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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  Where Is Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve - February 3 - 9:38 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda we owned, but we have big reservations about this one. The fit and finish is not so Honda- like. Many of dashboard panels rattle after the first year-maybe caused by the Honda installed alarm system? The plastic cover over the rear seat hinges keeps on coming lose. The worst of all, is the wind-shield. It cracked twice without any reason. The first time while I was driving it. Sounded like a stone landed on it when there were no car of truck in front of me. The dealer insisted that it was caused by a rock, and not a defect! But then it happend again 3 months later. Now I drive around with a cracked windshield that I wouldnt fix, and I am telling everybody about it.

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  Honda Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dick Mosbach - February 3 - 5:26 am

  worst interior finish I have ever seen in an automobile. Doors did not fit, rattles, generally poor fit and finsih. Not what I would have expected in a $27,000 car.

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  Still going - 1996 Honda Civic
  By D - February 2 - 7:29 pm

  Just hit the 10 year b-day of my 96 ex civic. I have 150,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully.

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  it keeps going, with TLC - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By brett - February 2 - 3:36 am

  i just kept changing the oil and regular maintenance. overall id say i got my moneys worth

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  Made a Mistake - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Windy - February 1 - 1:20 pm

  I have only had this car two months and knew the first day I had made a mistake. It is very uncomfortable, hard to get in and out, and rides very rough. We are already looking for a larger car to replace it with. The Accord is a small car and should not be referred to as a family sedan. It is more suited for teenagers and young adults who arent interested in comfort.

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  Crosstour V6 - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Mike D. - February 1 - 3:38 am

  Make sure youre coming comfortable in this car, thats one of the only things I dont like about it, and the reason I would sell it, its not a fun car to drive, point A to B. At nothing more, the power..yes only the v6, I wish mine was AWD it may make a difference in performance significantly,

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By chratliff - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 52 years old, have a dog and a 6 year old daughter. I am an airline pilot by trade and I love my Element. It is very versatile and a joy to drive. Plenty of power and good economy. The only not so good is the comfort of the front seats. They are a bit hard. I did buy and install the upgrade armrest/console for the drivers seat. There should also be an arnrest available for the front right seat also. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Element

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  Jury Still Out - 2009 Honda Accord
  By David - January 31 - 10:30 am

  After many years a Toyota owner I cut the cord and went with this top of the line Honda because of the new design and increase in rear space. Clients feel comfortable and many compliments on style of car. I hope after purchasing it for an extended period of time I learn to enjoy it more. Been very unhappy with brakes. Inside comfort has been less than desirable especially for longer drive periods and I feel less spacious than I thought when I test drove it. The side pockets, center console and under radio compartment (which is very hard to get to) provides for not much space. When carrying a cell phone on your hip, the seat belt snap is in a bad location. But little space left to store it.

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  Excellent reliability - 1998 Honda Civic
  By CBdriver - January 30 - 6:18 pm

  I bought this car for the reliability and I have not been disappointed. I go for my oil changes and everything runs smoothly. It is a peppy car for a 4 cyl and is comfortable, though I am short. The gas mileage is incredible, I can get over 30 MPG when I am driving mainly on the highway though generally now it is about 28 with mainly city driving. That is often with the sunroof open. I am considering a new car and may get another Civic but will definitely get a Honda based on my experience with this car.

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  Good reliable car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By b - January 29 - 11:36 pm

  The car is very reliable but expensive to repair little things like windshield wiper motor (~$400).