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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  I LOVE My Element! : ) - 2009 Honda Element
  By VERY HAPPY : ) - September 25 - 11:10 pm

  Just traded in our 2008 Honda Accord EX for the Element. I have to say Im very happy with it. ITs very roomy and safe feeling. My children are 61" and 63" and they sit comfortable in the back seat. The seats have to be reclined some because my tallest sons head will touch the ceiling. The ride is smooth. You dont feel every bump in the road either like we felt in the Accord. The lights dont blink constantly like our Honda Accords did. My husband loves our new Element also. Its so much fun to drive. You wont feel claustrophobic. We have had a 2004 and a 2007 Suburban LT, a Chrysler 300 touring and even though they were more luxurious The Element is our favorite.

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  My mini-SUV - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Goldbug - September 25 - 9:06 pm

  Very fun to drive and zip around with. I purchased this after missing the space of an SUV but wanted the great mileage as well. Less than a month and Im getting 38.8 mpg mostly on highway driving going mostly 65 mph. Love the interior space especially the magic seats. Very versatile in that aspect. Acceleration is not as bad as I thought it would be and the fog lights, interior lighting, dash lights and speakers are a plus. The second glove compartment and ipod/aux jacks are cool too. Theres really not a whole lot to complain about for the money.

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  Hybrid Newbie - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ZZach - September 25 - 6:46 pm

  This is the first hybrid vehicle Ive ever owned. I was contemplating purchasing the non-hybrid Civic with navigation, but after driving the hybrid I was sold on it. So far Im averaging about 43 MPG doing only city driving, Im anxious to do a highway trip to see what kind of mileage I get. This is my second Honda vehicle and IÂ’ve been impressed with the quality for the price. The hybrid has been fun to drive and I only have fill up every third week rather than weekly doing the same amount of miles.

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  This car is a survivor!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By moondaisy_us - September 25 - 1:48 pm

  My husband recently totaled our Element. He swerved to miss a deer at 60MPH, spun out on the road berm, and the car rolled down the highway, landed on its wheels, then smashed into the ditch/hillside. The only part of the car that was not mutilated was the back hatch door. The car was smashed beyond recognition. My husband was uninjured except for a goose-egg on his forehead since the drivers airbag did not go off. This vehicle held together so well that even if it held 4 people, all would most likely have been unharmed, except from flying glass. ALL this and the engine would still run. I would totally buy another Element, and plan to as soon as possible! This car is amazing!

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By BurnsFamilyof4 - September 25 - 12:38 pm

  Decided to purchase my first Honda and wanted something more than a car but not as much as a SUV. I test drove the CRV first and that is all it took. It has more room on the inside than one would think by looking at it from the outside. My kids and husband all love it and I call it the ultimate grocery getter...plenty of room for everything. I love the ride and the fuel mileage is average 26 mpg. Love it!

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  Comfort not speed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By dennis - September 25 - 8:55 am

  I drove my CRV up the Troodos Mountians in Cyprus with 4 adults with no problems. The engine was quiet and the brakes reassuring. It was comfortable and we were relaxed. Petrol consumption was good (this is the 2l engine). This Honda is about being relaxed and comfortable and I cannot fault it.

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  1995 Prelude Si - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By 2.3Si - September 24 - 8:24 pm

  I bought this car a couple months ago and I must say its great. The only thing is that my paints faded on parts of it but it runs great and has extremely good performance. It picks up pretty quickly for a four cylinder car. Its also very good on gas.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Honda Element
  By Buy One! - September 24 - 5:35 am

  Looked at these when I bought my last new vehicle in 2006, finally bought one this summer. You will not be disappointed. Great utility, handling, looks. Comfortable unless you are in the back seat, although there is plenty of room there - just rough ride when sitting on the rear wheel well. Great stereo, fun to drive, good gas mileage. Wish Id bought one sooner and considering buying another one since my daughter has hijacked this one! GREAT value for the price.

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  Reliable ride, classic look, holds it value - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Toby Peratrovich - September 24 - 5:15 am

  One of the safest older cars on the road. No recalls, no air bag issues. Very little maintenance. Road noise level fairly high. Not quite enough room for long legs. Terrific cargo space and flexibility.

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  Reliable ride, classic look, holds it value - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Toby Peratrovich - September 24 - 5:15 am

  One of the safest older cars on the road. No recalls, no air bag issues. Very little maintenance. Road noise level fairly high. Not quite enough room for long legs. Terrific cargo space and flexibility.