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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  Such a good buy - 2008 Honda Fit
  By roeroica - March 3 - 7:10 am

  I had a Geo Prizm before and wanted something that gave me at least the same MPG (30-31). This car gives me 38+ if I drive on the freeway, with the AC on. Amazing! The magic seats are fun and definitely useful. I realized that it is usually me by myself or with a passenger and its useful to have all that room for cargo. People say the backseat is roomier than my old car as well. The lowest MPG I got was 34, and that came after driving really fast on the freeway. I got this car for under 15K and it was worth every penny. More expensive than the Yaris, but worth it with the safety features, etc.

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  Its What I Need and More - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DL Paul - March 3 - 6:57 am

  I traded a 2012 RTL that I liked a lot and the 2017 is a step up. Most of the negatives of the previous generation Ridgeline have been addressed, Here goes the pluses: 1)The MPG is great, first tank of HWY driving I averaged 27. 2)The quiet of the cab is impressive, better than most cars. 3)The seats are all day comfortable and 4)the ride is serene. 5)It goes straight down the road. 6)It is much quicker than my 2012, much. So, it is a home run, but a few things keep it from being a grand slam. Here goes my reasoning: 1)Why no Michelin tires? Firestone Destinations are just OK. 2)The armrests are small and cheap looking. For the price there should be an 3)electric rear window, 4)sunroof and 5)presets for two drivers. 6)Plus the dull black trim between the front and back windows beg for chrome trim to match the rest of the window trim. The styling is a "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder issue" so Ill not add my opinion, but the San Marino red color would make it pop.

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  additional features no available - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By geri hillegass - March 3 - 5:55 am

  its a very nice car, weve wanted a Pilot for a few years. There are some things that should have been standard on the car but obviously not. no tinted front window, no extendable visors, no double visors. USB port very inconveniently placed.

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  Fun little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By lovemysi - March 3 - 1:40 am

  Well I bought this car a year ago used with 43k miles, it now has 57k miles and still runs and drives great. Still getting really good gas mileage and not too many squeeks or rattles. Really love the seats and shifter. Factory radio sounded good but I replaced the speakers and now it sounds great. My car was lowered when i bought it, it handles really well especially around high speed corners. Not really in anyone elses review but the headlights really put out a lot of light at night, almost as much as the expensive hid systems.

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  Car forever!!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By 8ballball - March 2 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this car as a used. It is a really good car and econ. Cheap on gas, good looking, no extra cost to repair. It work all weather. It cheap on parts too.

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  Traded in my 2013 Civic for this one. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bootini - March 2 - 11:30 am

  Having a problem with my with the Bluetooth in my brand new Civic EX which hopefully will be fixed next week. The really terrible thing with this car is the front passenger seat. The thing is practically on the floor is uncomfortable as a result so please try it before you buy it. Other than the seat thing this car is amazing!!!!!!!!

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Erin406 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Element for about a month now and I love it! Everyone wants to look inside- its a real attention grabber! Ive taken mine on several trips already and its been a fabulous ride! I would suggest adding the keyless entry and the carpeted floor mats like I did. I paid less then $250 for mine to be installed with a remote starter! Gas mileage is great for a SUV-- Ive been averaging 25 MPG! I would highly recommend the Element.

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  Honda Element 2003 - 2003 Honda Element
  By ultratammy - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Great suv for the price very fun to drive and it turns alot of heads. So if you dont like attention the CRV is for the more modest person but the Element is for people who like attention its at suv

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  mini cooper/ hummer morphed to a ELEMENT - 2003 Honda Element
  By my element - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This ride is awesome Ive had it 2 weeks and cant stop driving it this is what you get if a mini cooper and a hummer could make babies its awesome

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  Loving it... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By colleen - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. First Honda that Ive ever had. Great first impression. Bought it Apr 03. Fun to drive, great to look at even sitting in garage! It must have impressed a lady on the interstate sooo much that she rear- ended me when it was only 9 days old! Her little ole SUV couldnt handle the impact. My CRV has little damage to rear. Still my baby, though.