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 Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joey Bilbert - May 5 - 7:40 am

  If you want a vehicle that can do it all get the Ridgeline. Four doors, a truck bed with trunk, large interior, 4wd, smooth handling, and good MPG make this a good truck. Ive put 5,000 miles on mine and it has been great. The ride is smoother than any other truck out there. And the power is good, you dont have the grunt power of the V8 trucks, but I have no problems merging. And overall my MPG since Ive had it is about 17.6 MPG and 80% of what I drive is city. I will have this truck for a long time, and if this truck interests you at all you should give it a test drive.

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  Transmission issue - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Hondata - May 5 - 7:20 am

  I own a 2007 civic si sedan, bought it brand new and the first few weeks i started to have a tranny problem on 3rd gear and took it back to the dealership and they wouldnt fix it and its still under warranty. They just told me to wait and will give me a call, and its been 8 months and no call from them and no fixture. I know that theres more cars out there that has the same problem.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By GaryC - May 5 - 5:47 am

  This model is so much more advanced in every aspect compared to the 2016 CRV. I traded my 2016 in for the 2017 so I really know what Im talking about. The wife and I just love this vehicle!

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  Fun lil sports car - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By HondaPreludeLover - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my share of fun in this car. I fell in love with it when I bought it. Ive had my fair share of "used car maintenances" also, but the Honda engine is strong -- do not underestimate it. For a 13 year old car, its probably the most dependable 10+ year old car I will ever own. I am currently looking forward to a new- er Prelude. I had so much fun with the third generation, that I know I will have a blast with the last (5th) gen. I am disappointed they are no longer making the prelude, but I will enjoy it, and keep my "new baby" as long as I can. For those that also have a prelude, have fun and ENJOY!!!

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  LOVE IT!!!!! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Ariel Post - May 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is off the hook! I love it and the best part is is that it is sooo incredibly healthy for the environment. I feel so good when I drive it because I finally feel like Im not hurting the environment at all.

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  Nine months later... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By FFSkip - May 5 - 2:00 am

  What started out as a weekend/good weather-only vehicle has now developed into "I-gotta-drive-it-every-chance-I- get" kinda car!!! Now, I crave that distinct 6500-9000 VTEC range. Tires go relatively quickly, but these and the car make amateurs like me look like F1 drivers. And if you spend a fair amount of time in VTEC, youll be adding oil. Thats a small price to pay, IMO. Then theres the whole "What- kind-of-car-is-that?" thing that makes you feel even better about your purchase. You will get over some people asking if its a Miata, because some will think its a Boxster. Both are wrong AND you can take both!

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  underpowered - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jimster - May 5 - 2:00 am

  not very comfortable, underpowered, and poor radio system, however, built like a honda and will last forever!!

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  08 Accord EX-L V-6 Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By meho1 - May 5 - 1:36 am

  As a former owner of a BMW 325 and and X5 I was skeptical that the new Accord would have much to offer particularly when my wifes 05 and sister-in-laws 07 Accords were to me, fairly boring. I was not overly impressed with the early photos I saw of this vehicle online either. However, once I was in the V6 version (the 4 is a dog) that all changed. It looks sharp, seems much larger than it looks, is quick, and handles like a dream. It is right on par with my old 325. I passed on the nav system as it is no longer a touch screen and is far more difficult to use than last years version. Very solid build. Richer interior than past Accords. Little road noise even with 17 inch wheels.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
  By BobD - May 4 - 6:30 pm

  I have had my Element for 9 months and I love it. It is a blast to drive, it reminds me of the VW "Bugs" from the early 70s. It averages about 24 mpg as long as I keep my foot out of it. I use it as my commute car and have had to deal with its share of snow, ice mud and rain and the Element always handled it predictably. At highway speeds the Element tracks extremely well so long driving times and not too tiring. The shift is in a perfect position although it looks like it would be a long reach. I would buy another one in a second and I enjoy all the comments it brings, people either love of hate the looks. My daughter and I love it and my wife hates the looks, but she enjoys driving it.

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  My Honda Fits! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By iFit - May 4 - 10:56 am

  I eagerly awaited the arrival of the 09 Fit because, at 66", I just wasnt comfortable in the old Fit without telescopic steering wheel. When I showed up at the dealer, they said are you sure you want such a small car. They recommended someone at my height would be much happier in an Accord. Well, they were all astonished to see how well I Fit into this small car. And I drove off with my mountain bike safely stowed in the back. This car is amazing value; I love driving it compared to my previous Audi A6 mainly because it sips fuel. But also its just plain fun to drive. My advice: if you can handle manual, go for it. The automatic felt much more sluggish for some reason