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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  Gotta Have Factor - 10/10! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Spike - January 11 - 8:13 pm

  This is as impractical but as much fun as a motorcycle. Its got clean lines and turns heads all the time. This thing revs like my R6. I have to admit that I need to take some driving lessons w/ this car since its very unforgiving and I have had a couple of close calls when I sled the rear-end, it was a result of my inexperience with sports cars though. Im very satisfied w/ this car.

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  Steering Wheel Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jman32 - January 11 - 3:27 pm

  At this point I would not recommend this vehicle. Let me state first this is my third Honda. My first two were a civic and a CRV. Held each from 12-15 years. I couldnt say enough about the quality and service from Honda. Repeatedly recommended them to friends and co-workers. But this 2015 CRV has serious issues with the vibration coming through the steering column. The best description is if the driver side tire is bad. The vibration is very noticeable in the steering wheel. Then somewhat in the seat. Didnt I notice while test driving? I tested the 2014. Ready to buy then I heard the about the improved 2015s coming out. With winter I bought the car too quick. Big mistake.

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  first time ownet of a honda - 2006 Honda Element
  By steve - January 11 - 3:13 pm

  The honda element is small short suv/wagon/truck/jeep like vehicle that takes your eye at first. Since I havent owned it long enough. I cant realy judge reliability but its seems to handle well. Wish there were more options that were standard equipment, especially a roof rack, instead of some the comfort features they give.

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  Total Garbage - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sunil Marolia - January 11 - 12:52 pm

  I had a great experience with my 2009 Odyssey and made the mistake of purchasing my 2012. This van has had one problem after another and the dealer (Norm Reeves Irvine) uses every opportunity to try and rip me off. A noise complaint turned into a $650 power steering pump replacement that did not fix the noise. The sliding door has always had an intermittent grinding sound and was finally recognized by the dealer after the warranty was up. The car broke down and left us stranded with the main computer completely malfunctioning. The brakes are too weak and constant require maintenance. Im absolutely done with buying any Honda in my lifetime.

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  I love it - 1996 Honda Accord
  By HOnd - January 11 - 12:05 pm

  I bought that car with a salvage title. It was in two major wrecks before. Recently it was totaled again. I decided to rebuild it - thats how much I like my Honda! The car runs exceptionally well. It has 115,000 miles on it, but it looks and drives like brand new. My recommnedation is to buy 4 cyl. EX with 5spd - it is fair on gas and yet when the VTEC kicks in... say astalavista.

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  My Ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By genia - January 11 - 7:43 am

  The drive of this vehicle is so wonderful it is hard to describe. I must say that engine is seems like a low lull that sometimes I forget that it is. It doesnt use too much gas. I was able to get from Northern California (San Jose) to Southern California (L.A.) with a single tank of gas, furthermore, I a tank of gas last me a whole week of driving on L.A. streets and freeways.

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  Love the car, not great gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bostonbob - January 10 - 9:00 pm

  We purchased this great car to mimic the utility of our huge Mercedes R350 without the high purchase price and to have a more maneuverable car for our around town. The CR-V is really, really fun to drive and has a very high quality feel to it. It is comfortable and quiet at all speeds. Its every bit as solid as the Mercedes vehicles we have been driving for last 15 years. The only negative is the gas mileage. Our overall mileage, which includes 550 miles of straight highway travel, is only 20.5 mpg. Our Mercedes RE350 (a much larger, much heavier and more powerful vehicle)has averaged exactly 20 mpg over the past 10,000 miles. Its hard to understand.

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  Disappointed with gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rosemary Wison - January 10 - 7:10 pm

  Im delighted with the interior styling and versatility of the Honda Fit but Ive been disappointed with the gas mileage and the dealerships lack of concern. My first tank wowed me with 34 mpg which dropped to 24/25 mpg with each tank afterwards. Ive experimented with slower driving, gentle take offs, and upgrading my gasoline choice only to get the same results. While I love the car, I bought it for the gas mileage which as you can see, I am not getting.

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  simple ergonic Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By divot97 - January 10 - 6:41 pm

  the car in cavernous on the interior. Great headroom. handles great in snow. suprising nimble for a car as tall as it is.

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  Groaning sounds from brakes. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Rean - January 10 - 2:46 pm

  I have taken my Honda in to have the brakes checked twice for the groaning sounds from both the front and rear brakes.Very bothersome since this has been heard from first few days of ownership. Honda technician indicates brakes build up rust but brakes are performing as they should. I am troubled by this and hope that Honda is researching the problem as the technician indicated would happen.