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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  2001 Honda 2000S - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Abbottr - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great fun drive, go kart handling, most comfortable sports car ever driven. Closest Ill get to Formula 1!!! Great value for money. Outperforms overpriced/overhyped Boxter and ugly sedate Z3.

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  Only had this a couple of weeks but I love it! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth Wallman - July 10 - 7:37 pm

  The touring is a great little car, for the short time I have had it. The only thing I dont like is with the all touch panel it is not easy to change the volume of the radio without inadvertently changing something else.

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  Only had this a couple of weeks but I love it! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth Wallman - July 10 - 7:37 pm

  The touring is a great little car, for the short time I have had it. The only thing I dont like is with the all touch panel it is not easy to change the volume of the radio without inadvertently changing something else.

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  I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By MK - July 10 - 3:53 pm

  The thing I love most about my Element is that its so unique. There are no other SUVs out there that even compare to the Element, inside or out. It drives great and corners very well for an SUV. Its extremely spacious without being too plain. It has so many accesories you can get to personalize your Element to fit your lifestyle. Its really an SUV that will do anything you want it to do, be anything you want it to be. Whether its hauling people from place to place or using it as a tent, it does all things well!

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  road noise - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By dummy1234 - July 10 - 12:07 pm

  the crosstour base ex with 17 inch wheels had quite a bit of road noise on I-95 at speed. otherwise best driving crossover ive driven.

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  Peaceful Easy Feeling - 1990 Honda Accord
  By grainbelt - July 10 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Accord EX has been everything I hoped and more. As a college student needing reliable transportation, I have been very pleased with the Honda. The only repair I have made was a $9 battery terminal cable that corroded away to nothing. The body is rusting, mainly over the rear fenders where they all do. I am a demanding driver, and the Accord has been an entertaining ride for over a year. My only complaint is the lack of passing power with the A/C on.

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  My new baby. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By mike barley - July 9 - 9:05 pm

  I just bought this Pilot 6/15 and to this Pilot has surpassed my expectations. The ride is both very smooth with very little outside noise. The best part is that my grandchildren love it as it is so roomy, each gets their little section..

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  Worth Every Penny - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Hal - July 9 - 3:46 pm

  Exceeded my expectations. Its fun to drive. Interior is very quiet and feels soo much larger than exterior dimensions. Interior is also very flexible creating a large space with great height. Im 62" and have tons of room (except for right foot). Now I keep my Crew Cab at home and love running around in this. My kids have plenty of room too. Stereo is great. Build quality seems exceptional. could easily make this your only car. So far averaging 31.6 mpg in all city / errand driving...exceeding my expectations.

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  Stylish w/ Great MPG! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By In Mendo - July 9 - 5:03 am

  We have been driving our new hybrid for 3 weeks now after trading in our F150 clunker. The Insight handles great on our hilly country roads and we are getting 48 mpg! We will break 50 mpg on the freeways for sure. This car is stylish and has plenty of room (I am 6 tall.) We found the interior more comfortable and the dash easier to read than the Prius. The only problem is that it is my wifes car and I seldom get to drive it!

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  Fun Car! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Super-boi - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 Prelude used in 1998. It has had zero problems so far. It is still a joy to drive every day. The handling is just superb for a front wheel drive car and acceleration is strong. I drove mine cross country one time and sat in the car 14 hours a day. The seats felt comfortable driving across entire states non- stop. Very refined. The engine is docile and refined when idle and cruising yet makes awesome sounds when pushed. The VTEC is amazing. Less buzzy than an Integra and better handling than all the other sport coupes out there.