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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  Beats my OJ Simpson Bronco - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By David Anderson - October 3 - 3:22 pm

  I had an OJ Simpson 1995 Bronco for a little over 10 years. It was reliable, drank gasoline like a thirsty boozer and rode like a vehicle from hell re lack of comfort. Im retired, fly fish, pull small boats, go off road as well as drive in town and local trips. Ride is good. The grandkids love to ride in and prefer it over my wifes Lexus. The mileage has been a disappointment with an average of about 16 per tank. I normally beat the estimated mileage, not here. The lack or real off road under vehicle protection is a pain. Apparently, that is due to the Honda lawyers. The vehicle hauls everything we have needed to haul. The lockable trunk in the bed is great. Buy one

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  I like it! - 2005 Honda Element
  By opppstopp - October 3 - 1:40 pm

  I find the element a very fun suv to drive. it handles nice & gets reasonable gas mileage. Interior is very roomy, plenty of shoulder & head room. The element feels like a much larger vehicle without the large mass.

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  Little bugs and small problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jon M - October 3 - 12:16 pm

  This is a great car,i really like the two tier dash design of both digital and analog readouts. I had this car since November 2005. I replaced the SRS side airbag passenger side indicator,there are some slight rattles,i needed a new glovebox side airbag covers on the seats started to pop out/off. The Drive by wire throttle system really hinders drivability its like BMWs idrive system it makes the car jerk around. These problems are expected to be on a first model year car,it happens and i know now not to buy another first year model car only after its been released for 8 months to a year so the manufacturer can address the problems and fix them.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BT - October 3 - 11:19 am

  The car is fantastic - everything I hoped for. Its not a performance car, but you knew that. Great MPG, very comfortable in the front seat.

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  Need Cheap? Need Reliable? Need AWD? - 2005 Honda Element
  By Van - October 3 - 10:10 am

  Ive not had this car for very long but I am already getting a feel for it. This car handles very well for being the shape of a brick: VERY restrained body lean, and it goes just where you point it. (You feel every road imperfection, though.) In my opinion this is the best car you can get if your needs are for a low-priced vehicle you can drive into the ground that can also help in bad weather. Its funky and unique and utilitarian. Stereo system is quite good, visibility is not. But for the price and level of equipment, especially as compared to its competitors (including the CR-V), this car is tough to beat.

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  EX-L with Nav excellent - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dadmansr - October 3 - 7:25 am

  Purchased 2012 EX-L with Nav. Great car! Drove back from Columbus, OH got 46 mpg using econ mode averaging 65 mph. Overall 38mpg for first tank. Technology is great, nav system and bluetooth excellent. Interior very quiet for small car, leather is very nice and seats comfortable. Always bought Toyotas til now.

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  Excellent...!!!!!!! Value for the Money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Hello - October 3 - 1:20 am

  Excellent vehicle, Value for your money. Cheaper than other competitors with navigation. Got the Pilot with Navigation. Excellent vehicle. Good control and having comfortable seating for 5 adults and in Third row kids can sit. Navigation is the coolest feature. Very helpful when driving during detour roads.

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  Great Bang for the buck - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Fra Bo - October 2 - 12:35 pm

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  Make Sure You get a good briefing on electronics - 2016 Honda Accord
  By P.D. - October 2 - 3:40 am

  Make sure you get a good briefing on electronics

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  Make Sure You get a good briefing on electronics - 2016 Honda Accord
  By P.D. - October 2 - 3:40 am

  Make sure you get a good briefing on electronics