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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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2007 Honda Element
  By hatchva - January 24 - 12:00 pm

  I have put 55,000 miles on this car and it has been a pleasure. The Element handles extremely well in snow and out-performed 4wd vehicles on a recent ski trip in the West Virginia mountains. I drove the ELement to Miami and back and found the seats to be very comfortable and the open cabin a definite plus. My only complaint is that I had to replace the tires at 30,000 miles. I put Michelin tires on and they have 25,000 miles on them with very little wear. The Element makes corrections in snow and ice that make driving in extreme conditions safe. On the beach the Element handled well, although I didnt push it and enter the soft sand. Overall, an outstanding utility vehicle!!!

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  Nice car, great mileage, couple issues - 2009 Honda Accord
  By kbuicker - January 24 - 10:58 am

  Bought a new Honda with 500 miles (semi demo). I love the car so far. Weve owned a 2003 Accord since it was new, 98k miles, and only had to replace the AC compressor(recently). This 09 is great, here are a couple issues. The brakes squeak! My dads 08 does as well. Honda says its the #1 complaint with the car and Honda Engineering is working on a resolution. The glove box does not line up correctly when closed. The interior noise level is a little high, especially the noise from the trunk area coming into the cabin. Other than that, its an excellent car, tight build, great mileage, nice looks.

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  Dirt Bike Friendly - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Fun Truck - January 23 - 11:57 pm

  Bought this truck to carry two Honda dirt bikes in the back and to tow a tent trailer all at the same time. I love this truck and it does everything I need a truck to do and more. Plus it is a Honda with outstanding quality, fantastic ride, and great gas mileage for a bigger truck. I test drove all the new trucks before buying and the Honda Ridgeline was by far the best truck for my lifestyle. I live in snow country and the AWD system works great. Hondas design for utility and storage is excellent.

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  Great Car!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Holajn - January 23 - 8:45 pm

  I purchased this car in October 2009. At first I had to replace the exhaust system since it was rusting. 375 dollars later it is all better and this car is running great! I am a student and drive less than 30 miles per week, I get such great mileage. For a 1.6 4-cyl the engine is very quick. The V-TEC really helps too. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants outstanding reliability and great gas mileage!

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  prelude sh forever - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By greatludeSH - January 23 - 10:33 am

  Ive been driving prelude SH a year now and everyday always put a smile on my face. I guess i dont need a face lift anymore, naturally it lift everytime i drive it, lol. I am at my 50s and this machine keeps me young. At 259,000 mileages theres no major work done into it except for regular maintenance of course. I drive it hard and revving high once in a while and this machine doesnt frustrate you. It goes on and on and on... the sexy body, the beauty of reliability, the perfection of stick shift is worth every penny. Bought it 6 grand but its worth it. No headache. If u find one, grab it. Youll love it the rest of your life, but dont trade your wife though,lol. Honda bring it back...

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  Best Car Ive owned - 1992 Honda Civic
  By xXShiXx - January 22 - 11:53 pm

  I brought this car in June 2009 with 226K miles, Ive added an additional 9K miles since then. Havent had any problems whatso ever yet, knock on wood. The only thing with this Civic is that its FWD and kills the front two tires quickly. No complaints though, i plan on keeping this for a good while.

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  OK- Not as Great as We Had Hoped - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By MidwestMomOf3 - January 22 - 6:36 pm

  We do not love this van as much as we had hoped we would. We have three kids, age five and under, and yes, it is great with the kids. Easy to get everyone in and out, plenty of space, and the kids love it. It does make my life easier. But... road noise on the highway is really bad. Fuel economy is the pits. We seem to be getting far fewer mpg than other Ody drivers - not sure why. I had heard this about the Ody before we purchased, but didnt pay much attention. Wish I had! Around town we get 11-12 mpg -- yes, thats right! And pure highway driving with cruise control, we get about 17-18 mpg. Might as well be driving a big 3 row SUV! In the minivan category, wish we had gone with the Sienna.

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  door locks - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By rlc - January 22 - 4:20 pm

  Have had numerous problems with the locks on the doors. First it was on the rear cargo door. Had to be fixed 4 times, i had the car for 3 months. Now a year later and the lock on the rear driverside door is loose. when you drive the interior lights flash and a red car lights up on the console. Not safe when you are driving around children. This is my first honda, ive always owned a chevy. not thinking ill buy another one.

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  CRV is a DISASTER! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Honda NO more! - January 22 - 10:46 am

  I am so frustrated right now, it seems our mechanic sees the car more! We have had front strut issues, tire issues, brakes going to early, AC issues, and when I am driving it sometimes feels like I have a manual trans and have the gear too high, I am afraid what that means. Now the emissions warning is on, back door latch is getting lax. I want to get rid of this terrible terrible car soon! I like the looks hate the car. We dont have alot money to constantly be fixing this!!

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  I love my Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ness - January 21 - 11:30 pm

  I love my Honda! Its great for going on little adventures to far towns... The gas mileage is awesome...My 4 cly gets up and goes good and I LOVE MY NAVIGATION! I use it all the time! Its got me out of being lost many times LOL! Its a great car for people in the 18-30 range and not past 6 foot... The windshield is huge and its very aero dynamic which I seriously think it helps with better gas mileage but im not sure. I did have the defective sun visors and it stinks! Especially in sunny Arizona.