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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  the best SUV for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04accent4drGL - October 4 - 10:00 am

  since my mom purchased the CR-V it has been a phenomenal vehicle. it has the reliability that you anticipate from a honda and it is fun to drive. compared to the rav4, the CR-V has a better, more, refined looked to it, and the interior materials, seats and it is very spacious for a compact-midsize SUV. for the first year of ownership my mom has had no problems and her vehicle is rattle free. good fuel economy and enough power to shoot you across town.

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  Happy user - 2003 Honda Civic
  By okra - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with the vehicle. But, when I was exploring which one of my cars to sell, I was extremely disappointed in the resale value.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ray Price - October 4 - 8:10 am

  Great automobile. I have 16000 miles now and have had absolutely nothing to report that has happened mechanically. I did replace one of the front panels. I scratched it severly on a bush and thought I was in for costly repair because I thought Id have to replace the entire front fender. To my great surprise all I needed to do was to order the panel that covers the fender. It just pops off and the new one pops one. The fender would have cost me some $2000 bucks where as the panel was some $40 dollars and change installed. What value.

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  Damaged goods - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BOB - October 4 - 7:06 am

  Car was damaged when I purchased it from the dealer. It started showing signs of rust on the passenger door just behind the hinges. Dealer said he was aware of the problem when I purchased the certified used car, The car was only 2 months old when I bought the car. I contacted Honda and they stated that it was not their problem.

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  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sung - October 4 - 1:16 am

  I got the dark blue Accord with simonize paint and interior. The gas mileage is about 45 to the gallon going on the highway with cruise at about 800 or 900 RPM and about 38 going 70. Gas is over $4 a gallon in CT now! Wheels are nice, design seems like a copy from the Camry th Lexus IS the BMW 5 series the Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Azera in the front with those sporty lights. Camry is a joke compared to this car. A dealer offered us a Camry base model for $14,999 new and the accord was about $20,500. Accord shakes less. brother in law has one, and hates it

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  PLEASE DONT EVER BUY A HONDA - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Susan M - October 4 - 1:02 am

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 CRV and noticed shortly after purchasing a terrible vibration at idle and at varying speeds. Brought it in twice because I was told they finally had a fix but they lied and were unable to fix the problem. Now I am unable to drive this car and have 5 years of car payments on a car I cant drive. Other dealerships will basically give me nothing for a trade so I am stuck. Please DONT buy a Honda, they used to be a reliable company but they are not anymore. I test drove 8 2016 CRVs and they also had the same problem, but Honda continues to sell this vehicle. No reputable company continues to sell a knowingly defective vehicle. How can Honda get away with doing this to people?

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  284k and still strong - 1991 Honda Civic
  By amp_man - October 3 - 10:42 pm

  I bought this car 2 1/2 years ago at a little over 212k miles, and since then have put in a battery and alternator - thats reliability. If it hadnt been in an accident, it would still be on the road today...definately the best first car I ever could have asked for. My 94 Civic Si couldnt hold a candle to the 91s reliability, the 94s already had a timing belt, head gasket, water pump, thermostat, and brake calipers and pads (all 4), and Ive only had it a year.

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  drinks gas - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ron James - October 3 - 8:16 am

  I like the way this car/truck/suv handles . It is roomy and useful. I like the easy care of the interior. I have owned several Hondas never a complaint. I also own a 2006 Accord and am very happy with it. The Element posts 22 miles in the city and 24 hwy I get 17 city and 19 highway if I drive conservative. It drinks gas like a full size suv and the gas tank is small there is only 12 gals before the reserve. So hwy range is 250 miles not good for long trips outside of town that you might want this for. If you are looking for a suv for trips to the country look for something else.

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  Best Value Ever!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mikeyt1818 - October 2 - 4:20 pm

  I am 6"3, 235 and this car is comfy! I get 45.8 MPG after 3,500 miles. That is mostly city driving with AC on automatic at all times (74 degrees). I also have Economode on 80-90% of the time as well. This car is peppy for a 1.3 Liter engine, the features are great, looks are very nice and overall I am 100% impressed. Whoever says this car is noisy needs to drive a kia Rio, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Matrix before this car, then tell me its noisy! After driving those cars the last 4 years I am overwhelmed by the library type quietness of this vehicle!

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By gary b - October 2 - 2:55 pm

  Excellent car... Never a problem... great gas mileage... good pickup on freeway ramps... great value for the money