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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  More than met expectations - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Indolawson - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Hondas in the past and currently own two. This 94 Accord is what I expected--enough power, acceptable comfort, good styling, and extremely reliable.

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  terrific - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ann h. - June 20 - 2:00 am

  this is an incredible car? SUV? Drives like a car but does great in EXTEME conditions... I live in Idaho, came back from Sun Valley last year down terrible road conditions, my cr-v did great... cars, SUVs, pickups all over the the side of the road (off the road and ditched... my cr-v just kept going... no problemo.... P.S. We have a 1992 landcruiser (old tank type) and for on-road conditions of any type, this really does better!

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  Dollar value comparison - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By rod - June 19 - 11:23 pm

  Having had a RX300 in the family, that we love we think this is still the best combination of interior space..overall design..price on the market....

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  I am back to Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Joel - June 19 - 9:46 pm

  Many cars today are close in quality and price and the choice is wide. So, I am reaching down to the soul of this auto to base my review. Peel away the layers and you find a very well engineered and built buggy with the best reliability in the business. Remember all the competitionÂ’s products are copycats of the Honda Accord, for me, I want the original item. This Accord is my third and they keep improving every time. This model seems like it has unlimited technology that I need to have an engineering degree to learn it all; which is a good thing. The car stands out (Pearl White) and I receive compliments on how classy it looks. The gas mileage on my last 200 mile trip averaged 34 MPG.

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  Dont buy this bucket of bolts - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Karen - June 19 - 8:57 pm

  Omg, I thought I was going crazy until I read the reviews. My car and passenger seat vibrate, I was told this was normal. Drive the car and it feels like I am stuck in cruise control. Car engine vibrates violently on first start up, brought back to deal and they told me and I quote"operating as designed". I thought bc I was a female they were giving me this crap, they are but reading these reviews the guys got the same story. Dont waste your money. Car is 9 months old and Ill be trading it in for a Guinean or Toyota. My Santa re was 8 yrs old and had182,000 Plus miles,no one issue.

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  Happy Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RONALD4266 - June 19 - 2:00 pm

  Purchased the Hybrid almost 1 yr ago. To date 26,000 miles and it runs fantastic. As for mileage, last summer I was averaging around 50 mpg since I do all highway driving. When winter came it dropped off about 5 mpg. Still beats my pickup truck I traded in. The navigation was my wifes idea and I am so glad she talked me into it. This is the greatest nav I have ever used. Had several hand helds and a Lexus. The only problem I have found is the tires. I have just replaced the stock tires since they were shot at 25000 miles. When I replaced them the tire guy told me I would lose about 2-3 mpg and he was right. I recommend buying hybrid tires.

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  Loves it, Loves it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chantel - June 19 - 12:43 pm

  I traded in my 1997 Honda Civic for a bigger car. I decided to get the CRV due to my love for Hondas. They run FOREVER! Also I love the low maintenance. My CRV feels like Im driving my civic, the only difference is that I can see so much more due to being up higher. This car gets good Gas mileage, handles like a dream, and just fun to drive in general. The airbags all over the car make you feel extremely safe. Very, very roomy interior, I can drive around my siblings, my friends and my dog all at the same time!

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  A little bit more.. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve1 - June 19 - 9:53 am

  The 06 is just a little bit more of everything. A bit more powerful, a bit more quiet, a bit more sophisticated, a bit more styled, etc. I traded an 03 and the 06 is just a bit more refined.

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  Gone, but not forgotten! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By himiler - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The Prelude exemplifies a time when Honda was still building cars to a specific engineering goal and not to a price-point. The cabin materials are first-rate, with comfortable seats, good visibility, all amenitites a serious driver needs, and nothing he or she doesnt. The handling and ride still are the standard for the FWD sport-coupe class. The brakes are better than the average Hondas, as well. The Preludes appeal is how the suspension, brakes and jewel of an engine work so seamlessly together. It is a tool for carving corners, but is also quite pleasant for long trips.

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  Little Hummer at 1/3 the Cost - 2003 Honda Element
  By Habe - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been reading reviews on this vehicle for a month. All the positives are absolutely true. This is an awesome vehicle. Everyone who looks at ours just loves it. I traded in my Cadillac Seville to travel the road with this little SUV. Going from a V8 Northstar to a 4 cylinder is a little adjustment. The 4 speed automatic seems to have plenty of pep for me. It is comparable to other 4 cyl. cars Ive owned. When we picke it up my daughters were asking if I could pick them up from school to show off the Element to their friends.