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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  Wasnt my first choice, but... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LDP - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Im pretty happy with the Accord overall. I wanted the CRV, but didnt like the way it rode. The car looks great and rides well, generally, but the city gas mileage is rotten. Also, the blind spots are very big. Finally, on one of the hotter days this summer, the wheels made this horrible, screeching, metal-on-metal noise that went away after a few minutes and came back periodically. It was only that one day and I never heard it again, but it was unsettling.

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  best accord to date - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dustinrh - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a really great car, i was going to get one with the Navi but it lookes too complicated and the salesman also said it would be obsolete in about 2 years so i decided it wasnt worth the extra $2000. This car has a great amount of power. the salesman was very nice.

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  Joels 2016 CRV EXL - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Joel Sellers - March 13 - 7:59 am

  This is my second CR-V with the previous being a 2009 EX-L. This is my fifth Honda. The 2016 rides and performs significantly smoother, more quiet and is more economical on fuel than the 2009. I am very pleased with the comfort, ride/handling and how much more quiet the cabin is than the 2009. I am very pleased with the CR-V thus far. The dealer that I purchased the vehicle from is top notch and made the buying process very easy.

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  PURE PURE SPORTS CAR - 2003 Honda S2000
  By S2000 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  How many PURE sports cars are out there you can buy right off the show room without some modification. S2000 is it & much cheaper then those exotic namebrands. No doubt the best two seater open top REAL sports car for the buck & out performs those priced $10K or more.

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  Big Bang For The Money - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lil-Mafioso! - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought it about 10 months ago and I put a lot of miles on it! Just as I expected! It drives smooth, very reliable, rugged, I took the two-wheel- drive off road with four passengers and no problem! Good gas mileage, easy to clean, looks good, very, comfortable. I wish that I had bought the four-wheel- drive! Highly recommend it to anyone at any age. Lots of storage space. cool stereo. Great A/C and heater!

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  Fantastic - 2010 Honda Insight
  By V - March 12 - 6:50 pm

  I ordered my car two months before it hit the market. I fell in love with it from the first time I saw it. I can honestly say that this car has saved me many tickets. I have become a much better driver, I love the fact of being rated every time I drive the car. I feel like I am flying a plane.

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  Almost a Ten - 2003 Honda S2000
  By dww - March 12 - 2:00 am

  All great...except a shudder at top end of clutch release. Dealer replaced entire clutch mechanism, but it is still there. Now what?

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  Seriously Consider Tires - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jennifer - March 11 - 10:46 pm

  This is my second Honda Odyssey. We decided to "upgrade" to the 2005 Touring because of all its great features including run-flat tires. Little did we know that even in a city as big as Houston there are only four places certified to replace the tires. Not even my Honda dealership can touch the tires! Mine only have 22,000 miles on them are going to cost around $300 each to have them replaced. Although I love my van, Im beginning to have some regrets about buying it. It is worth a little extra research time to decide whether this is really the van for you.

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  Great! even for the family - 2009 Honda Fit
  By dhp222 - March 11 - 4:00 pm

  Originally I had my doubts, Id never owned a Honda before. I had a mazda6 and my husband has a CX-9, I always liked small cars, but know that we have 2 children I wasnt sure if it would be a great choice. But it was! I love the car, is really fun to drive, and my 4 year old get in/off the car by herself (she couldnt w/ the other 2 cars). I also have an infant and the cars seat fits perfectly between the front and rear seats. Interior wise Fit gives you more features than the Corolla or Yaris (which I also considered). Exterior look its modern! fun, fun fun. I love it and all my doubts are gone!

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Virgil Mellott - March 10 - 2:46 am

  Very comfortable, peppy, extremily well handling SUV. Quiet, solid, fun to drive. Navigation system is fantastic.