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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  Get over the badge and buy the car. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jpturner - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my 03 EX V6 - it has more power than I can legally used, and runs like a top. Coming from a mid-1990s BMW 3 Series is like coming from the stone age to the present. This car is very, very good at everything you need a sedan to be. If it had a luxury badge, it would cost you $10,000 more for a car with fewer features. I chose between EX V6 and BMW 325, and decided I was paying too much for a luxury badge (plus I was a little tired of paying BMW service and parts prices for the past 7 years), for less reliability. A completely enjoyable experience - just get used to seeing your car everywhere! Happy hunting.

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  Nice Ride - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By tee - February 15 - 3:30 am

  Really enjoy my CRV 2002, the rides pretty good. I like the looks of this years model and felt like I brought a good quality vehicle. Nice Ride.

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  Nice so far - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By RavenG4 - February 14 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my CR-V 4 days after its release. So far I love it. Its a good drive, gets good gas mileage And is a HUGE improvement over the older models. I think if they had the older style I wouldnt have bought this.

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  2004 Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gatorfan - February 14 - 7:56 pm

  My Element is a great car. The interior design is fantastic. I really enjoy the versatility of the fold down and removable seats. The rubber floor is easy to clean, either by sweeping or just using a yard blower. The interior layout is nice and all displays are clearly marked.

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  2004 Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gatorfan - February 14 - 7:56 pm

  My Element is a great car. The interior design is fantastic. I really enjoy the versatility of the fold down and removable seats. The rubber floor is easy to clean, either by sweeping or just using a yard blower. The interior layout is nice and all displays are clearly marked.

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  Love my new Civic SE - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Marianne - February 14 - 3:42 pm

  I used Edmunds.com Promise pricing to buy my car. I was able to save $$$! I was walking around the lot at AutoNation Honda and I saw a Civic with nice rims. It was 700.00 more than the LX but the extras were worth it to me. A larger screen for the back up camera, blind spot camera, two extra small speakers, nice rims and lastly automatic climate control.

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  My 6 speed Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By OJ Fisher - February 13 - 10:34 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 months, it is awesome! odd mix of features, cloth/heated seats, bigger Nav screen, sunroof, push button start, bluetooth, keyless entry,electronic steering with a 6 speed stick. its peppy, quiet, comfortable, handles quite well & gets great mileage, Im getting 35/36 mpg...woot! I am nothing but happy. I had a 2004 TSX that I bought in 2003, this car is 13 years newer & nicer. Fit & finish is awesome, its a good looking vehicle, black, 17 inch wheels. there is going to be a ton of these on the road, lot of car for the money.

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  Love this new Pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Very Happy customer - February 13 - 9:12 am

  This car is incredible. Very roomy and great car for me and my family.

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  2006 Honda Civic by a Non-Car Nut - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CM - February 13 - 2:43 am

  I am not a car fanatic. In fact, I select a car based on solely practical reasons and for the fewest number of "buttons." Lets keep things simple. Having said all that, let me assure you that the 06 Honda Civic could actually make me a car fanatic. Ive owned four Hondas previously and a couple of American cars--none has been as much fun to drive as the 06 LX. It handles beautifully, feels solid, provides ample room, and is filled with easy to use features in terms of climate control, radio, windows, and the like. A truly well engineered, user friendly automobile.

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  A Fun Car with a lot of kick! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Missy - February 12 - 8:16 pm

  I have been very pleased with my new 2006 Honda Civic EX. It is easy to drive and is very smooth. It is a car that I plan to keep for a while and enjoy driving for years to come. It is very fuel efficient.