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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  Car of the Year 1994 - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Cronyn - January 1 - 11:33 am

  My car has lived up to its billing as the Car of the Year 1994. I have had minimal mechanical and car related problems while enjoying a classic car with wonderfully designed exterior features and adequately crafted interior features. My son is looking forward to retro-fitting this car to bring it back to a hotter styling but keep the same sporty and functional looks it was created with.

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  Call Her Paprika - 2004 Honda Element
  By Fran Honan - January 1 - 10:30 am

  This is a fun car to drive. I have named her "Paprika" because of the bright orange color. I have had many men asked me to show them the inside of this fun car. I am a vibrant grandmother that enjoys having her third Honda. I love the door opening like a London Taxi! Nice pickup and a great price for a run-about-car. By the way, my other car is a Mercedes E-320 that my husband doesnt take in the snow, but borrows mine when the weather turns bad. I have a love affair with Hondas. I also like the part that the inside of the Element is washable and has plenty of room for my surfboard, wet suit

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  Not all leather - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Leslie - January 1 - 7:23 am

  I felt mislead when I asked the salesmen if the interior seats were all leather. Two salesmen said yes, "all Leather". Not true! In fact the interior of the car is mostly vinyl. Do your research. Honda is now replacing what was mostly leather, with vinyl. Only the middle part of the seats and middle part of the back is leather. But it all looks like leather. Check it out! It still looks nice inside, but dont be fooled. The salesmen should know better than to tell a customer its all leather. Beware when the car pamphlet says "Leather-trimmed".

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  CRV- EX 2016 interior noise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa Rosado - January 1 - 6:37 am

  Im just buy my new car a CRV 2016 on February . Im so excited but at the same time worried. The CRV looks amazing but Im worried about the interior loud noise I have to put the radio loud just to ignore the loud noise. I dont know how to explain It feels like an airplane. The noise its so loud I dont know if its normal???

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  Its not a car, its a Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By SteveS - December 31 - 10:56 pm

  After 16 years driving Ford?Mercury products, and only ONE month in this car, I would hesitate to lease/purchase ANY other vehicle until this one has been test driven. Never have I had a more solid, quiet, responsive ride than I do from the Accord. Hills which required several downshifts from previous vehicles were no problem for the Accord - interstate driving is a true pleasure. Surrounded by leather and a luxurious sound system, one of our favorite things to do is take a drive !!

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  Safety at reasonable price. - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Wiener - December 31 - 10:56 pm

  Test drive it. Feels like much more expensive car. Has amazing safety features and enough acceleration for all legal driving. Just wish it still had CD player for old timers like me.

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  Ive got one - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Jperez1204 - December 31 - 5:03 pm

  This car is the coolest thing around. Theres no other car in the world where you drive in style and get 75mpg at the same time. Ive owned my Insight for 4yrs now I get close to 800 miles per tank. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to save their money and not give it away to the Billionares on the oil companys, at the same time your saving the enviroment. You will get so many looks and questions everywhere you go. Four years later an I still get questions everytime I fill up well thats every month and a half.... If you want to save you money and use it for something else buy a Honda Insight youll the car and attention that comes with it....

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  2017 Ridgeline All Mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By 1138mf - December 31 - 1:43 pm

  The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is just was I was looking for. One look and I was smitten. A versatile vehicle that is comfortable to drive every day. The Honda Ridgeline combines the best aspects of a terrific SUV with a modern tech savy truck. The technical aspects of the Honda Ridgeline are beyond my expectations. Drives like a dream and will haul anything I will need. Coupled with Hondas industry leading reliability and customer satisfaction I couldnt be more pleased.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda Element
  By joel reiss - December 31 - 11:08 am

  All I can say is you must take one for a test drive. You will be suprised by the room and how easy you can get around on the road. We went from a Taurus to the Element and my wife said she will never go back.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Matt - December 31 - 5:06 am

  After switching form a 2003 EX, to a 2006 EX; there is a big difference. The 2003 was a very nice car, but Honda outdid themselves this time. The speaker system is much better, it has features that many people wont find in a luxury car, and it rides very quietly. Honda did a great job with this one!