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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  The New CR-V is one heckuva vehicle! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy from IL - May 21 - 3:13 pm

  I had a 1998 Honda Passport (LX). Before that, I had owned true Hondas. I was not happy with my Passport and traded it in for the 2002 Honda CR-V (EX). The difference between the two are like night and day. The CR-V ride is much more like a car. The Passport was noisy, and drove like an old pickup truck. I feel like Ive come home again when I drive my new CR-V.

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Eilleen - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element. It may only seat four humans but it holds all six of my four legged kids. With the easy to clean interior it is the best vehicle with my dogs. With the way the doors work it is easy to load both cargo and dogs. I do wish it had better gas mileage but Im willing to give that up to have the cargo space.

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  Excited to Drive - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 86Griff - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. We went from an Explorer to a Pilot and folks...there is a huge difference. The interior of this vehicle is wide and roomy. Significantly bigger than Explorer. The 8 passenger seating seats more than a minivan. Cant say enough about how wonderful this car is to drive. Would definately recommend to anyone looking to purchase an SUV or minivan. Its an Acura MDX without the woodgrain interior.

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  Best Car So Far - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Pastor Bill - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Our first Honda. Purchased new. It has been the best-ever car for us. Average mpg on road 36-38. Competent handling. Comfortable interior of high quality materials. Excellent switch gear. Absolutely reliable. If this one ever wears out, we will purchase anohter Honda.

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  The 2005 CRV SE ----ITS A REAL BEAUTY - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mike marinaro - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Pewter Pearl 2005 SE with leather seats...its a beautiful car...the leather interior makes the car. It is so elegant looking....lots of amenities found on a much more expensive SUV..the car is loaded with heated seats,heated side mirrors, 6 CD changer, alloys, roof rack, door edge guards...the car is really sharp..and great pickup too

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  Good Service - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Tim - May 19 - 2:06 pm

  Make sure you know all the feature you are NOT getting. Car is excellent but some features that would usually be expected because of other features are not there. For example the care has a backup camera but does not have XM radio.

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  Santa was good to me, Got my dream car.. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By YoJim - May 18 - 10:33 pm

  Must have done something good this year to get a way-cool car. Love the whole package. Honda took a risk in 03 when they did a major overhaul of their successful car (I still own a 98 Accord), but well worth it. Love the leather interior and all the amenities (dual heated seats, excellent ride, 110k between tune-ups, etc.). Would highly reccommend giving this car a test drive. My wife has the 02 Camary. Comparing the two side by side, the Accord is head and shoulders the better value.

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  A great sports car, very reliable - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Michael D Shaw - May 18 - 4:06 pm

  Great seats, a fine 6 speed manual transmission and corners very well. Outstanding value.

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  No complaints - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave in NC - May 18 - 2:13 am

  After 10 months and 16000 miles, Im still very happy with this car. Handling is great, ride is extremely comfortable, everything about it feels high quality and well thought-out.

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  Is good by me! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rumby!!! - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I love it, period, no comment.