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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  great driver - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wasatchscott - August 26 - 10:46 pm

  Wonderful power and handling. Huge inside, great combo of utility and sporty car like drive.

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  Love my fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By icuucme2 - August 26 - 6:46 pm

  I love my fit, try to find reasons to take it out. Took it on a trip to a national park and it handled great on the highway, and it holds more than my old sedan did. Wow!!!

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  A car for me! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Lynda Stiles - August 26 - 2:50 pm

  This is a great car that meets my needs. I test drove many SUVs and the CR V was the one I chose. I feel very safe driving it. I am very happy with my new car.

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  Oh my !!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Bobby L - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is with out a doubt one of the finest vehicles in the world.

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  Runs & Runs - 1999 Honda Civic
  By 2 Civic Owner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We own 2 new Civic LXs (89 & 99). Consumer Reports ranked it high on quality and reliability. Change the oil along with typical maintenance and it runs & runs. This 99 Civic would have gone much farther but 2 weeks ago a _ _ _ _ (brand) truck hit it from behind sending it to Honda heaven. Car did a great job of protecting us occupants. We even drove it home to the garage (3 miles). We used it mainly for long trips with 3 or 4 people, but it works great for getting groceries too. We are searching for a replacement LX, but white ones are scarce. Satisfied customers (like us) hang on to Civics, and it shows.

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  GREAT RIDE! - 2003 Honda Element
  By puppet - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for about 10000 miles now and couldnt be more pleased. In just 6 months of ownership Ive had nothing but smiles. Got to get siding home - the element will do it. Need to go on a camping trip with a group of friends and gear - the elements perfect. Now, the weather has turned to snow and ice - the Element doesnt blink. In fact, this is the best driving 4WD Ive ever owned. I love this car.

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  Best Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Tup - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is very comfortable, has great pick up and is great on gas. Perfect 1st car!Inside is comfprtable for 5 and the seats are supportive. Has power everything (LX) and has a great list of standard items like cruise control, a/c, and rear defroster. I would recomend the Civic to anyone looking for a cheep car.

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  CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jachap1 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The CRV EX is a pleasure to drive, feels like a car, good power, good visibiility, solid feel to it. Execellent traction on wet or slippery surfaces. Roomy passenger and luggage interior. Picnic table a nice touch.

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  2004 CR-V EX Automatic - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By binkleyyaz - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a small SUV that had decent gas mileage, safety, and reliability, along with a few creature comforts, and the CR-V EX delivers. Smooth ride with car-like handling. Nice stereo, plenty of cargo and passenger space. I really like the all-in-one nature of the EX model - it gave me everything I needed without messing around with extra options.

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  Unfixable Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John p - August 25 - 12:27 pm

  Ive had my 2015 CRV ex-L for 8 months, 7000 miles. Im ready to drive it into a bottomless pit. The vibration issue mentioned here is Unfixable. Ive had all 3 of the potential "fixes" performed and there is no discernible improvement. At this point the only acceptable fix would be getting rid of it. Steer clear of this model.