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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  Optional Backup Sensors - Save Your Money - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By R Schirber - October 4 - 7:38 am

  Recently the Honda optional backup sensors were installed on my 2018 CR-V Touring AWD. When the install was complete I could not hear the beeps from the sensors. Granted by earing is not the best but I can clearly hear all the other sensors warning beeps on CRV such as the cross-traffic warning beeps, open door, blind side etc. The warning for backups sensor come a small device install in back corner of the SUV. The warning beeps should use the auto speakers like the other warnings. Also there is no indicator light in back for closeness ...yellow, red etc. Opened ticket on Honda owners webpage regarding the poor engineering of the backup sensors ... no response so far.

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  Ross Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ross Bryan - October 4 - 2:52 am

  Great vehicle -- very versatile, fun to drive, very good mileage. Interior fit/finish could be a bit better, but this SUV is an excellent buy.

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  Waynes Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Wayne - October 3 - 10:06 pm

  Good car to drive and good mileage. Very poor quality. Power window doesnt work, front strut failed at 46,000. Front bearing went out at 47000. Rear defroster doesnt work. Front air dam keeps falling off.

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  Preety deece - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jomo - October 2 - 6:54 pm

  This car is great for the buy. If youre looking for something that can holds its own ground, do yourself a favor and buy this car. Of course its no BMW M3 but this car has its qualities of its own. The manual transmission rocks, and the engine is OK. I added a cold air intake on mine and it flies. Handling is good and gets a bunch better after I got some 17" TSW wheels and racing tires. Tons of fun and looks pretty sweet.

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  My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RaveWitMeeh03 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  well for the most part I love my element, but I think there was some faulty wires in my car becasue the battery went dead after a week of not starting it, and the cd player they put in my car doesnt play cdrs but other than those problems which Im gonna get fixed the car is great

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  Great to be in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bonnie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Even though this car is promoted for the young, it is very convenience for all ages. I have arthitis and found it difficult to enter a standard SUV but the design of the Element makes entering the car easy. Driving is fun again!

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  Tailgated - 2003 Honda Element
  By Tailgated - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Like the car, you have to get over the boxiness, then it is all gravy. Awesome room inside, tall guys fit well, I am 63" and have a TON of room in the drivers seat and am comfortable in the back. Not tons of power, but with a manual it is more fun. Fuel economy around town has been 20+ which is not bad. IF you order the rear spoiler, it DOES NOT match the color of the vehicle. This is NOT indicated in the picture and is quite decieving. Honda will not pay for it to be painted. Taking out the rear seats is not really easy, but putting them up to the side is a snap. 2 mtn bikes (sans front wheel) fit in the back with seats up.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cici247 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  It is a pleasure to drive this SUV! The DVD entertainment unit is awesome.

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cake - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive just passed 5000 miles, most of them highway (my daily commute is four miles round trip). I have no complaints about the CRV. Some people have mentioned road noise. Its there, particularly on wet roads, but its not bothersome to me. The only problems I had were with the dealer. They charged me to do the DMV paperwork then messed it up to the point that I had to make two trips to DMV myself to straighten it out. They also screwed up the insurance. If I buy another Honda Ill find a different dealer.

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  Right coupe for the right price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By antdiesel - October 2 - 10:00 am

  very comfortable car with excellent ergonomics and rich interior. hard to find a better all-around value for the money.