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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  Quality, Quality, Quality! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ROB - November 3 - 7:01 pm

  Car quality is exceptional. The engine is okay, but could use a few more horses. Very comfortable.

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  Best Room for the Price - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mark - November 3 - 6:54 pm

  Bought my Element used and have been very satisfied. Stepped down from a 99 Tahoe and love the versatility and fuel economy. Goes just about anywhere with only slightly less comfort. Very stable and very manuverable in traffic.

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  A great little SUV for all around duty - 2005 Honda Element
  By Wm. Rohrey - November 3 - 8:52 am

  I think this is one of the best for overall use. It has enough power to do most all jobs its ask to perform & the gas mileage is good. The use for hauling things is great & its easy to load. The only thing I see wrong is the fact that you must open the front doors to be able to open the rear doors. I guess this is a safety thing? But overall the Element has been great fun to drive & handles very well.Hope Honda makes more improvements to this car.

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  Red Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Little red Civic - November 3 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car used in July as I knew the owner. It gets thirty plus mpg but I have gotten over 40 mpg on a trip. So far have put a set of front brakes and rotors, a muffler and adjusted the valves. It has 170000 miles and feels like its good for that many more.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Honda Insight
  By L Howe - November 2 - 10:11 pm

  Totally satisfied with what we intended this vehicle to be. We get the EPA 55-56 on the highway staying at or under 70 mph without the A/C on. With a/c and a heavier foot it drops to 48-49 MPG. No problems so far and have had no reported battery drain. Is great in traffic and a joy to park. The hard tires give great mileage but add noise - Ill take the trade off. This is a second car for us but gets most of the use because of the fuel issues and the around town convenience. We also use it for occasional longer excursion drives and plan to leave our other car home for road trips. Highly recommend this great vehicle.

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  my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - November 2 - 7:06 pm

  My 2005 CRV is a reasonably economical car and a pleasure to drive. Having a family, I place safety and reliability ahead of looks and comfort, but the CRV is, for its price, excellent in all these areas.

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - November 2 - 11:34 am

  We bought our Odyssey with 61K on it and I am very happy with it. It gets great gas mileage, Honda stands behind their work and its a great ride, especially on highway trips. Did have a problem with the EGR valve at 81K, had it fixed and am appealing to American Honda to reimburse me as theyd extended the EGR warranty to 80K! My goal is to keep it for years to come, Im hoping to put another 125K on the vehicle. Its my vehicle of choice anytime I go out driving. Only minor glitch is sometimes the automatic sliding doors freeze up, but thats usually due to human error! Bought new tires, have replaced front headlight bulbs and other routine maintenance, thats it!

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  Great car with some qalifications - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Corey Isenberg - November 1 - 3:04 am

  First if all entertainment system sounds great, DD player is essentially useless other than to play CDs, will not save anything. Playing with flash drive is cumbersome, I bought an iPod Nano and it is infinitely easier. Honda needs some new engineers, this is unacceptable. Dealer shrugged his shoulders so Ill try once more then contact Honda directly. Car handles great, reasonably quiet when not accelerating (pronounced whine). Mileage very temperature dependent, heater is electric, heater warming cab, no EV.

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  Love My Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By brucebro - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pilot for three months and have fallen in love with its handling, comfort and features. In those three months, living in Upstate NY, Ive been able to experience springlike driving conditions back in November, to downright ugly (its -16 degrees right now) winter conditions and Ive been impressed with both.

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  honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By juny - November 1 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, comfortable, nice interior, like that all is power, runs smooth, fully loaded, has everything wanted