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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  Truely versatile relieable MPV - 2006 Honda Element
  By GeorgeTS - October 20 - 7:35 pm

  Kudos to Honda,for designing and refining a true multi purpose vehicle.No silly electronic gadits, but all the essentials (pwr win, pwr mirs, 4 wheel disc ABS, great stereo w/XM sat, IPOD ready).The lack of a B pillar between the doors makes this a great vehicle for wheelchair users.The painted fenders makes the Element easier on the eye. This 4 cyl is peppy and economical to drive. Handles great and has very good visibility.

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  new owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By holz - October 20 - 4:36 pm

  One week into ownership, and I love it! Can still load two kids bikes and the kids. Used to have a Ford Windstar, so I miss the interior space a bit, but it drives like a dream.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Casey - October 20 - 10:49 am

  We bought this car new. That means Ive been driving this car for 17 years now and Im not ready to give it up. Other than needing a new muffler every couple years or so it hasnt need major money output to maintain. I am only just now having the brakes done for the second time. Mileage is wonderful, I still get between 32 and 36 mpg. The head gasket has a tiny crack but leak is all but unnoticeable. I just check my oil level and keep it up. Its a manual and I live in Michigan, I have never had major problems driving in winter conditions. The road clearance is very low so I do have to be careful about bottoming out in some situations (it usually gets the muffler.)

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  Our Odyssey with our Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John Martens - October 20 - 8:36 am

  This vehicle can do it all. Luxo ride like a limo, taut handling like a sport sedan, cavernous like a cave, our Odyssey can do it all. In a recent day long jaunt, our passenger didnt complain once about the mid row seating, and was more than impressed with the features of our EX-L model. It surprises people when they get passed on the highway by it, the power is so easy to call up. Maybe thats why Im only getting 21 to 22 MPG right now, but Im sure it will improve. All of the raves are correct, this is the minivan you want to own.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brandon - October 20 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car specifically for the interior. It is spectacular! Overall this is the best purchase I have ever made. A few quirky things to pay attention to before buying: 1. The navigation system is semi-complicated and cumbersome - It integrates the Audio controls and the A/C. 2. With the automatic transmission, there is a slight lag when you put the pedal to the floor and try to accelerate. 3. No 60/40 fold down rear seats. The back seats fold completely down, OR you can just fold the armrest down and put long things in from the trunk (works well for skis). 4. The sunroof controls are to the left of the steering wheel. Overall, I would highly recommend this car.

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  Best sedan value out there! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bob P - October 19 - 9:26 pm

  Mileage around town about 24mpg, but on the road over 40. Drives like a dream. Enjoy the two screens. Bluetooth and car play work well. Very, very happy!

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  Used S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By PoiNtBlaNk - October 19 - 8:50 pm

  From the first day I purchased my 2002 Honda S2000, its been nothing but pure joy. I bought it certified preowned with 16,000 miles on it in Nov 05. The S2000 is definitely not a watered down sports car. When people ask what size the motor is, I reply that its a 2.0L inline four. At that point in time, a certain look on their face says "ehh...its probably slow then." Boy, if they only knew. I give them a ride, and a few trips into Vtec and theyre hooked. Not to mention this is in a straight line, Id probably make them waste their lunch on a windy road. The S2000 isnt the most comfy car in the world, but its one of the funnest. True sports cars should be nothing less than fun

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  Love my new CR-V Touring AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Amy Atkins - October 19 - 4:17 pm

  I am totally in love with my new CR-V. The safety features on the Touring model are amazing! I was on the fence about trading my Toyota Highlander, but am so glad I did! This SUV is just awesome!

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  Who gave it a minivan of the year title? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MP - October 19 - 7:13 am

  I was so impressed with my 2001 Odyssey that I was pretty much predetermined to replace it with 2005 model when the time came. After considering other minivans and even SUVs we decided to go back the newer version of our beloved minivan... . What a mistake... . Compared to 2001 model not too many IMPROVEMENTS were made. Leather became standard, seats got heated, sunroof built in, third row is split. Spare tire moved in the third row taking up seating space, gear shift went right into the way for the dashboard controls, so much cheap plastic used this car can be nicknamed Trabant. But the biggest problem of all-assembly quality. Gas consumption consistently stays at 18-20mpg after 10K miles.

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  Really Disappointed - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Junk - October 19 - 4:23 am

  I had been dying to get an S2000 since they came out. I have had mine for 6 months and am trading it in. It keeps blowing the radio/cell phone charger fuse, which I find REALLY disappointing in a Honda. It IS fun to drive...for about 10 minutes. The ride is stiff, the mileage is horrible for a 4-cyl, about 21 mpg (hwy) and it definitely isnt as fast as I thought it would be for a 240 hp. I hate to be so negative, but I am really disappointed in not only the car, but the Honda brand. I had a Civic for 7 years and was delighted with it. Two thumbs down for the S2k. If youre considering the S2000, test drive the BMW Z series first...I wish I would have.