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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  My personal tank - 2010 Honda Element
  By acw02 - February 1 - 6:53 am

  This is my 3rd Element. Each time I trade the Element for another brand I always end up coming back to Element. This time I tried a Scion XB--enough said--I am happy to return to the Element. It has solid build quality, excellent reliability and the most versatility of any vehicle. Updates are appreciated like outside temperature display, voice controlled navigation, center console storage and over head storage. No complaints, no rattles, no leaks, no squeaks--I am a happy camper and I think I will stay with Honda Element this time around.

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  it fits...mostly - 2009 Honda Fit
  By vili - February 1 - 6:50 am

  As an owner of 15 or so Hondas, from CRVs to S-2000s, I feel qualified to evaluate the Honda Fit. For the price, a bargain. Fun to drive, extremely maneuverable, very good mileage. Comfy seat, excellent outward visibility. Best manualshift quality ever. On the down side...the way the interior is configured affects the suspension design so there is little rear suspension travel which leads to a bumpy, sometimes shocking rear suspension whams. I would not recommend the car, at least the Sport model to anyone who normally travels on dirt or low quality roads. That said I love the car and am amazed at the eagerness of the engine, especially on the freeway.

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  Smart Car for Local Driving - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite - January 31 - 7:25 pm

  This is my third Honda previously I had owned a 99 Accord and 04 Accord, both 4 cylinders. This cr-v actually shares the same engine as the 04 Accord, so given its bigger size, it lacks some power. Yet it had the most comfortable ride of the other cars I test drove - the rav4 and rogue. This car is great for local driving to run errands and stuff but for long distance driving it lacks the horsepower to make it up the hills easily. I also feel and hear the engine having to work too hard which isnt good.

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  Best car purchase Ive ever made! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jcazzle - January 31 - 6:00 pm

  I got my element used in 2009 and it still drove off the lot like a new car. Its been noting less an absolute pleasure owning this vehicle. I moved and it would have been a nightmare if it werent for my element. It carries more than I could imagine. Its so spacious and really handles the road well. It also handles mountains well! My element handled a mountain camping trip like it was its job. I cant say enough about this car! I thought it was kind of ugly at first but after owning it for a few months, I love it so much it seems like the most beautiful looking car ever.

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  Hondas You gotta love em - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Mysteryd - January 31 - 3:19 pm

  We are a Honda family, we went from the Accord to the Cr-V then lastly to the Pilot, the change too a short minute to get used to, the size of the vehicle is a jump up from the CR-V, and the power is a great big leap of fun, the power of the v-6 and the ease of the excelaration to merge onto the highway is for lack of a better word "Cool".. The vehicle feels solid going around turns, has a smaller turning radius that the Accord, which surprised me. I live in NYC and we all know of the snow drifts from the sanitation trucks that gets pushed next to your car, they were no problem at all, to climb over with the power the Pilot. I would recommend it to any one.

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  08 Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Vaughn - January 31 - 12:54 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 Si Sedan for about 3 months now, bought it used with 25,000 miles on it. It drove exactly the same as the brand new one I drove with 5 miles on it, so I save myself about $7,000. What can I say? Its a great car, I love driving it, the engine sounds awesome when over 6k RPM, and it will take spirited driving with no issues. Did an autocross event last weekend, and that was ridiculously fun. The car gets 28-30mpg, and feels faster than it is. Certainly fast enough for me. I have had no issues with the shifter, the stock stereo is decent, and the car handles great. Looks awesome too : )

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ulysses - January 31 - 11:33 am

  Car was ten months 2900 miles. Three cylinders had to be replaced! Ride very rough as if one were in a truck. The passengers felt every bump. This bumpiness and jostling made it impossible for a ride of any length or distance The car had rattles in it. The dashboard panel was confusing. If one pressed the remote open the door too hard or long, the sun/moon roof opened. An immense annoyance and risk to the interior of the car. Headlights had to be manually turned on Fuel mileage very poor, about twelve miles per gallon. Do not purchase a six cylinder engine of this car. The 2009 Honda Accord is a great disappointment. In sum, do not buy this 2009 Honda Accord

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Bob - January 31 - 4:29 am

  Im somewhat disappointed with my Civic. I feel all of the bumps in the road, the steering is way too sensitive, my knee constantly hits the emergency brake lever and the acceleration is weak. I dont like the rear window defogger as it doesnt clear all the way up to the top, I assume because the antenna is there. The paint and windshield seem to chip very easy, Ive had a couple already. I dont like the way the inside door jams retain so much dirt and water after a rain or snow. When you open up the doors the inside jams are filthy. I dont like the head rest on the drivers seat, it pushes up whenever a push back on the seat. Brakes are good, gas mileage lower than I hoped for.

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  Extremely Pleased - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Matthew - January 30 - 11:36 pm

  Traded in a 2003 VW Passat GLX, and couldnt be happier. Feel the LX-S is best combination of features and price in the Civic line up. First tank of gas in mixed driving got me 32 mpg. Fit and finish is excellent, as expected, and while some complain about the plastic interior, what do you expect for a car that can be had for less than $19,000? I rate the performance as a 10, because for a car like this, the overall performance is excellent. Its a Civic, not a Bugatti Veyron. If you want high performance, buy a performance car. If you want quality, economy and value, buy a Civic.

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  Another Disappointed Honda Customer - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gina Mac - January 30 - 9:58 pm

  4 years and 66,000 km needed a VSA replacement-very costly had to autosalvage it. Now material is peeling off doors on inside of cabin. I wish I had not sold my 98 Civic which was virtually problem free for this vehicle which I can not wait to unload.