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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  Initial Impressions - 2004 Honda Element
  By Braden - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Just bought a used, but highly cared for 04 Element EX. Only driven it about 400 miles, but overall I love it. Only two things I wish it had 1) Computer with average MPH, MPG, and miles until out of gas. 2) Five speed automatic like the 07 & 08 models.

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  Design Flaws - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Virginia - September 29 - 7:26 pm

  This car is beautiful on the outside but it leaves a lot to be desired once you take it on the road. The road noise is extremely load and when you turn up the radio to drown out the noise it makes it impossible to carry on a conversation. The ground clearance of the car is so low that it constantly scrapes underneath the car when going up inclines such as your own drive way. Honda will not and cannot do anything to eliminate these problems. Honda is not receptive to feedback, so my only option is to purchase another vehicle other than a Honda. I did give Honda a try based on their reputation, but that was in my case a mistake. I will never buy another Honda automobile again.

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  Problems with Hybrid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Wyatt - September 29 - 9:03 am

  I thought the bugs were out of this car when I purchased it. I was wrong. In cold weather, around 20 degrees, or less, it runs rough with a power loss and thats not acceptable for a $30,000 vehicle. I only have 3000 miles on the car. Honda replaced a "module" and the problem is still there. This tells me Honda does not know what to do. In warmer temperatures, it runs fine. Id love to hear from other Accord Hybrid owners who have this problem, and what you did to solve it. I need help. These cars are rare and I see none on the road and no one to talk to. Id like to give some expensive, free advice to anyone considering this Hybrid. Wait. There are problems. Thank You, Wyatt

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  Handy Runabout - 2016 Honda Fit
  By M Woods - September 29 - 4:06 am

  Some positives: It has a right side blind spot camera! It has excellent visibility. This particular trim level has keyless entry and push button start which we find quite desirable. It has a rear view camera. Negatives: Although the braking is very good, the rear brakes are not disk type. (It does have some sort of ABS.) It has small car ride and typical Honda road noise, but they are not bad, better than some earlier versions of various Honda models.

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  Versatile - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kevins Element - September 29 - 1:00 am

  Verasatility is the main benefit to buying a Honda Element. The interior is roomy and functional. And you can do so much. Haul people, haul stuff, haul people and stuff. An amazing array of interior configurations. Outwardly, the car has a cool retro look. Its well made. Affordably priced. And amazing;y versatile. Did I say that already?

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  Transmission rebuild at 80K - 2001 Honda Civic
  By arlene - September 27 - 10:03 pm

  I bought the Civic for its reputation for reliability buying an 01 and getting the first year of a new model turned out to be a bad thing. Got a great price on a cute little red coupe that, honest to God, had only been driven 3K miles in 2 years by a little old man. Couldnt believe my luck, loved my car very much and planned to buy another new Civic someday, until the transmission suddenly mangled up and died for no reason at 80000 miles. Three thousand dollars in repair costs that I cant afford. According to what Ive read online, the 01s tend to do this to people. Thanks a lot, Honda, youve lost a future customer. Toyota and VW look pretty good right now!

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  Total Reliability - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JB - September 27 - 9:57 pm

  A pleasure to drive. The definition of dependablity. Fantastic gas mileage. Remember people choose to buy cars w/ poor mileage & pay out the nose. Not me. Its a quick, cute car. I drive a flawless manual. I have bought one set of new tires and change the oil regularly. No maintenance problems to speak of despite hard driving and a lot of travel.

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  Tons of Reliability! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Krissie - September 27 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased this little car in February of 2004, with only 98,000 miles on it! Only fix needed was a new muffler, surprisingly. This car is very warm in the winter (inside heats up fast!) and ice cold a/c in the summer. Excellent fuel economy! I get very close to 35-mpg on highway and easily 30mpg in city! The advantages are super easy to park, gas mileage and most of all, bullet-proof, long-lasting engines. Disadvantages are they say the smaller the car, the un-safer you are! True, but with the excellent reputations these cars have, Ill take the risk and keep her until the wheels fall off! I highly recommended this cute car for anyone seeking reliability and who is on a budget.

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  Not sure that this car will last - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mark - September 27 - 3:16 pm

  This car replaced a 1993 Subaru Legacy with 175000 miles on it. The Subaru (my third) was reliable and sturdy but the gas mileage wasnt great. The gas mileage on the Honda has been terrific and I like the 5 speed automatic (I spend a lot of time in traffic). However, Im not impressed with the quality of the interior materials. There is a frequent squeaking noise from the dash/windshield junction, as if the windshield was not set in correctly. The dealer can hear the noise but has been unable to locate the source of the problem. After two months the plastic on the door panels and dash already have permanent scratches despite careful handling. I never had this type of problem with a Subaru.

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  Our Second CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By atlaw4u - September 27 - 1:14 pm

  We decided to replace our 2002 CRV LX 2wd after 65,000 trouble free miles with the 2007 CRV EXL AWD. Our only reason for replacement was a need for all wheel drive. We are long term Honda owners and believe Honda builds the most reliable cars on the road with great build quality. With that said the 2007 CRV is much improved over the old body style but that comes at a price of $7600 more than the origianal price of our 2002 CRV. However, the 07 feels like a much more upscale car and we did opt for the EXL package which includes leather and a sunroof. We are quite happy with our purchase and cant imagine a better SUV value. I wish the mileage was a little better as we are averaging 22mpg.