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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  Good Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Geordie - January 4 - 9:00 am

  Traded in an 2009 Civic Si for the Fit Sport and so far am very happy. Of course it does not have the HP of the Civic but the overall drive, visibility, utility and fuel economy cannot be beat within its class. Having had the car for one week I just re-fueled and calculated an average of 43mpg (on-board display read 47.6mpg) with a 70/30 highway/urban commute. Highway handling is not quite as tight as the civic due to the higher profile, but handling and maneuverability around town more than compensates. I almost bought a MINI but needed the extra space and four doors, and this Fit the profile. Will update after the first oil change.

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  My 2001 CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - January 4 - 3:54 am

  As a college student, I am overly pleased with my 2001 CR-V. I am able to travel to and from school and home ocassionally with comfort and ease. My car was bought as a graduation gift almost four years ago and I have had no problem whatsoever since then. I hope to keep my car for many years to come. I am sure that it will be as reliable then as it is now.

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  lacengli@aol.com - 2004 Honda Element
  By L.A.English - January 3 - 11:18 pm

  this is the best for people w/families & people that travel alot.

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  2004 Suzuka Blue - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gixxer 1000 - January 3 - 8:21 pm

  I just went from a Miata to the S2000 and am glad I did. I am 6 tall and did not fit well in the Miata. Fit, performance, quality and styling are my top prioroities in my selection of the S2000. I hope to enjoy it for many years to come.

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  Tops in the Class!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pff - January 3 - 2:53 pm

  Replaced a 97 Civic LX for this lease return. Styling, space, interior conveniences and power/tranny combo seem better than the 97. Suspension not as responsive & sone additional road noise than the 97. Overall a fantastic West Coast Canadian commuter. Very pleased. PS Still own a 90 Accord EXR for longer road trips.

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  LOVE IT !!!!!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By YOUNG MOM - January 3 - 12:13 pm

  I AM A YOUNG MOTHER WHO WASNT READY TO GIVE UP ON SMALL CARS FOR AN SUV. I HAVE HAD MY CRV FOR 6 MNTHS AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. THE AMOUNT OF SPACE IT HAS IS INCREDIBLE AND U CANT BEAT THE PRICE. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS AND WOULD NOT TRADE IN MY CRV FOR ANY OTHER SUV.

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  We love it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Greg - January 3 - 7:30 am

  Technically this is my wifes car, but I love it too. We were looking for something comparable in features and size for her 2000 Jetta, and found it in the Civic with the plus of awesome styling. Gas mileage is over 40 hwy. Fit/finish as I would expect from Honda, not perfect but very good. Could use some better noise reduction, and some actual carpet for the trunk or a rubber mat. I would prefer a darker interior color instead of the tan which is the only interior for the white cars.

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  What a great SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Alice J. - January 3 - 6:06 am

  Ive had my CR-V for 3 weeks and love it! This is my first Honda after having Mercury Mountaineers for the last 12 years. The CR-V has lots of room, is fun to drive, and the gas mileage is so much better then what I was getting. Its been on 2 long trips and averaged 30 mpg; around town is averaging 24-25. The 4 cylinder is surprisingly peppy! It had no problems merging onto the interstates and passing trucks. In fact, hubby was going 80 at various times and it seemed like we werent going that fast! This is a great car and would recommend it!

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  Fun tow car - 2004 Honda Element
  By DGI - January 3 - 4:47 am

  Bought this car to tow with an RV. It replaced a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Tows great but even better it is a great car to drive. I have a really screwed up back (broke it a while back) and was concerned that the slightly hard seats were going to be bad. No way! First long road trip we knocked off 800 miles the first day. This is the only car we have that doesnt leave me limping when I get out. Much better than the Jeep. Amazing. It cruises very well and has a load of room. The heck with towing it, its fun to drive! Fit and finish are super.

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  Small Suv but Big in storage and safety features - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Holmes - January 2 - 11:38 pm

  This is a great choice and a great value if your looking for large cargo space and all the bells and whistles on the safety features on a small SUV. I think it is fun to drive, nimble, very short turning radius, and quick to respond and brake. The music sounds much better than rated. Very comfortable. Cons for me are the 14 gallon fuel tank, Id prefer 17 gallons to not have to stop as much. The Honda CRV gives a warning to refill at 11 gallons useage which is a little early. Very happy with my purchase. Great value.