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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  My first Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By diondomino - August 28 - 4:08 pm

  I really like how the Ridgeline drives. It handles like a car with great power.

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  Cant say enough - 1995 Honda Accord
  By sdrawkcab - August 28 - 2:59 pm

  Absolutely stellar. I beat up this car, throwing everything I could at it with minimal maintenence and she took it like a champ. Most solid road feel of any car Ive ever driven along with an engine that just purrs after every oil change. Enough cargo space to rival most pickups, with 25+ mpg to boot. I could squeeze 30 mpg on long roadtrips. Perfect for a nomadic college kid. The bad: Apparently an 11 year old, beat up, tan station wagon approaching 200k is too tempting of a target for car theives. So goodbye, wagon.

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  Nothing compared. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Suzanne - August 28 - 2:05 pm

  We looked at other small suvs and came back to Honda CRV. Bought the model in the showroom. Love it.Rides nice and has lots of room inside. A little noisy....road noise, but then it isnt a Cadillac or BMW or Lincoln or Lexus. Nice style to outside. Happy, happy with purchase. Staff at Holler in Winter Park were as nice as could be.

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  Best Honda of the 10 Ive ownef - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bill - August 28 - 10:10 am

  Super quality, handling, ride and appearance. Mpg is averaging 35 with AWD over first 5,000 miles. Comfort, quietness and solid build is the best.

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  Darrels Honda - 2004 Honda S2000
  By darrel Winslow - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is the funnest car I have ever owned. I feel safe when driving on the freeway or on county roads. And I certainly get noticed alot..

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By BayGirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a darn good vehicle, especially in its first year on the market. Well researched and thoughtfully decked out. Great fun to drive. Unequalled head and foot room. Great car!!!

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  Im in my ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By mspat55 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have an Olds Regency 98 Brougham and a Ford T-Bird. Last December, I bought a new Element. My husband andI "fight" over who gets to drive it to our respective jobs. The other two cars are great but just dont get that "fun" thing working for me. I am a librarian and a senior citizen but I am just a kid when I am in my ELEMENT!

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  everything you need! - 2004 Honda Element
  By norbit - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I am 23, and have a large dog. No hair on those seats, easy cleaning for the inside. The room you have is unbelievable. Side doors are the best. Would love to see the sun room done electrically.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By HarmonyTime - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I switched from a Mercedes C220 (which I really liked) to the Element and got an improvement in highway driving comfort. Flexibility and roominess is unmatched. Highway ride much better than my friends Yukon. Right door joint creaks/clinks occasionally on rough road; drivers side totally noiseless.

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  River Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sukie - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Element because we were looking for an alternative to a truck and for something that had pizazz. We haul a lot of stuff back and forth to our river house and needed flexability in loading up the vehicle. Have had Hondas in the past (last vehicle was a Prelude) and the reliabilty overall is excellent from prior experiences.