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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  Honda Element Rocks! - 2005 Honda Element
  By J. Michael - April 4 - 6:03 am

  Did someone say the Element was designed for the 20s crowd! Well, excuse me for showing up invited and crashing the party. Sure, it is a great vehicle for bikes, camping, skis and all that active lifestyle stuff. The wife says (yea, officially its her car) its also great for hauling stuff from garage sales, craft shows, and any other sale that gets in her way. Its also great for hauling the grandkids around with all their stuff. Whats not to like? Practical, functional, reliable, relatively inexpensive plus AWD and all the normal safety features!

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  Amazing - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kh - April 4 - 4:10 am

  Fun, beautiful, sporty, saving tons of money on gas. Best car ever owned. Achieving 50mpg consistently. Much better looking than the Prius.

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  Fun car to drive - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By im4funx - April 4 - 3:00 am

  This is the 4th new car I have owned and by far it is the best. As my car comes up on the 60000 mile mark it still drives like a dream. As a former muscle car owner (camero z28, mustang gt) I can tell you the pleasure of this car far exceeds them. And the gas mileage makes my 30 mile commute alot more fun. I have not had a single mechanical problem with this car(except I blew out a speaker rocking out to the stereo). I only wish it was still in prodution so I could buy a new one when the time comes.

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  Honda Insight - First Hybrid on the Road - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Dr. Kearns - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Honda Insight in April 2001. In 2000, Honda was the first to put hybrids on the road. My Insight has motored 69,200 miles with a lifetime gas consumption of 62.5 miles per gallon (mpg). The interior is comfortable and stylish. The unique seat supports my double-herniated back even on the long haul drives. The car is fun, generating curiosity and honks of approval. Plus, with 62.5 mpg and that nifty tax write off of $1500, I can feel good about the environment, global situations, and my own finances. Its just plain nice!

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  Honda Review - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Amaya_Whitman - April 4 - 3:00 am

  so far experience has been good

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  yes - I get 57 mpg and I love it! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bluegrazz - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost three years and buying it was probably the best decision Ive ever made. It is reliable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. But you have to have a sense of humor to drive it! Ive found that driving does have other rewards, however. The police only warn me when I am stopped for speeding because they are surprised that a hybrid is so speedy. And I never have to wait long at busy intersections because people are extraordinarily courteous and curious when you drive a hybrid.

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  Hondas homage to the VW bus - 2003 Honda Element
  By thomasosborne - April 4 - 3:00 am

  The name Element suggests alchemy, and thats what has emerged from the Honda lab: a bit of the original Volkswagen buss utility and oddball form combined with Honda reliability (I hope). Ive mostly hated the cars Ive owned as necessary evils, but I love my Element.

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  Not the best road handling, almost lost control - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Misty - April 3 - 1:07 pm

  Recommend you test drive over 30 minutes on highway, ramps, and curves. The front driver seat is uncomfortable and feels like a lump in lower back even after adjusting lumbar support. With two display Windows theres a lot to view and is distracting punching buttons while driving. Its hard to see the speed you are driving at quick glance. It would be nicer if there was a Marker to show speed range between 55 and 65 mph. There no fast way to mute music. Brake pedal feels far away and hard to stop. This car almost went out of control on a curve. It does not drive as well as my old Volvo of 12 years. So, still adjusting to a bigger car.

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By allan Jones - April 3 - 12:16 pm

  The Ridgeline handles extremely well for a pickup truck. I like the features of having a two-way tail gate and the rear storage space. It has good power and gas mileage (I get 18 mpg for my 25 mi commute.) The rear seating is comfortable and the lift up seat feature is very convienient. I had a problem with a bumping noise in the front suspension and the dealership replaced the parts willingly. The truck has excellent support from Honda. The front seats are comfortable. I recently drove 3,000 mi on a trip without discomfort or fatigue. Overall I am very pleased with the truck.

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  Honda CRV Touring - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Joel Wexler - April 3 - 5:24 am

  Enjoy the ride, adaptive cruise control and lane keep are great. Accident avoidance sytems work great.