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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  Wow. Great car. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By benjaminh - February 4 - 11:57 am

  We also own a 2008 Accord EXL navi sedan, and so we can tell how big a jump Honda has made in several areas of this car. First, the 2013 Accord is *quiet*—which is a first for the Accord. Second, the new engine is more powerful, faster, and yet gets better mpg. Finally, the interior quality is almost Acura-like.

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  Not Surprised - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John K - February 4 - 10:50 am

  I compared the Odyssey and the Sienna heavily. On paper they seem to be rather equal, but after actually driving the two, the Odyssey won by a landslide. I am also enjoying the fact my van is the most powerful van in its segment but also has the best fuel economy all the while having to use only regular, keeping my pocket book happy. Other things that put me over the edge was the styling of the van and the navigation system. My black Touring with Nav is everything I hoped for and more.

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  Good quality for a truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Master - February 3 - 7:50 pm

  I have owned Hondas since 1991 and they are a reliable vehicles. I was looking for a truck and thank god Honda made a nice little truck for the money. Plus they kept the price range very similar to the other trucks in its class.

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  Hott Car-- reliable too! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By CivicChick - February 3 - 4:16 pm

  This car is amazingly fun to drive and easy to manover becasue of its size. Great car for anyone.. teens to adult. Its reliable and doesnt give me any problems... if u want a race car... this is it... just watch the fast and the furious! most of the race cars in there are civics!

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  Poor Gas Mileage but we still love it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jsotelo - February 3 - 3:14 am

  Just a quick review since weve only owned the car for about a month. Ill try and update it as time goes by. The combined average mileage is 22-23 MPG per the cars computer and twice when Ive filled up Ive double checked the calculation based on miles vs gallons and it seems spot on. We drive this car like a GRANDMA and still the MPG sucks (compared to what they claim it will get) Yes there is a vibration, a "bogging" down when you first accelerate from a stop if you dont give it a good amount of gas. Get over it or dont buy the car. My Wife doesnt even notice it and it doesnt bother me. The CRV rides smooth! Interior is very comfortable and the lack of road noise is nice!

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  Best Car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By pyramid - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a problem on this car that wasnt inflicted by me.

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  just right SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By Michael K Hagan - February 3 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. I have owned my green Element EX 4 wheel drive automatic for two weeks, and am very pleased. My other car is a Mustang GT convertible. The Element is not underpowered (for my uses, mostly intown commuting and hauling stuff), as some reviewers [including Edmunds.com] had suggested. Everything inside seems spacious and sensibly designed. I looked at SUVs and cross-overs, and this Element suited my needs best; not too formal or faux luxurious and not cheap looking either. I am really taken with the design.

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  It is a Honda! - 2003 Honda Element
  By icaliber - February 3 - 2:00 am

  What a car, no it is a truck, no it is a suv. It is all. It is a great little all around utility machine that we use to go to point A and back.

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  Helpful Hints - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sayeed - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the SUV on Thursday, the driver side switched had problem wont work up and down.It rides good, dont pay over MSRP. Dealer taking advantage of high demand and low production. Wish Honda has their own dealers

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  Perfect For Me! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Venner - February 3 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is the perfect size for my wife and I. The front seats are very comfortable with good femoral support. The car has plenty of power and navigates the snow of Central New York without a problem. I really like the flexibility of this SUV. It is easy to lower the back seats. The stereo system is a pleasure to listen to.