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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  Elementary - 2005 Honda Element
  By sstein - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  The Element is not for the pretentious, or luxury driven, but if utility, reliabilty and flexibility in use mean anything to you, then the Element will give you much more than you expect. Handling is surprisingly good, as is acceleration. And, on the open road, the engine actually responds at high speeds. As far as the interior flexibility, awesome.

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  we only. buy Hondas for a reason - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mary - August 13 - 3:43 pm

  You will never want to sell it.

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  Great Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Marie - August 13 - 1:57 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years and had one repair ( a master cylinder ) other than routine maintenance.I have another just like it on order.

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  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James Krizmanic - August 13 - 2:51 am

  Overall, this is a great car for the money. A little too much plastic, but one would expect that for the money.

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  Sold On It - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Sold On It - August 12 - 2:44 pm

  This car is solid. The engine is peppy, it handles great. The fit and finish is good and at 63,000 miles it drives like new. I only get 29mph (lead foot) wish I got more. CD Skips and there are a few rattles in sun visors. All minor. It drives so smooth and feels good. Outside is a bit conservative. The rear is nice, but the front is boaring. Wish it had a compartment for the garage door opener. I love my 5 speed. The front seat is not very confortable and the clutch pedal is too far away. Still love it.

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  Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By pat - August 12 - 9:13 am

  This car is easy to drive and comfortable. The outside appears small, though the inside, trunk included, is spacious. The engine is simple and strong and all seats recline. Good for girls and good for guys. (Look for the blue, it is a nice color, really cool.)

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  Quality wise-the best vehicle ever owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve Bullard - August 11 - 7:36 pm

  Fun to drive, and,at 35,000 miles,not a single problem. Great build quality. When I first bought it I though the seat material would be hot (like leather). But even in the Houston summers the seats have been just like fabric seats. I do wish Honda would come up with a way to seat 3 in the back seat...offer a option of a full bench. Even if it could not be stowed within the vehicle and took 2 people to remove it. It really cant be useful for a family unless it seats 5. I would not hesitate to recommend an Element.

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  Mid Life Crisis Medicine - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Will - August 11 - 7:17 pm

  This car replaces a 2004 Honda Element I owned. Golly gee wilickers !! This is just the most fun car I have driven and I can say that truthfully. This makes about the 40th something vehicle I have bought and driven. Of course, being 5 7" makes it easy for me to get in and out of the car. Get one - have fun - enjoy life - you will not regret it.

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  Beware of Blind Spot - 2003 Honda Element
  By Fran - August 11 - 1:19 pm

  I loved my Element until I was driving in the LA Convention Center Parking Lot, and hit a post. I had never done anything like this before. After going through weeks of repair, and self recrimination, I thought that because Im not tall, the blind spot was worse. Then my husband (tall) almost missed a pedestrian in turning left. Beware of the blind spot as you turn left. I am in the process of replacing this car.

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  Would buy another CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Mike S. - August 11 - 1:17 pm

  Really Dependable solid car. This car has really held its value!