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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  good car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ptg2001 - December 14 - 5:06 pm

  I bought our accord about 3 month age after our 2005 honda oddssey was rear ended and totaled we got the accord tor replace the above vech. we have approx 6500 miles on it and love it. it not only gets more mpg around town then on the hwy at its best with the odd. we have been going between modsto ca. and martinez ca. approx. 160-180 roundtrip and getting no less then 33 mpg and up to 36 it not only is very quiet and smooth but we love the cameras it make getting over to the right very nice(I wish they had it on the left also) we just love the carwe paid over 24000 .and I have read where people have had prob. we have not and we are going down south this weekend and look for to the drive.

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  Dons review - 2003 Honda Element
  By Don - December 14 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased the Element AWD as a replacement for an Explorer. We have had no regrets, as we can now carry far more cargo, as we have more room. We were pleased with the interior as we have dogs that travel with us and it is very easy to clean. The fuel mileage is as advertised, and not blown out of proportion. Most of our driving is highway/interstate speeds between our homes in Fla. and the mountians of N. Georgia, and have never had a problem maintaining speed in the mountains, even while towing a small trailer with ATV.

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  Update after 35,000 miles - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Chris - December 14 - 1:05 pm

  First review was after owning for 5k miles. Current review is after two years. I can again confirm this was a smart purchase decision. Tire wear is always an issue with stock Bridgestone Potenza RE050s, but dry/wet grip is fanstastic. Also had the opportunity attent two open track days....well worth the money to get the experience. The S2000 handles fanstastically. Grin from ear to ear..cant wait to do it again. Criticisms: Rattling from convertible top latches second gear grind early in life, seems to have gone away unless cold temps passenger seatbelt rattles on door pannel/seat One last note: this car CAN be driven in the winter. Snow tires are a must and work great!

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  Love my Honda - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Megan Weatherford - December 14 - 12:10 pm

  Great value for the luxury and reliability. Heated seats and moon roof are just a couple of things that take this car the the next level. Great car for the value.

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  rvs honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rosario valdez - December 14 - 11:40 am

  The car is very comfortable in the front. Although a person taller than 5 feet does not feel comfortable sitting in the back especially on the sides. I dont drive quick around corners but the turns feel smooth and tight and without hesitation. Sometimes I find myself driving over the limit on the freeway because I cant feel Im going that fast. When I first purchased the car, I noticed several people looking and some even asked what kind of car I was driving.

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  Happy Honda Customer - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MADGSF - December 14 - 10:53 am

  Just over 5000 miles and so far my Accord has been great without any rattles or issues. My average city mileage is 26 mpg, only been on one road trip and got 35 mpg. I expect both of those to climb a little with more miles. First oil change at 5000 with 30% left on maintenance minder. I will follow maintenance minder from now on and should get about 7000 between changes. Came from a Passat V6 manual 5spd and I am impressed with the 4 cylinder power. The Honda I-4 feels about like my VW did. Only minor complaint is the brakes. The initial bite is abrupt and they donÂ’t have the stopping power of the Passat. The brake feel was much better on the VW too.

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  Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By C - December 14 - 4:30 am

  This is my third CRV and I cant imagine driving anything else. I dont notice any problem with the tires like others have said. Excellent cargo capacity. Lots of little places to store things like maps, change, plenty of cup holders

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  Peppy, fun to drive - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bob - December 14 - 3:23 am

  Bought this car an hour after test driving Honda Civic. Found Insight almost as peppy but with a slightly softer ride. Car is so bright inside, you feel like you have a sunroof. No complaints about acceleration: you just have kick down hard on the gas pedal as the manual recommends. Driving position and road feedback are exceptional. My two main complaints are that the sound system in LX model is a lot tinnier than in my 2008 Hyundai Sonata and the headlights arent bright enough.

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  PERFECT PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lighty - December 14 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE. FUN TO DRIVE, BEAUTIFUL CONTOURS. HONDA SHOULD BE PROUD OF THIS GREAT SUV. THE PILOT IS ALMOST PERFECT.

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  New Odessy Owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SeanAlex - December 14 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our Honda van and we love it, very smooth, extremely powerful engine. Runs well and handles very well also. Kids love the entertainment system and its easy for them to use.