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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  These are the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gina coleman - December 28 - 5:46 am

  I love these cars just want to change style thats all great dependable vehicle

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  bought a solid utility vehicle thats fun to drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gary wright - December 27 - 3:34 pm

  research before serious shopping. know what you want and what options. set a price to pay and hold to it. you may be able to include some dealer add on,s in the final deal to enhance the purchase.

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  I Fit! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By William Woodruff - December 26 - 10:37 pm

  I am 6feet 2inches tall and the cabin does not feel cramped, my legs fit and I feel like I,m riding high off the road. I did not expect these impressions in a "small" SUV and now I get significant MPG improvement (was driving Nissan Murano) and dont give up the larger car feel. Happy!

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  Great overall but poor gas mileage - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DLook - December 26 - 5:26 pm

  Best looking Odyssey ever. Love both the outside as well as the inside. Drives very nice as a Honda should. The only thing I am not very happy with is the mileage 20mpg city/highway combined -- EPA est. was 22/28 for the EX-L.

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  Wonderful Car!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By TxMom - December 26 - 1:23 am

  The Honda Fit is a wonderful car!! The gas mileage is another great aspect of it! I was driving a Honda Accord and loved the gas mileage it got, but was simply amazed after purchasing the Honda Fit & seeing what it gets. I have gotten up to 43 mpg on the hwy. I recommend this car to everyone!!

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  I LOVE MY ACCORD SPORT!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By k00lbr33z3 - December 25 - 9:57 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Honda Accord Sport Sedan on 10/15/2012. This is my first Honda and Im very happy to have made the switch. I was on the fence between this and the 2013 Toyota Camry. I really felt the Accord was the best value for my money and long term use.

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  honda gouges customer for basic accessories - 2016 Honda Fit
  By tom mcguffin - December 25 - 9:48 pm

  Honda charges extra for what I consider basic accessories. Floor mats and cargo cover are extra $600!! try to get the dealer to include these items. my previous 3 hatchbacks purchases included carpeted floor mats and cargo cover. I assumed they ere included with the Honda fit! I was wrong and it cost me almost $600.

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  Nice SUV but could be better! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By R Hutch - December 24 - 6:25 am

  Fun to drive. Comfortable. Road noise at highway speed annoying. Materials could be higher quality. Door slam feels cheap. Speaker quality awful. Great 2nd car for young drivers. Safe.

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  Some pluses, some minuses - 2007 Honda Civic
  By perlster - December 24 - 2:56 am

  I think its the best looking car out there. The ride is smooth and comfortable. It has enough get up and go for my needs. Im disappointed that Ive never gotten anywhere near 40 MPG. The door panels are prone to scratches. The drivers side window failed after about six months. Otherwise, no mechanical problems. Incredibly, the owners manual has no information on the location of or procedure to change the "air cleaner element" (filter).

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  This ones just right - 2006 Honda Element
  By bpd - December 23 - 10:30 pm

  We tried a cr-v, that was too small. We tried a highlander, that was too big. then we tried the Element and it was just right. The interior is perfect for our active lifestyle as well as the lifestyle of our 90 lb dog. The exterior is sleek and functional. The gas mileage is better than we had hoped for in an suv. Overall we are very pleased with the element.