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 Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mummy1859 - January 16 - 8:53 am

  I love my new civic. I had a 1997 civic, so the redesign was a fantastic improvement. It truly feels like a luxury vehicle, at half the price. The gas mileage is terrific, too. Be warned about buying one, the three dealerships I went to in the Orlando area printed out the Edmunds TMV info from this webpage, and would NOT go below that price. Its too popular to haggle, apparently.

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  Choosing The Honda CRV-AWD Is A No Brainer! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael J. - January 15 - 8:25 pm

  The Honda CRV-AWD is an excellent choice for your next car, It is a great car on all road surfaces. I wish it had a bit more storage room, up front, in the drivers compartment. The rear of the vehicle is loaded with storage areas; I love the pull down seats for big hauls! I am getting 28 mpg overall. My previous car was a hybrid, so I am spoiled. Make sure you drive the car in ECO; there is only a slight drop in power, and you do pick up almost 2 mpg highway and just over 1 mpg city. The ride is a bit stiff and bumpy, but by no means uncomfortable. The layout and engineering on this vehicle is magnificent. I am very pleased with my purchase of the Honda CRV-AWD SUV!

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  New CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Tim thompson - January 15 - 10:56 am

  Great car, dealer gave me a great deal on it.

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  Gets lots of second looks. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Early Adopter - January 14 - 5:49 pm

  Well-designed, fun to drive. Wish Id waited for the Touring Hatchback next year.

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  Very dissatisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gord - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The seats in this vehicle are terrible. After about 20 minutes in this vehicle I am in agony. The leather seams across the seats dig into my thighs. The side bolstering is so stiff it bruises my hips on long trips. I am 6"4" tall -can hardly reach the stearing wheel. When I tilt the wheel down the speedometer is completely concealed. The ergonomics are horible. The vehicle performs and handles well but is an absolute rattle- trap. The headliner sounds like it is going to come unglued.So far I have had to have body panel flaws and weatherstriping problems. Just started to have trouble with door handle on passenger side door handle and cd player skipping.Gas mileage not near what they claim

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Scott - January 13 - 1:43 pm

  Bought the Civic a week ago and it is better than I ever expected. MPG has ranged from 34 to 39.5 and it is very comfortable to drive. Ive put just over 1,300 miles on the vehicle in the first week and so far Im very impressed. I have plenty of headroom even with the sunroof.

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  Great Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Frammis - January 13 - 5:43 am

  This is my second Accord and its bigger, zippier and more comfortable. I finally found a sedan with a sunroof frame that doesnt hit my head. Mileage is very good and we have already taken it on a long trip. Finding a good seat position was easy. Navigation complexity is overblown if you are good with computers or other digital gadgetry. It took a couple of weeks - and assiduous reading of the manuals - to get the technology down. Lots of cubby holes and we like the MP3 player connection. The 17 inch Michelin Pilots provide a smooth ride and good corner traction.

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  Honda in my ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By LAKERISM - January 12 - 10:00 am

  If you like to be different or stand out in a crowd than the ELEMENT is definetly for you.You have all kinds of room but the ELEMENT is not a huge gas guzzler,its just the right size,not to small and not to big.

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  Love My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element lover - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I do alot of my own home repairs and this has been a great vehicle for picking up materials at the local hardware store. I also drove this car 2400 miles round trip as the only driver and did not have the usual fatigue I have had in driving a sedan over long distances.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By noelleau - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, practical, good gas mileage, turns heads, highly recomended!