-V8" but let the rpms work for you and you can fly. I see people complain there is no power, my response is you dont know how to handle the car then, and you shouldnt drive one then...

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  Love my honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By don - December 15 - 11:43 am

  I have bought my last 6 vehicles new. I am in the auto repair industry and from the experience I have with my 2002 Accord that has 145,000 miles on it I had to replace my Caravan with a Honda. The Odyssey in a class all its own. I drove the Sienna and the overall handling of the Honda is better. The interior is more user friendly and the exterior styling is great. I have 3 friends with this van and they all agree.

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  Used Honda Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jkng - December 15 - 4:56 am

  I purchased this car a few months ago and so far so good. It was one year old and I think I got a great deal on it. Love driving it. Handles great and has power for a 4 cyl. 2.0. Great transmission and although the ride is harsh I guess that is what you sacrifice for the handling and sport. The only negative so far is that, third gear sticks. I dont know if anyone else has that problem.

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  good car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ptg2001 - December 14 - 5:06 pm

  I bought our accord about 3 month age after our 2005 honda oddssey was rear ended and totaled we got the accord tor replace the above vech. we have approx 6500 miles on it and love it. it not only gets more mpg around town then on the hwy at its best with the odd. we have been going between modsto ca. and martinez ca. approx. 160-180 roundtrip and getting no less then 33 mpg and up to 36 it not only is very quiet and smooth but we love the cameras it make getting over to the right very nice(I wish they had it on the left also) we just love the carwe paid over 24000 .and I have read where people have had prob. we have not and we are going down south this weekend and look for to the drive.

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  Dons review - 2003 Honda Element
  By Don - December 14 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased the Element AWD as a replacement for an Explorer. We have had no regrets, as we can now carry far more cargo, as we have more room. We were pleased with the interior as we have dogs that travel with us and it is very easy to clean. The fuel mileage is as advertised, and not blown out of proportion. Most of our driving is highway/interstate speeds between our homes in Fla. and the mountians of N. Georgia, and have never had a problem maintaining speed in the mountains, even while towing a small trailer with ATV.

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  Update after 35,000 miles - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Chris - December 14 - 1:05 pm

  First review was after owning for 5k miles. Current review is after two years. I can again confirm this was a smart purchase decision. Tire wear is always an issue with stock Bridgestone Potenza RE050s, but dry/wet grip is fanstastic. Also had the opportunity attent two open track days....well worth the money to get the experience. The S2000 handles fanstastically. Grin from ear to ear..cant wait to do it again. Criticisms: Rattling from convertible top latches second gear grind early in life, seems to have gone away unless cold temps passenger seatbelt rattles on door pannel/seat One last note: this car CAN be driven in the winter. Snow tires are a must and work great!

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  Love my Honda - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Megan Weatherford - December 14 - 12:10 pm

  Great value for the luxury and reliability. Heated seats and moon roof are just a couple of things that take this car the the next level. Great car for the value.