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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  greatest car i ever owned - 1995 Honda Civic
  By deviousmind - November 14 - 3:02 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! to bad some chick crashed into me and it got totaled! i loved everything about the car. the only thing it lacked was its 1.6 liter vtec engine putting out only 125 horses, put with a few mods it does fairly well. great mileage, great looks, nice and comfortable! i had the car from day one and i would drive it as hard as possible and it never had a problem.

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  the best van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Joon - November 13 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent all around van. It has the biggest interior and most powerful engine in its class.

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  Great Used Hauler - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim McConnell - November 13 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased this truck about a year ago with 100k miles and Ive driven it as a daily commuter. I replaced an old Dodge V8 truck, which I loved, and although I sometimes miss that rowdy V8 exhaust rumble and the engine torque, that truck doesnt at all compare to this one. The Ridgeline has performed fantastic in the snow, mud, and rain. It has a ride thats very comfortable and a powertrain that suits the vehicle. It sits high enough to feel like a proper truck and it has been very durable. My buddies at work make fun of me but they appreciate the trucks functionality. Recently I had to drive a couple of days in freezing snow and I never felt the truck lose traction. I would buy this truck again.

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  Great car, No problems - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Dan j. - November 13 - 8:01 pm

  This car has gone through 4 people so far (all in my family), and im currently the one driving it. We have never had a problem with the car except for one headlight burning out, which we fixed ourselves. a great great car, i dont know what else to say, the only thing i would change is to make the car a 5 speed to add to the fun-to-drive element. Honda keeps to its reputation with this car, and im still finding out new convienent things about the car to this day.

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  Lovely Honda HR-V - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By jlomtfury - November 13 - 11:22 am

  Hello, This lovely small SUV is everything I was looking for... and it finally arrived! Thank you Honda!

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  Love my car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By clyde2575 - November 13 - 11:13 am

  This is my 2nd HCH, the first was an 04. This gets about 5mpg better mileage than the 04 (I am getting 53 mpg). I have no complaints. It is super.

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  WOW - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Bl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  If you want an awesome performing raw sports car than this is it. I say raw because it is a pure "sports car" that has been slightly refined from 2003 to be more comfortable, and it is. Honda did not sacrifice any performance in doing this, only to enhance the experience.

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  Unbelievable driving fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By DrBG - November 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW! this is No Frills, Wind in Your Hair, Go Like Hell, REAL SPORTS CAR!! You can drive it with crisp sedateness around town, but with a little pressure of the right foot light a fire under a tiger. Its a dual personality with no conflict between the two. It will idle in traffic all day and get you to the top of the on ramp doing 85mph (and still give you 23-26 mpg). If you really really like to drive, you absolutely cant find a better car for less than twice the price. I cant say enough good about it. Get in one, press the starter button, and get those revs up over 6500 and then youll know exactly what Im talking about.

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  different kind of suv - 2004 Honda Element
  By jimboz - November 13 - 2:00 am

  i really like the element.i gave up a trans am , but am not disappointed. i can use it for anything.it is a nice tight ride and the gas mileage is excellent. i fill up about every week and a half.the roominess is unbelievable. i have a friend with a tahoe and i can get the same space and not have to pay $45 to fill up. great car that gets a lot o looks.

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  A cool car - 2004 Honda Element
  By artguy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 1 yr. old Expedition for my Element. I absolutely love it! Very functional interior which looks European in its simplicity. Great cargo hauler, good mileage, fun! Im over 50 so it definitely appeals to older people as well as the younger crowd.