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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  Awesome 4WS - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By ludebay - October 12 - 7:53 pm

  My uncle bought this car back in 1994. Its a 1991 Honda Prelude SI with 4WS. I felt in love with the car when I heard that it was 4WS. He then sold it to me for a very nice price. =) The handling on this car is awesome and you can feel the acceleration when you hit on the gas. The 4WS is very handy when making U-Turn and parking.

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  Chick Truck - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Chaingang - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  Wifee wanted it, I did the research, price was right, I got it. Pilot had a few non-mechanical problems on delivery that the dealer quickly fix. This is our first Honda and first "truck" and we are concerned about the number of internal squeaks. Considered the MDX and Toureag but could not justify the additional $10K that these vechicles would have cost. For now, she likes it, I can live with it.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By loveit - October 12 - 1:56 pm

  I have had the car a week and love it. I love the interior features, it drives amazingly. I got more for my dollar compared to Acura, BMW and Lexus.

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  Great Purchase - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fockerRN - October 12 - 10:10 am

  What a great surprise this CR-V is. I was looking for an SUV in the $20K range with a 5-speed and 4-wheel drive. This fit the bill perfectly. It drives just like a car with a commanding seating position. The handling is very car-like and stable; it never feels tippy or anything like that. The interior is much bigger than you would expect from the outside. The backseat is massive, and when you flip the seats away, the cargo area is huge. This is the benchmark for small SUVs. The 5-speed gearbox is slick and precise; there is absolutely no reason to spend $800 on the automatic. Although the overall rating wont come out as a 10, it definetly is a 10

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  Honda is a waste! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Guardado - October 12 - 9:50 am

  My purchasing process at the dealer was great but not until i drove it out of the dealer (purchased on 11/23/07). Imagine having a service for your car the 1st day you buy it, thats what I experienced for a hose blowing off the coolant system. Now i have another problem took my car in 6/13/08 had a engine light on and they replaced coils and plugs and again 6/14/08 took it again for service because it had an engine light on again and the tech told me that i red lined the car, they had to adjust the valves and cost me $216. Now on 6/27/08 my engine broke down in the highway and now they tell me that Honda wont cover anything because of the past history of redlining the car. Limiting that it was my prob

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  This SUV has it all at a very affordable price - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Sciannella - October 12 - 3:46 am

  Cant believe Im averaging 28 mpg in mixed driving. My friend with a RAV4 cant believe how much more technology advanced the CRV is, and how much more comfortable than their RAV4.

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  Best Car I have Every Owns - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sock - October 11 - 7:42 pm

  Im getting a little teary eyed at the thought that I might soon part with my car. At 100K, it runs like a clock. You will never stop being amazed at all the space inside this vehicle no one will feel cramped in the rear seat. The interior is spartan, but does not feel cheap at all. I have a 5 speed, so the 4 cyl engine never bothered me, and I get an MPG in the low to mid 20s despite the AWD. This may be one of the best used car values youll ever find.

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  Kiwi Metallic - 2007 Honda Element
  By theElemenT - October 11 - 3:05 pm

  I love my new Element. It drives and handles so much better than the 2004 Element I traded in. I love the new black utility floor and it is so much easier to get people in the back seats with the seat belts intergrated into the front seats. Im glad Honda gave the Element VSA and side curtain air bags for safety reasons. I can haul my two Saint Bernards with little problems now. The 166-hp is a nice improvement along with the 5-speed auto. I get about 28 on the highway on average and about 25 in the city. Cant wait to see if it handles even better in the snow than my last Element.

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  1996 Honda EX six cylinder - 1996 Honda Accord
  By KenStewart - October 11 - 11:00 am

  This is a great car. Gas mileage is good, about 27 mpg at speeds up to 70 mph. Gas mileage declines above 70mph. ~21 mpg climbing Rocky Mtns @80 mph. Gas mileage is 24-26 mpg in city traffic. Handles well on dry road, wet road, and snow covered roads. Ive driven it through Needles California when the outdoor temperature was 120 degrees F with no problems -- air conditioner functioned well and engine coolant temperature remained normal. Interior is comfortable with four adults. Ride quality is good with 1 to 4 people. Fill the car with 4 people and the trunk with luggage then the car feels heavy.

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  S2000 Its all you need! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By maxfior - October 11 - 9:09 am

  As with most on this site, Ive been working toward this car for about 4 years and I finally got it. It was used, but still under warranty and had low miles. This is BY far the most fun car to drive. There are not too many cars out there that can give you the feeling that this car can. Ask any other S2000 owner and youll see what I mean. Things to watch for are paint chips, rear tire wear and nasty break dust in the front. Ive had very good luck with GoodYear F1 tires, good wet control with plenty of dry grip. I wouldnt trade this car for anything. Many people look at me and ask what sort of car this is... Drop the top, find a nice twisty road and blast!