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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  excelent, suspension needs to be softer - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By princepower - July 16 - 10:00 am

  it is excelent car, but needs some improvment over suspension, it is a bit rough .

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  mpg - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By chhuck - July 16 - 10:00 am

  nice car, but i did not get 17mpg, more like 14-15 mpg

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  A great van for the Grandparents and the grandkids - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Papa Craig - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  Traded in a 2009 Toyato Avalon with 68000 miles on it/ a totally problem free vehicle. The Honda van offers great mpg, better then the Avalon-6 speed transmission is wonderful. Love the rear entertainment center, ease of controls , back up camera, side camera and low noise whether in city or on highway! Drives like a expensive large sedan. Like the styling .

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  One owner Civic VX - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Kenneth Hausmann - July 14 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car new in 1992 knowing almost nothing about Honda. I got it because it had 92 hp instead of the paltry 70 the CX and DX had. It also had cloth seats, aluminum wheels, and about 5 more mpg. I planned to sell it when my 1969 Mustang came out of restoration shop but fell in love with the car. I added the cargo cover, cruise control, intermittent wipers, body side moldings, floor mats, rear speakers from an SI, tinted windows, factory clock, the tall console with pad, which is essential for a comfortable driving position, and AMFM CD with Sirius. The car is easy to maintain, gets about 43 city and 50 hwy. On one trip to Iowa, I filled up the 10 gallon tank in Austin, TX and drove to El Dorado Kansas, where I put 9.6 gallons in. That averaged 57.7 mpg, driving at 65 mph. I have never gotten less than 42 mpg, and that was in summer, AC blasting, in city traffic. I just brought it in to have it rebuilt at 489k. I will never sell this car. I painted it once and the interior is still very good. I wonder how many people have a one owner VX? I also wish I knew how many they made, but Honda is mum on this subject. Update, car is back, has 495k on it, and is running perfectly again. Next stop is 1,000,000 miles!

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  Ya Gotta Drive it - 2004 Honda Element
  By beach boy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I am a proud owner of the 2004 Element EX.I have been looking at this model for about 2 years since it came out. For my life style this is the "Best thing since sliced bread". For people on the go and who like the outdoors there quite possibly could not be a better fit. Some of my friends when I first got the truck said " do you wind it up before you drive it, or can we take it out of the box and drive." That was thier comments before they got in and drove it or simply just got in the back seat and enjoyed the sunroof and acres of leg room. If you are thinking of getting one ,do it. Cheers, your excited Element owner.

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  04 Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ronp003 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  very easy to drive, great seats, plenty of interior room, not too big!

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  Excellent sproty yet fuel efficient - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Justin Marinkovich - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car its quick acceleration, high fuel efficiency, and overall comfort are amazing.

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  Best vehicle Ive had - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Satisfied User - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a lot of Cadillacs and recently a RAV-4. I was looking to buy a new RAV-4 when my wife suggested the Honda CR-V. We bought one and it is almost the "perfect" vehicle. Small but not too small. Plenty of pep for city driving and rolls along the freeways well. They have thought of almost everything in the way of conveniences.

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  First time CRV buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a SUV that was small enough to replace my Forrester,yet had more pick up without going to a turbo. A SUV that was reliable,good looking,economical with a good amount of room. Took the CRV out for a ride after taking the Pilot out and made the choice,one CRV please,my wife drives it so she had to like it and she does so that was all that mattered

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  A great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Brianpli - July 14 - 10:00 am

  all I can say is..................I love it