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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  Great Choice. Great Value - 2006 Honda Element
  By VegasRobb - July 11 - 10:54 am

  I decided to test drive the Element on the advice of an Element owner I met at the local Mini Cooper dealership. I liked the look of the Element. I remember reading a review that the Element was a combination of a "Mini Cooper and a Hummer". I cant say theyre wrong. From the moment I sat down for my test drive, the Element just felt right. The car has been wonderful. I enjoy driving again and my friends say that Im always smiling when they see me driving around town. For the price, the Element comes with quite a bit in terms of built-in features and provides a good amount of value. Make you sure want the EX *or* the EX-P look. I like the uniform color over black fenders.

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  Best for the long haul - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mack Easty - July 11 - 8:43 am

  Extraordinarily reliable and economical. After 193,000 miles I am getting the same gas mileage as when I bought it. Will get 33 mpg on 80 mph trips. Roomy and comfortable. Love the styling. I wish the current Civics looked this good. Very comfortable. A bit loud in the cabin at speed. Car has always been somewhat sensitive to crown of roadways and will tend to drift to lower side of canted road. Has been this way since purchase. Likely due to the aggressive steering geometry which gives the car its sharp handling. Ive improved this by using different alignment settings than the Honda recommendations. Very well made car throughout. Upholstery appears in perfect condition with no tears or visible wear after 10+ years and almost 200,000 miles. Great sound system. I highly recommend this car as a choice for a used vehicle. From what Ive read, the new Civics are not providing this kind of reliability, although they surpass this model year in performance.

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  This a Great Little Car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Robert Clarke - July 10 - 10:43 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda and so far it is the best. Fast, great seats and the shifter is perfect. 2000 miles so far and I get 33 mpg per tank. Braking is awesome and I need it because I drive it fast!

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  08 Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RHJ - July 10 - 8:43 pm

  This is the first Accord that I have owned. I currently have not had any problems other than the vibration in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. i did not notice it until I was on a smooth road. Lucas was able to duplicate but not isolate the problem. Honda suggested to put 3k miles and bring it back. The vibration is still present. I only wish my wife would let me drive it more often

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  Love the Cargo Space! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Carol T. - July 10 - 2:54 pm

  Its been a great little car until the airbag recall, have to drive a Hertz rental (does not cost me) for 6 weeks so far and they dont expect the part until July or August. No fault of my super little Fit. Lots of headroom and (Im short) leg room for me. Small turning for U turns but not as much power uphill. Really nice for work and around town. Plenty of room when shopping bags and other things. So far just regular service but soon I will need new tires if I ever get the air bag repair.

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  Love the Cargo Space! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Carol T. - July 10 - 2:39 pm

  Its been a great little car until the airbag recall, have to drive a Hertz rental (does not cost me) for 6 weeks so far and they dont expect the part until July or August. No fault of my super little Fit. Lots of headroom and (Im short) leg room for me. Small turning for U turns but not as much power uphill. Really nice for work and around town. Plenty of room when shopping bags and other things. So far just regular service but soon I will need new tires if I ever get the air bag repair.

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  Brilliant Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Brilliant Insight - July 10 - 11:41 am

  This vehicle certainly delivers as advertised. I do not care so much about fuel costs as environmental impact and with an average of 69 MPGs and the lowest emissions of any gasoline vehicle on the planet, I feel this vehicle treads lightly. There is plenty of storage space (I carry an entire soccer teams gear to matches weekly) and the acceleration is what is needs to be for highway driving. The handling is confortable and the gauges informative as you can adjust your driving habits to maximize the cars abilities to conserve. This is my 8th car, and by far my absolute favorite.

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  JUST MY LUCK !!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HateHonda02 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  OUR CAR IS A LEMON FROM DAY ONE. THE A/C MISSING DUCT WORK AND CAUSED WATER TO DRAIN INSIDE THE CD CHANGER THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND NOW A BAD MOLDLIKE SMELL THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. THE CAR FAILS TO START ON OCCASION. THE FUEL PUMP COMES ON ABOUT EVERY FIVE MINUTES WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BUT THE DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL. THIS WILL BE THE LAST HONDA I WILL EVER OWN. BUYER BEWARE!!! THIS CAR WAS MEANT FOR THE CRASH DUMMIES.

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  Great Job Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kev1172 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car is everything that a budget minded consumer wants for under $15000. Small, ecomonical, and a no nonsense approach to functionality, wrapped up in a fun to drive, sporty car thats not embarrasing to drive around town in. If your looking for a car without all the frills that you dont need, but need features like a/c and cd player, this really is the car for you.

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  Great Long Lasting Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Conner - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I wish the 4 cyl. engine was a bit quicker being a high school student. Also the problems I have had were the brakes had to be resurfaced at 7,500 miles, and a whistling noise coming from the front pass. window. But overall this looks to be a great college and beyond car. Bought new, sophomore in High School.