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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  Perfect "Out of the Box" vehicle - 2008 Honda Element
  By lalande - June 15 - 8:14 pm

  I bought my Element new in February of 08. Two weeks later I made a 9 hour trip each way to Fort Kent, Maine on the Canadian border in the middle of a snow storm to photograph the Can Am dog sled race and she performed wonderfully. Driven her all over the North East and Mid Atlantic. Never had any issues with any weather. Easy clean, load her up and go. Not for those who want plush luxury. Dog owners, campers, hikers, climbers, bicyclists, surfers, Home Depot strollers, this is the vehicle for you. Fun to drive, reliable, very versatile and pretty comfortable. Tons of space for driver and passengers to enjoy. Best vehicle I have ever owned and the most fun to drive too.

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  Practical and pretty and fun to drive - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kellyferg - June 15 - 9:11 am

  We love our new CRV and feel we made an economical choice but got a fun car to drive.

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  Fits everything, parks anywhere, best price - 2010 Honda Fit
  By karen310 - June 14 - 3:59 pm

  I purchased the Fit after my beloved Jeep Wrangler developed Death Wobble and I sunk over $1000 into repairs that did not work. I needed something practical, for a change, but I hated giving up the incredible fun of a Jeep. Ten months later I have no regrets at all. We have a blue model that we call the TARDIS because it really is impossibly larger inside than outside. My 3 children and 6 tall husband all fit comfortably, although I havent tried to put 3 adults in the back. Mileage with mostly big city driving is consistently 30 MPG, and on a mostly highway trip was 48 MPG.

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  Hands-down, simply the best ever - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By surfer66 - June 14 - 3:44 pm

  We bought our silver 99 CRV new, and have done every maintenance step our trusted dealer has suggested. One major session, @ 100,000 M, cost $1200 another around $1000. This car hasnt skipped a beat, ever! It has been the most reliable, smoothest running car Ive ever owned in the 49 years Ive been driving. The 4-wheel on demand has never failed, and it was one of the first offered to the public at a reasonable price with that feature. Finally one small rust area has appeared. We we finally sell it and get a new CRV we hope it comes close to the quality of this one.

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  TRANSMISSION!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By kim203 - June 14 - 12:57 pm

  I have had my Odyssey since 2006. I loved it until things began to go wrong (of course, after the "certified" warranty ran out). Its got 135,000 miles and in addition to regular maintenance (including the timing belt) I have had to replace all three engine mounts, shocks and the transmission (not at Honda). I called Honda and they said the transmission recall work had been performed before I purchased the vehicle so there was nothing they could do. I bought a Honda because I thought I would be able to drive it forever. Simply not so. Very disappointed and will not purchase another Honda. Its comfortable and great for passengers, but lots of road noise.

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  Sonata has it all over Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bri310 - June 12 - 4:48 pm

  Bought this Accord after my lease was up on my Hyundai Sonata. Seemed to be a great price and looked comparable to Sonata. Biggest mistake I ever made. The Accord is extremely uncomfortable over long trips, you can litterally feel every crack,bump and pit on the road. the interior fabric and trim is CHEAP( all mouldings around the doors are drooping and wont stay in place, seat fabric is cheap as well.This car is absolutely terrible in the snow,I would not reccomend driving it in the snow. the positives are the gas mileage and it has been reliable despite the discomforts. In My opinion the Sonata Is definately a much better value. Hyundai is the old Honda, and Honda is the old Hyundai

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  Like it so far... - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By buff1480 - June 12 - 10:33 am

  Ive had it for about a week now and my family loves it. Ive only driven sports coupes and sedans up to this point so the fun-factor is definitely lacking. But it is a very comfortable car for a fairly large family (have a 6 year old and 5 year old, expecting another in December).

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  Shame on you Honda!If you have money to pay the repairs, buy Honda! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By owner2009 - June 10 - 11:55 pm

  We bought a new Honda Accord 2009 for my husband in June 09. Hes tall (6.02) and we couldnt afford a SUV. This was the only car with enough space for his legs. He heard the brakes noise from the beginning. We took it to the dealer..they said nothing was wrong. NOW, we have to pay the repairs for the front and rear rotors and brake pads! 2 years and 34000mile only. They were going to a law suit at the time we bought this car! We had no idea! But the dealer knew...they didnt care ! Not then, not when I went back, not even now! Shame on them! Premature rotors & brakes pads wear ! Its a manufacture problem theyll not agree with that! This is my first and last Honda. Its for sale

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  Not Impressed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By thinktwice - June 10 - 7:21 pm

  I have an EX-L 2011 Sedan that is far from impressive. The road noise on the highway is horrible. It sounds as though the windows are not up all the way. The seats are very uncomfortable as well. I had an 09 TL that I traded for the Accord thinking that the fuel economy would be worth what I was giving up. Well, other than the cost of regular gas vs premium, Im not saving enough to compensate for what Im missing. Honda needs to step-up. Although the leather is nice, the dash and console area are very cheap looking plastic. Almost embarrassing. I wish I thought longer before this purchase.

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  Nice car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By jett456 - June 10 - 6:37 am

  I am liking this car more as the gas prices go up. I get decent mileage. Around 45-50 on the highway, 36-40 city. Cruise control seems to use up more gas in my opinion. Ive had no problems with the battery as some reviews have mentioned. My navigation disc is outdated. For some reason I have a 2007 version in my car. Honda offered to split the cost with me. It should be free for all the money the navigation system cost!! The front passenger seat is uncomfortable for a large person. This is a leased car but I think I will go with a larger car when the lease is up.