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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  Love the toaster,! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Karen - October 21 - 6:53 pm

  Fun, easy to drive and so versatile with the large cargo area, its like having the storage space of a minivan but the compact exterior for smaller spaces. The only tricky part for me is getting in and out of the back seat (having bad knees) is a bit awkward. A backseat heating/cooling vent would also be nice for ventilation, but Ive travelled back and forth across the country several times and it has been a great ride every time. The all wheel drive makes snow and ice travel possible, where Ive had other vehicles unable to do the job in bad weather. Honda Element owners seem friendly and happy - many Element drivers wave to me as if to say, "isnt this a great car to drive!" Ive also found it humorous when I come out to the parking lot where Ive parked far away from cars, only to find two to three other Elements parked around mine.

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  BEST car Ive ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By abel - October 21 - 10:18 am

  I have driven them all. From mustangs to chryslers, chargers, rams, cherokees, etc...all v8s. I never knew of the 4 cylinder life and this honda made me realize how much money I was spending on gas! It runs great! I purchased it with 172k miles and it has no problems whatsoever now at its 200k miles and is pretty quick for a 2.4 engine. Love the woodgrain trim all around. My only complaint would be the vibration on stop lights. Other than that Im very pleased with this honda accord.

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  honda civic coupe - 2015 Honda Civic
  By elise - October 21 - 6:28 am

  its a great car

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  133,081 miles, $3,000 warranty refunded, no probs - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Doc - October 20 - 6:22 pm

  This was the most undervalued vehicle from 2010. Bought new. Get 41mpg still with Eco on. Driven all over US. Highway excellent. Safe. Still have original rotors. No problems except when 1st bought recall on a rubber trim. Just bought a Pioneer radio with Carplay. Amazing vehicle. I expect will see 200,000 miles plus. Got $3,000 back from extended warrantee because I never used it. Mine made in Japan before tsunami. Best investment. Replaced a crappy BMW convertible that nickled and dimed me.

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  Great SUV for a growing Family - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - October 20 - 2:54 pm

  My wife and i bought a 2015 CRV back in May 2015 and it has been a great SUV. My wife at the time was pregnant and could not get in and out of our midsize Mercury Milan. We looked at the Toyota Rav4 and Volvo XC60 as well. When we looked at the Honda my wife drove and we both loved the seating position of the front seats and the rear seat room. The CRV had more room then the other 2 in rear and frontal room. It as well overall scored higher in the crash tests then the Toyota. I love how the seats fold flat easily and how easy a stroller and car seat go into this vehicle. My wife as well is beyond pleased and very much enjoys this car. Definitely worth the money

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  Honda Accord saved my life - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Robert Rosenberg - October 18 - 10:05 am

  A few days ago my Honda was involved in a multiple car accident. The car looked like crumbled up tin foil. Aside from a few bruises on my clavicle and chest, I walked away from the accident. The car was hit by two trucks. Well I went immediately to my Honda dealer and bought another Accord.

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  Repeated CR-V Purchaser! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By UET - October 17 - 8:18 pm

  I had purchased a 2009 Honda CRV in November 2008 and loved everything about this affordable and low maintenance SUV. Thus, when it was totaled in May 2015 with 113000 miles on it, I decided to purchase the same SUV. Improvements are: Fuel efficiency is amazing (25mpg/city and up to 29 mpg/highway), rear seat space is bigger, touch screen with blue tooth, back up camera etc is nice and it has a sporty and improved exterior (front and rear). Downside: Significant vibration while idling in gear - I had read the reviews but was familiar with this issue from my previous vehicle but if anything, it is more pronounced with this newer version. However, since it is not a maintenance concern, I can live with this only flaw. I am also missing the hard shelf for the cargo storage and the AUX cord plug. Overall, it remains a great SUV with sufficient space,top notch safety features, and easy handling. This vehicle definitely holds its value and remains a great purchase!

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  I cured my Fit with a Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Darlow Maxwell - October 17 - 5:36 pm

  2015 Civic is allergic to Android software and I was not told that. You can make calls etc but you have to use your phone first. No such thing as contact book. The software is all Apple based. I commute 80 miles each way to work and Ive put 2105 miles averaging 37.6 (actual, not computer) and I find the interior noise level to be very quite and the ride to be very comfortable. The computer is 3% overstated, which is normal for nearly all cars. Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Great everyday Car - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Tarique Mosharraf - October 17 - 12:14 pm

  Overall very nice. Pretty much everything my wife mdx has with tech package. Blue tooth stopped working in two days. Had to do multiple trips to dealer to isolate module ,order the part and repaired Other than that all well. Month into driving so will see

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  Ill drive this car into the ground... - 2015 Honda Accord
  By MG in Chicagoland - October 15 - 2:49 pm

  Bought my EX-L v6 with navi in July. I just did a 3000 to Houston and back. The vehicles performance was great . I was shocked getting 35+ mpg doing 75+ mph on the trip. The v6 is great to have and made acceleration effortless. My only regret was not getting the v6 sport to have a better performing tight suspension.