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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  Practical - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kendo - May 9 - 9:24 am

  This car has been perfect for me. I am an outdoorsman and it has been with me through the mountains and to the sea.

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  Amazing - 1992 Honda Civic
  By poland21489 - May 7 - 1:52 pm

  Obviously, the gas mileage is astounding. This car has been driven hard constantly, and its never given me a problem. Everything about driving it is reassuring, including clutch/shifter/sterring/suspension. Great car at 130k miles, hoping for another 100k

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  Love my honda pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Moises - May 6 - 9:22 pm

  I got a pilot for the the third row seat, but after driving it, i knew it was the right pick. The way it drove it was awesome. Will buy another one in a heart beat. Might not have the looks but I love it the same. Once you drive it you see why it is the one for you.

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  2004 CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jr - May 6 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in a Tahoe for the CR-V mostly for the better mileage. Im getting 21 in town and 27-28 on the highway. I plan to upgrade the standard cloth seats to leather because thats what I miss most about the Tahoe. Im impressed with the sportiness of the CR-V, and I like the ability to customize it with OEM and non-Honda parts.

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  Buy a CRV, 20mpg is a lot better than 13 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sparks - May 5 - 9:40 pm

  I can understand the frustration of people that expected 23mpg. The tag on the car says that is a national average. The small print says 19 to 23. I am getting 20 in the city. The XM Ready thing might be considered mis-leading but that logo is the industry standard for telling people they need to buy a receiver. Over all the CRV is working out great. I added the arm rest, day/night mirror, window tint, rubber matts and other features. All should be part of the base but it would make the CRV cost more. I think overall its a good buy and will hold value when other cars lose value. If you add one thing at the dealer, get the mirror and tinting. It makes for better over all driving experience.

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  Great SUV but questionable gas mileage - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By D - May 5 - 11:16 am

  When i picked up vechicle from dealer, the middle arm rest in the backseat had a big scratch in the leather. Same day purchased, i had to set an appt. to bring it back to have it removed/replaced at no charge (just a pain). Went to Reno, NV over the weekend...the roads had chain requirements but the Pilot performed flawlessly. Felt very secure in driving in poor, snowy conditions. Subwoofer and sound system is excellent!

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  I bought it used and its running great - 1997 Honda Civic
  By civic97 - May 5 - 12:04 am

  I spent $4000 on my 97 civic hatchback 6 months ago when it has 155,000 miles on it. Its been 6 months and it running great and the average of 320 miles per tank of gas. It does not have any problem on it. All I did is oil change. Engine is still running strong. I just love it.

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  Honda Element EX is GREAT! - 2005 Honda Element
  By seattle_driver - May 4 - 5:13 am

  Wow! I just bought a Honda Element EX and it is so cool! Youre likely to get funny looks from people, but this is a really great car and quite versatile. It has great pickup, cool features, a lot of flexibility for carrying gear or up to 4 adventurers (extra cargo space required if traveling with 4--use the roof rack). Also, you gotta love the suicide doors.

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cappy4103 - May 4 - 4:34 am

  This is my 6th Accord & 8th Honda. I want to like this car but I do not. I love the look of the car, inside and out but thats where the love ends! I find the ride to be terrible. I dont know if its due to the redesign or a shorter wheel base, but the ride seems choppy to me and the suspension is so stiff that every bump seems amplified right into the passenger compartment. The stiff suspension may seem sporty at first but after 8K miles, youll be tired of it. Another cause might be from the leather seats. The leather is too stiff and there isnt enough padding on the bottom which could contribute to the the fillings in my teeth being jarred lose! Also having radio issues.

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  what happend? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josh murray - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is a bad representation of what honda should be. I had an 86 prelude that was a great car , but times they are a changing. First off the body is so thin you can dent it with your thunb, the car drives ok but it rides like a big wheel. I lost the windshield at two weeks to a rock so small we didnt see it . The brakes were next at 15000 , followed by tires that you couldnt replace because they wernt avalible and now an AC.