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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  Versatile SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 2004CRVinSC - April 10 - 2:33 pm

  After debating for months between the Odyssey, Sienna and CRv we decided to bo with the CRV and have not regretted it. It can be a tight squeeze sometimes to take a newborn, 60 lb dog, 2 adults and the associate junk on a trip but it does fit. The specs on the car say 21 city and 25 highway but a little over 23 is the most Ive gotten in 7000 miles and 20 is the least. The mileage does seem to be improving as it gets older and is at about 22.5 now. It performs well in bad weather and feels like a car most of the time. The ride isnt as smooth as a car but what do you expect? The ride is definitely better than other SUVs I have ridden in recently including the 4runner and explorer.

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  99 Honda civic by bill - 1999 Honda Accord
  By geo will - April 10 - 12:23 pm

  Great car. Exhaust and brakes needed repair sooner than expected. Not the greatest vehicle for winter driving.

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  Ultimate family vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lisa - April 9 - 10:34 pm

  I just purchased my Element, the funny thing is I always like the car but my husband was the last person that I expect to like this car, but it was actually his decision to get it. He loved the look, however what was the best thing about this car is the space and flooring. We have 2 kids so this car is perfect and those of you who know your children they like to eat and make there food go every where and when they drink they make sure the share with everything else. So this car was something that would be easy to clean up after messes and just overall clean. I am very picky about cleaning my cars and what normally takes me 2 to 3 hours to clean my car it takes me only about 30 min to 1hr

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  HIGH MPG+SPORTS CAR FEEL - 2005 Honda Civic
  By STANLEY MILLER - April 9 - 7:46 pm

  I wanted a good quality car that got high mpg and a really nice interior. Well the Civic fit my needs & the EX has all the options youll want. IÂ’m still breaking it in so this review is limited but from what IÂ’m experiencing driving this car, itÂ’s fun to drive plus you get great gas mileage. Only thing is you cannot be over 6 feet tall, if you are, you need to look at different Honda models. A nice feature is the backlit instrument panel. The black interior is the best, I got Rallye Red with black interior. The EX has body color dual power mirrors (looks sharp) no matter what trim level you get youll be satisfied with the Civic.

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  The Y2K Civic EX sedan - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Mike - April 9 - 7:14 pm

  Its been very reliable. Ive had no trouble whatsoever, even with the harsh winter we had. Workmanship is above standard. Peppy 1.6 liter engine and very gas efficient, which is a plus considering gas is averaging $2.20 a gal. around my area. This car rides tight and rattle-free, great for a small car. Make sure you get a Civic thats Honda certified, this way you wont wind up with a car thats been "upgraded" with aftermarket add- ons by some mechanic wanna-be.

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  If you need a nice sedan, get an Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CJ - April 9 - 5:36 pm

  This is one of the nicest mid sized sedans out there. Its roomy, quick, nimble, and has some really cool features. We crossed shopped this model with the Camry equivalent and the Accord just blew the Camry out of the water. Its a very nice step up from a 2000 Toyota Camry LE. The V6 is an extra nice feature. I dont know how we ever lived without a V6 in a midsized sedan. The power is always there.

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  Great Dependable Cat - 1992 Honda Accord
  By 92HondaEX - April 9 - 4:28 pm

  I bought a new 92 Honda Accord EX 2DR coupe in Mar 1993 and traded in a 1985 Honda Accord. This has been a great car and very dependable. During the first 100,000 miles I had no problems what so ever. I did all the scheduled maintenance and changed the oil regularly using Mobil 1 Synthetic. Always tried to use genuine Honda parts. Recently had to replace the radiator and the clutch after 143000 miles. I bought a 2004 Acura TL last year but could not get myself to trade in the Honda, so I kept it. I still use the Honda to drive to work and whenever the weather is bad. Change the timing belt every 60,000 miles and the car will last. This is a super car!

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  Rides better than m MDX - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg bill - April 9 - 11:38 am

  Honda has it wrong with the way they market... lots of options on EXL but most cars on the lot only come with one.

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  Higher level thinking. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jamie - April 9 - 6:43 am

  We like our new Accord a lot, it seems much improved over previous models in overall comfort and looks. I think it looks a lot richer than the old body style did too. Every aspect of this car shows of higher level thinking on Hondas part. I wouldnt hesitate to recomend this car to anyone looking for good fuel milage in a well rounded sedan in the low 20s

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  My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Freddie Diocson, jr. - April 9 - 2:02 am

  Great Handling.Pleasure to drive on long trips.Very roomy interior, holds 4 adults comfortably.Great stereo\Cd.Good to excellent gas mileage for an "SUV".Interior design functions great. Both heater and A\C work great. Went om my first long trip to Las Vegas and back then up the coast of Calif and Oregon, almost 3,000 miles and no problems. Handled well in the rain! A great Car-recreational vehicle. Cant help but love this one. Best thing is its a Honda!