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 car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lococrzy - June 8 - 10:20 am

  i bought a civic hybrid a couple months ago. the car is great and incredibly comfortable for a compact. although the car is in great need of more power it is great. i would say the only flaw of this car is the 95hp it has under the hood. I hope to purchase an accord hybrid soon.

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  A Senior Citizens Point of View - 2004 Honda Element
  By joeadler - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love it! Our kids where shocked when informed that we bought it. Their one question was, "what was your second choice -- a US Postal truck." But we love the choice. Its solid, reliable, has good pickup, amazingly easy to get in and out of, and is stable -- and above all, its FUNKY!!! After driving Mercedes over the past 30+ years, our ELEMENT is fun, refreshing, and different from other cars on the road!

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  The most usefull - 2004 Honda Element
  By Brian Condra - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I go to alot of craft shows, and do alot of wood working. The Element is so easy to load with all the stuff I need. I also have a 4 year old son that loves the stadium seating. Its fun, I get 21-23 mpg, Its easy to clean. I love it.

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  We LOVE this car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By NewOdysseyOwner - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van about a month ago and LOVE it. We have 3 small kids and need the additional room. We had owned a Tahoe and there is no comparison between the two vehicles. The van isnt as big, but has more room for seating. It also drives like a car and the gas mileage is better. We also got a decent deal. We were able to play two dealerships against each other and bought the EXL with an MSRP of $28,980 for $25,422 with no additional fees with 3.9% for 60 months from the local dealership. They even had the color we wanted, Midnight Blue. It took a lot of research and patience, but we are happy we ended up with this van for this price.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ChiHondaGuy - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Love the Car. I bought it in decmber and have never been more happy with a car in my life. It is very quiet and very fuel efficent. Just be careful if you tend to be a lead foot the advantages of the hybrid dissapiear quick! Remember that the car is ususaly more efficent if you use the cruise as much as possable.

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  Early Review - Only Driven 400 Miles - 2009 Honda Civic
  By larry s. - June 8 - 3:26 am

  Honda makes one of the best stick shifts in the auto business with the Civic Si. Short throws and creamy smooth shifts. Performance is great for a 4 cylinder (2 liter) engine without a turbo. Its a rev happy car which performs best at 6,000+ rpms, and the engine sound is sweet at higher revs. My car is black which is hard to keep clean but looks great when it has a bath. Its a head turner. Gave it a 9 on reliability but thats just based on Hondas past reputation cause Ive only had it a week with 400 miles driven so far. I leased it for 3 years so its covered by limited warranty. If it proves reliable I will purchase another 3 year lease.

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Lyricnac - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Extremely well made, excellent gas mileage, Honda built another hit.

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  My first Honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By zorba - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I did not have many complaints about my 98 Windstar, until I bought my 2002 Honda Odyssey. Ive only had it a week and am already in love with it! It is roomy, comfortable, solid, quiet, powerful and handles like a sports car. Now I know exactly why it is rated so highly by everyone who owns one.

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  High-end amenities with a modest price tag - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Attenello - June 7 - 11:32 pm

  Weve leased a number of basic Honda Civic Sedans over the years and have been satisfied with both the reliability and solid driving experience of these cars. This time out we wanted to purchase something a bit more upscale that looked great, rode well and had a lot more bells and whistles. That said we didnt want to pay the price for a new BMW, Lexus or Mercedes. We considered the option of a pre-owned luxury car but recognized that starting with 20-30K miles on a pre-owned vehicle, we could expect to see repairs sooner and at a premium price. At the Honda dealership we took a look at the strikingly sharp redesigned 2016 Honda Civics and test drove their top of the line Touring model. This model really fit the bill for us. It had all of the bells and whistles we wanted - active sensing safety features, touchscreen navigation, premier audio system, LED lights, heated front & rear seats, leather trim, and 17 inch wheels. The 1.5 liter turbocharged transmission provided plenty of power , great handling and terrific gas mileage. And the price tag was very appealing for everything this car offered. Weve driven it for a month and could not be more pleased with the purchase.

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  LX is a great buy!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Emma1420 - June 7 - 9:36 am

  I recently bought an LX 2wd, and its a feature packed little SUV for a great price. I looked at several compact SUVs and while I like many of them, I discovered that many of them just didnt feel very solid. The CRV may not be the cheapest, but at this point I think its probably a best buy over the long-haul.