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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  quality & comfort - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dv8r0710 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This CR-V is my first Honda. After owning chevys, Mazda, and Toyota, these vehicles dont have near the quality that is put into this vehicle. The ride is sooo comfortable its unreal. My only drawback with ALL cars today is the gas mileage. With todays gas prices you would think that auto makers would get on the ball and make them ALL more efficient. Still, I get about 24 mpg as i do alot of highway driving. The inside is very roomy with everything displayed well where i dont have to do any reaching. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an suv that is classy, comfortable and well affordable.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mdbrown - April 13 - 10:00 am

  If I would have known how nice this car is, I would have bought it long ago. Thought about the Altima and Passat, but the Accord is the clear winner. The 2.4 has plenty of acceleration. The transmission, brakes and steering are tight and responsive.

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  CR-V is hard to beat! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Shaun - April 13 - 8:33 am

  Were very happy with our CR-V. We traded in our 98 for this 07 and love it even more than the first one. It has more legroom for the back seats and bigger cargo area in the back. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg--not bad for an SUV. We had zero problems w/ our first one, and expect the same this time.

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  Surprise! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By HondaHappy - April 12 - 3:13 pm

  I just got the 2009 Fit Sport AT yesterday. Im very happy with the acceleration and handling when entering the highway. Im getting 35 mpg so far in mixed highway/city traffic (in Houston). However it looks like the mpg will continue to increase. Visibility is excellent and the Nav is easy to use. Voice command can be a source of hilarity. The ride is smoother than my Subaru WRX but a little rougher than Honda Civic. Cockpit feels airy and open. Driving position/feel is a cross between driving a small sedan (Civic) and a small SUV (Element).

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  Better than I had hoped - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - April 12 - 9:26 am

  I have owned many Honda Accords and recently traded an 07 Accord EX 4 cylinder. I am very pleased with the purchase. The CRV has great acceleration and many standard features that I enjoy. There are many little improvements over the 09 model that really add up. The new 180 hp CR V engine is very smooth, quiet, and willing. I test drove the new Subaru Outback and Forester models. This Honda has better fit and finish, a more refined drive train, and a high quality standard sound system. On my first tank of gas I am averaging 24 mpg - mostly city driving. Since it is a Honda it should be very reliable and have excellent resale value.

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  Best New Car Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lorraine - April 12 - 6:56 am

  Was going to buy a Honda Odyssey but with fuel prices they way they are I decided to go with the CR-V. Love the Green. Great family vehicle took the kids on a road trip and we had plenty of room, kids love the 6cd changer. Ive been getting 26-28 mpg around town. Hope to own this vehicle for a very long time.

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  Accord EX Fantastic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By David - April 12 - 4:19 am

  I searched for 5 months before buying the Accord EX and I am so happy I ended up with the Accord EX. Everything about this car is great so far however I was expecting a little bit more out of the miles per gallon. Its not what I thought it would be but over all I would rate this car a 9 out of 10. Courtesy Palm Harbor was a fantastic place to buy from, they dont hound you or lay a line of B.S. on you. I made them an offer which no other dealer would even consider and they accepted it. I strongly suggest making the extra trip to Palm Harbor if you are interested in a Honda because they will treat you right. Just make them an offer but make sure it is reasonable and they will tell you yes or no. Thats the way car buying should be without the B.S. coming into play. This was a stress free deal that I made with Palm Harbor Honda. Buying from anywhere else is going to be a nightmare at best. Trust me, I know because I contacted over 2 dozen Honda dealerships throughout Florida over the 5 months I was shopping. Most dealerships would rather rob you first and sell you a car second. Just my opinion.

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  Accident waiting to happen - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kate - April 12 - 4:03 am

  Very disappointed in Honda. The Civic design makes it impossible to actually see the hood of the car while driving and this is even with the seat raised so much your head nearly hits the roof of the car. Honda says its aerodynamic but I think it is inconvenient, makes parking very difficult and really unsafe. Honda says you will learn to sense the end of the car but I say RUN!

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  I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Elizabeth Veazey - April 11 - 10:00 pm

  I have always been a sportscar person, but I am also a local muscian and have too much equipment for a car, I also have 2 kids and a dog! I needed the room! The Honda Element has room for days! We took the car on a trip to the mountains the week after I bought it, fully loaded with my PA equipment and all our luggage(I also had a gig there) the car performed great, the gas mileage is somthing to brag about. Everywhere we stopped people would come over to us and ask to look at the car while telling us how crowded and uncomfortable they were. My daughter who is 16 is trying her best to talk me out of my Element and buying myself something else. If I did, it would be another Element.

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  My First Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Geoff - April 11 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first Accord. I chose it over the Civic. I prefer a car with 4 wheel disc brakes and after dressing up the Civic the price was very close to the Accord LX. I am 64" in height and I fit better in the Accord. The car drives well. Highway I am getting 35 mpg. City mileage is at 25 mpg. The paint is good quality. I always hand wax a new car the day I get it to look for flaws or scratches and found the finish to be fine. It drives very well and has a solid feel on the road at freeway speeds. I wanted an inexpensive car with good mileage, and strong resale. This car meets my expectations.