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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  Doesnt age well... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By cgharlow - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I was very happy with the minivan for the 1st year. But the last 1 1/2 years it has not been aging well at all. Very disappointing for a Honda. Brakes are noisy, driver side sliding door doesnt work on either remote 50% of the time, starting to get power failures, odd noise at start up (hopefully just a belt), and we are already on its 3rd battery.

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  I love this car!!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Kathy - December 28 - 4:23 pm

  I waited for 3 years to buy the CRV. I did not like the interior of the 2001. Finally Honda made the interior with as much comfort as my accord. I love the size...not too big...I own the SE ...so it took a little while to get used to the leather interior but the heated seats in the winter were well worth it!!!

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  sportscar performance/pickup truck fun - 2004 Honda Element
  By Philzapp - December 28 - 11:56 am

  I first experienced the element 1 year ago and loved it. The small turning radius, and low end torque make it a very good city vehicle, while the sixteen inch wheels and ground clearance make it work on rough unpaved roads. I did change out the tires right away though to michelin 225 mud and snow. This gives a much better "feel" to turning and driving on wet and non paved surfaces. The stereo is also outstanding, as I am a music fan and listen constantly at home and the road. The limited oustside vision is overcome by paying attention to mirrors, and the sometimes choppy ride, is worth the maneuverability of the short wheelbase. I was able to eliminate a car&truck,while gaining an ins.disc.

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  Another Honda in the Garage - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Neal Ingram - December 28 - 6:46 am

  Wow!! My family has added a third Honda! I had hoped that this car would be available when it was time to add to our Honda car family. We already had an Accord and a Pilot. Both vehicles have served us well and it was an easy decision to buy another Honda. The only real decision was how to get as big a vehicle as possible without it being a full size SUV or minvan. I can say without hesitation that the Crosstour is a great addition to the Honda family.

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  Great car if it does not kill you - 1991 Honda Accord
  By almostaccordfan - December 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this car in February 91. We have taken moderately good care of it and it still looks and drives great. But it has dangerously stranded us twice. At 80,000 miles the distributor went out stranding my wife at night on a rural Texas road. There had been a recall on the offending distributor but Honda never told us. At 110,000 miles something else electrical went out on a broiling hot day, on a treeless rural road stranding us with our newborn. A couple of state troopers drove slowly by in their air conditioned car, looked us over and drove off. I hated them worse than Honda at that moment.

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  5 Years Later — Still love it - 1999 Honda Accord
  By gdwriter - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Five years after I bought it, I still love this car— and plan to drive it as long as it lasts. That could be a while. Honda builds amazing engines even with the 4-cylinder, it has plenty of get-up-and go—love it when the V-TEC kicks in over 4,000 RPM. Its comfortable, capable, and completely reliable. Ive only had to do regular maintenance—not a single repair. Plus its sleek and handsome. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Honda HRV-elwith navi - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By rick mannoia - December 28 - 12:44 am

  Best car for the money. I bought the 100,000 mile 10 yer bumper to bumper. I should keep this car 10 years

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  Great versatility for the money! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By littlemissthing - December 27 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in a Honda Accord EX - we wanted a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle. The other MAJOR bonus is the possible seat configurations. For those of you who may occasionally need to haul something, but dont want an SUV, the seats are awesome. The interior space feels much larger than the car actually is; I was worried that the car might feel toy-like because of the size. I should have known better. Its a Honda - it feels solid and rides smoothly. The amazing part is, there isnt very much difference in seating and storage space than the Accord I had. The only significant difference we noticed was the depth b/t the front and back seats. Overall, were loving our little FIT! GO!

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  A must buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied - December 27 - 8:30 pm

  A great investment in terms of resale value, reliability, luxury, and sporty.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John - December 27 - 6:36 pm

  Great value for the price. Love my crv- the only reason I gave it an overall 4 is because of the significant blind spots due to the rear side windows. With the new safety standards Im not sure what Honda can do to avoid that. For you musicians out there the trunk space fits a full size tuba without putting the seat down!