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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  2007 Honda Civic Coupe - 2007 Honda Civic
  By guambombboy - December 28 - 8:26 am

  I have recently purchased my Civic not too long ago, and so far it has been great, but it can be better. It looks great inside and out. Though it would be better inside if they used better quality plastics and made it more solid. Performance-wise, it delivers! Very zippy around urban streets and easy to maneuver in parking lots. The Vtec engine provides ample power smoothly. However, I am not getting good mileage in a car that is rated to do a around the mid 30 mpg range. In normal driving (with little heater/AC, non aggressive driving) I am getting a little less than 20 mpg. No repairs was done or needed, and the only real gripe is a bunch of rattling noises coming from the interior. Great car!

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  Great truck. Waiting for next redesign - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By S - December 27 - 9:52 pm

  The Ridgeline is quieter than my 06 Accord (very happy with both). I haul two dirt bikes, get around hunting lease, and take the family camping. Added the roof rack, side step to help with the looks (which Im still getting used to). Overall the truck has exceeded my expectations. Pros: very comfortable in the city and on the highway, great AWD mgmt system, good (not great) stereo, back seats fold up, tail gate lays down and swings open, great storage space between the front seats. Cons: Mileage, front end needs to be redesigned, bed is a little too short. Best buy for the price. Shop well. Sticker was $31K, I paid $26k including roof rack, side step and bed extender.

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  Good car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By lyndsicagle - December 27 - 6:09 pm

  I enjoy this car as a around town type of vehicle but not for long trip travel. I use it for just random errands and havent had any serious problems with it yet.

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  2003 Turbo Toaster - 2003 Honda Element
  By KGRoberts - December 27 - 2:41 pm

  I traded in a Toyo 4Runner for this Element. Theres a lot of room on the inside, especially in the back seat. Seats sit up high. Room for 4 people only. Zippy with the 5Manual trans. Plastic panels are utilitarian, easy care, no door dings. This engineer takes notes on every tank of fuel, 26MPG average. Honda replaced my A/C system 6k miles out of warranty (no charge to me). Happy Honda owner.

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  Love MY CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By charlie - December 27 - 1:23 pm

  This Little RV has never let me down. It now has 180,000 miles and still gets 25 MPG. Maintenance costs have been below expectations. Carpets and upholstery are all intact and easy to clean. The body and paint are still all fine. While this in no race car, its a good daily commuter and carries all the fun stuff that on weekends. My kids find the back seat comfortable. I find the front seats comfortable for trips up to about an hour. Road noise from the rear wheels would be my only complaint.

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:50 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:50 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:49 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Nice Peppy SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GaRebelRunner - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I chose between this 2002 model, a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Chevy Cavalier. It easily beats out the Cavalier. But I was really torn the first month if I had made a good purchase. But the more Ive driven it the more Im impressed. Very easy to drive, smooth, quiet, nice turning radius. Easy reach to cruise control, radio and console. It has great pickup for passing the 18 wheelers on the interstate. Im getting 24-26 miles/gallon. Its just fun to drive.

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  nice and economical - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Adam - December 26 - 7:36 pm

  Have had the car for about a month now. Seats are comfortable and the dual temp control is a nice feature. XM radio is a great addition. For the difference in price between leather seats or cloth seats, and all the extra goodies you get with leather seats, cant imagine why anyone would get an EX without leather. I get about 29 MPG with 1500 miles on the engine. The car accelerates adequately and is quiet at highway speeds. Suspension is a bit stiff, but is acceptable. This car is very easy to start and shift. Would be a great car to learn stick shift on.