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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  nice car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By sonjh81 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Such a nice car.

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  Happy I chose the CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crv4me2 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After an extensive search for a vehicle (I took my time, wasnt in a hurry) I picked the 2002 Honda CR-V EX as my first choice and after several weeks, I know I made the best choice. This vehicle is comfortable, easy and fun to drive, attractive, roomy, and has plenty of power. The CR-V 4cyl holds its own and gets better fuel mileage than the vehicle with a V6 I traded in. For me, thats important. When compared to competing vehicles, the CR- V is clearly the winner.

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  Awesome - 2001 Honda Accord
  By crystavol - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! My Accord is the most reliable and top quality vehicle. This is my second accord, and I will not buy anything else

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  A Very Good Choice - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tom - December 24 - 5:10 am

  While Ive only had the car a few weeks, Im very happy so far. I was looking for a "sporty" car that used regular gas and got good mileage. I was concerned about the power since I was used to a V6, but its really peppy and responsive. The steering feels very direct and the brakes are strong. I test drove a lot of cars, some quite a bit more expensive, but I really liked the whole package this Honda gives you. While I DO NOT like the Sedans styling, I LOVE the Coupe. Mines Red and it is sharp looking.

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  Great Vehicle - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Evie Sanders - December 24 - 12:31 am

  Love this car! Super comfortable, reliable and great looking too. Doesnt get quite as good gas mileage as my Honda Accord but that was to be expected with a bigger vehicle and AWD. I gave some questions a NA status since Ive had it less than a month. But so far...I LOVE IT!!!

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  Its a truck, its a suv, its GREAT - 2004 Honda Element
  By Molly - December 23 - 10:03 pm

  I just got it! You either love it or hate it. I love it. It sucks gas! Thats the only thing negative I can say about it. They 21 mpg City, Dont think so. Its more like 18. Power is O.K. Drives nice, handles well and still fits in tight places. Its a cross between a truck, van, and a SUV. I heard it was designed for the younger generation, Im 40 and I think its awesome. Lots of room, easy to change the seats around. I use it for work and I dont have to worry about it getting banged up or stuff spilled in it. With its out side panels, waterproof seat covers & utility floors. If I could, I would have gotten the EX. Oh well, Next time.

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  Dont do it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Denise - December 23 - 8:05 pm

  The vibration issue is real!. After five months I began to feel the vibration especially when holding the brake while stopped at a light. It has gotten increasingly worse. Three trips to the service center to be told that this is normal. Shame on Honda. This problem outweighs any positive features.

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  Not all its cracked up to be. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mortimer_SC - December 23 - 6:33 pm

  Very poor fuel economy (usually less than 20 miles/gallon on highway). Cheaply designed and built. Transmission is wishy-washy.

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  Fun and Looks Nice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jcross - December 23 - 3:40 pm

  This is my fourth Accord and Honda got most of it right. My 2008 190 HP EX-L Coupe is perfect for around town and short trips. The high end sound system is very good. Fit and finish and ergonomics are as you would expect from a Honda, very good. This Accord has more road noise than I like and the seats tend to be hard, unlike my other Accords. The V6 would be a better choice for folks that go on long road trips, have longer commutes or do allot of freeway driving. The rear brakes had to be serviced at 20k miles. Honda acknowledged that this was an issue and pro rated the fix. The Clear Coat may be an issue as it was on earlier Accords. Fuel mileage has been less than expected.

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  BROOKLYN ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By CLIFF ZEMAN - December 23 - 3:14 pm

  LIKE THE EASE OF GETTING IN AND OUT. LOADS OF LEG ROOM IN THE REAR. LOVE THE RADIO AND CD SYSTEM. ONLY PROBLEM SO FAR IS THAT IT SEEMS IM ALWAYS GASING THE GUY UP. SOME TIME TWICES A WEEK FOR DRIVING AROUND IN NEW YORK CITY. I USE THE CAR TO GET TO AND FROM FROM DIFFERENT WORK SITES. MAYBE A LARGER GAS TANK NEXT TIME.