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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  Wifes Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Corky51 - August 8 - 11:40 pm

  It is a decent little SUV, flexible enough to haul some medium packages and still fun to drive. Acceleration onto Interstates is a little noisy but adequate. Cruising is a breeze and MPG was OK at 27 for a 2000 mile trip right off the lot. Coming out of a Lexus, the ride was a little "stiff" but vehicle tracked well and cruises along at 80 or so with no problem. I would expect more from Honda - compared to the larger Hyundai Sante Fe Limited, it didnt come close to the standard features, but definitely did in price. The sticker is pretty much what they want/get. Why did I get it, because my wife liked it - enough said. Given the competition would I do it again - probably not.

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  Good - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - August 8 - 10:58 am

  Very good, dependable car. Great gas mileage and very roomy. would highly recommend for a small family or single person.

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  My Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jac - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Seats hard. Blinkers could be louder. Arm rest should be further forward. Plenty of pep & good ride. Some control confusing.

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  My Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JAC - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Seats hard. Blinkers could be louder. Arm rest should be further forward. Plenty of pep & good ride. Some control confusing.

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  New owner thoughts - 2006 Honda Element
  By dreamstogo2 - August 6 - 8:06 am

  Only filled it one time. Not too thrilled with gas mileage. Seems well thought out. Hauled 22 folding chairs, two folding tables, two folding canopies, and 4 lawn chairs and still had room for more!

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  Im In My Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Sbinder - August 5 - 5:56 pm

  This car is great for everything its made for. It could use some upgrades like daytime running lights. 4 wheeling isnt really an option because of how low it is to the ground and if you look under it, the fuel tank is the lowest point. Gas mileage is not so great at all I have only averaged 20 miles per gallon in the city. It does have great power though and good acceleration.

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  Great car but noisy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By PAULS TOY - August 5 - 5:13 am

  Had the car for five months now had no problems so far just an air bag recall... First day i drove it home, had to take the freeway i noticed door wind noise and the suspension a bit springy or tight...After five months still noisy and the suspension bouncy. Other than this car is great. Mileage is good looking at todays gas prices..... Great car just two important negative selling points for my next honda.

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  My new CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Liateacher - August 4 - 1:53 pm

  I wish the interior came with better standard features, like the cargo cover, cargo net and a better storage between driver & passenger seats. They have a tray that goes up or down, but I miss the "box" that I could put CDs into (they have other spaces for CDs but not as big). Also glove box is too thin/narrow, besides my new car manual, not much else fits. There are also no "hooks" where I can hang things from (like a litter bag) and the visor is a bit too thick. It wont fit my old CD visor holder or my garage door/gate openers. There are a few other "little" inconveniences, but overall I love it so far! :)

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  elementally prepared - 2003 Honda Element
  By candj - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 5k miles, 4 months. mainly got it cause it fits my mtn bikes without disassembly. also good for: hauling furniture (hauled a 6ft sideboard table), camping, commuting to work, parallel parking in the city, striking up conversations with bemused strangers. cant wait to see what kind of foul weather next winter brings us, cause the 4 wheel drive will come in handy. cant beat the utility this car provides for $20k.

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  CR-V revu - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sjurey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  As a busy mom, transporting and hauling the stuff of a family is so much easier and more fun in my CR-V. Kids, dogs, groceries, science projects--they all can fit in this vehicle. Reliable, easy to maintain, and fun to drive -- the CR-V has been a great addition to our family.