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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  First Car, and Never Regretted It - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By NewPreludeOwner - February 13 - 8:54 pm

  Bought this car in July of 09 from a fellow service member. Never regretted it. Fun as hell to drive, extremely reliable, and I bought it with over 129k miles on it! It seems I had the extreme luck to purchase the VTEC, and it was well worth the $3500 I paid for it! No engine problems, only had to fix the brakes because of a broken after-market caliper and change out two gaskets on the exhaust system from aftermarket headers. No problems with the original vehicle! A great car to those who are looking for one, and I plan on keeping this thing for years! Smooth 5-Speed, responsive engine, and with some aftermarket upgrades, 29 average MGP! Keep in mind I drive 60 miles to and from college.

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  Love our Element - 2009 Honda Element
  By Otown Jim - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  We really love our Element. We purchased the vehicle to make it easier to transport our dog (Samoyed). The removable seats in the back are perfect and the room once removed is terrific. The Element handles well in the snow (took it to Montana through multiple snowstorms during Thanksgiving week). Lastly, our boy Buck just loves his new car! Excellent choice for dog lovers and people needing some additional cargo room.

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  90 Honda Accord - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Naomi - February 13 - 5:47 pm

  We purchased this car back in March of 2004. It has been very reliable up until last year. Eventually sold it at 190,000 miles to someone who likes to fix old cars up, but it was still running ok when sold. I was very happy with this car when I had it.

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  Blackberry Pearl Fit Sport - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Ed + Sharon - February 13 - 3:59 pm

  We got our fit a week ago and we love it! Great gas mileage,Very solid no rattles, Great in snow

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  I love my Honda, still feels new - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By wetpawsx8 - February 13 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new. I had an Explorer and it was just too big for me. The CRV fit me perfectly. I have never been sorry. Usual maintenance has been done, I change oil every 3,000 miles. I now have 174,000 miles, most parts are original. Did the drive belt and water pump as preventive maintenance. original brakes, exhaust. I bought slightly oversized tires and have really been happy with that decision, they seem to wear longer. I drive in new fallen snow without a problem. Have never been stranded. Im still getting about 24 mpg. The interior is still in good condition and I haul my two dogs with me often. I hope to get another 174,000 miles before I would give it up.

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  best family car Ive ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dave C. - February 13 - 10:44 am

  Ive had my 2003 Accord nearly 7 years and it is by far the best family car Ive ever owned (Ive had many). I have *never* had a problem with it -- just regular maintenance. The design is a good balance of power, fuel economy, comfort. A little boring to drive compared to my sports coupe, but thats because its a family sedan, no fault of its own

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  Just Purchased - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimmy - February 12 - 9:36 am

  The car is comfortable and drives well with good power. The list of bells and whistles seems to go on and on. There may be too many at times - it took two salesman and the finance guy to figure out why the remote to the RES didnt work. There is a lockout button on the dash that no one really knew about. However, were pleased with the van and look forward to years of service. My wife just wishes it came in a pearl white.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jenny - February 11 - 6:12 pm

  this is the best car out there i have many cars before but this is the best... cheap to fix good in fuel and everything else.

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  Funtastic - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Maryland Honda lover - February 11 - 11:15 am

  I loved my CRV EX 4X4. My teen son just totaled it. He was not injured thanks to Hondas quality built vehicle and airbags. He didnt even have a scratch! It was fun to drive, great lumbar support & comfortable, not bad 19-24 MPG. Great storage capacity for traveling. Loved the 4x4 aspect and ran like a champ in the snow. The standard Continental tires gave a rough ride which made the vehicle vibrate at highway speeds. Theyre hard to find replacement for in the metro area. I replaced them @ 28,000 miles,change in ride and handling was incredible, much quieter and smoother. I Love Hondas and plan to purchase another. con: minor-fabric on the inside door armrests. Gets dirty easy

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  good quality suv - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By nj dan - February 10 - 3:39 pm

  I leased this 07 pilot and have had no major issues other then new front rotors at 28000 miles. Great ride and very comfortable like all the cargo space. Could be better on gas, and strains a little when towing. But over all reliable and very safe love the heated seats and sun roof