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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  fuel efficient fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matt - December 18 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased SI about one month ago and I still get excited when I get to drive it. Simply a blast to drive. I came from a Nissan altima 3.5SL which was sneaky fast in a straight line but handled horribly. This car handles awesomely with only slightly less performance. This is without the summer tires. I live near St. Louis and we usually see at least some snow so opted for the all seasons. Best of all I can drive the heck out of it and get 28 mpg (yes I use the vtec). That is the lowest I have gotten since owned usually getting 29 mpg. Granted it is premium fuel, but I usually got 25 mpg with less aggressive driving in the altima. Excellent fit and finish.

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  Only Complaint: TIRES! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Satisfied enough - December 18 - 12:10 pm

  I was pretty upset when I had to change the tires at 20,000 miles. Pretty sure its an alignment problem but Im selling it tonight so it doesnt matter anymore! Seats are comfy to me. I like sitting up higher in this car. The power outlet is WAY inconvenient though. I have to trade out my Sirius and iPhone charger all the time and its a bit of a hazard having to bend all the way down to trade them. And the other charger is all the way in the stinkin back...so no use unless I have a system! And the gas mileage drops considerably when it gets cold outside...other than that, it has been great! Oh and the brakes are really noisy if its been raining outside. Sometimes a little scary!

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  A return customer - 2010 Honda Element
  By walter - December 18 - 10:23 am

  I just traded in my 03 Element for a 2010. I was able to get mine with manual tranny! Thats important for me I just had to nag the salesman to beat on the computer network a bit. We found a dealer trade just 60 miles away. This car (like my old one) is the most practical car out there. In all the 102k miles I put on my old one, the only expense outside of scheduled maintenance was to replace battery and tires, and it never left me stranded. I use it almost like a truck and it serves me very well. Im happy in my element!

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  Montana Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Montana Pilot - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable. Has great visibility from the inside. Very roomy. Can haul a lot. Good acceleration. Intruments are well laid out except for Trip A/Trip B/Outside Temp button which is hard to get to. Gas mileage much better than the Toyota 4Runner I had. Turning radius still surprises me with how tight it is. Very stable. Id buy it again.

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  saved a life - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jal - December 18 - 10:00 am

  this car and a few angels saved my childs life. to see the car you cant imagine how she is standing, the crush zones in the front did not bend onto her legs,to make it short the new 2004 civic ex with side air bags was totaled but my child was not. thank you honda

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  Better than my old accord in every way - 2004 Honda Accord
  By whittvanessa - December 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my second honda accord. My first was a 2001 4 dr 4 cyl. My complaints about that car were limited. Inadequate brakes and not enough power with the auto trans. This new honda takes care of all my gripes. The performance is very good for a 28k car. The nav/cd/xm stereo is very user friendly and down right fun to play with. My only complaint about this car is that the stiff underpinnings bring out the rattles in the interior trim.

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  An All Around Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Informed_Buyer - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Honda automobiles are constantly in the top ten and the 2004 Accord 6 cyl Accord EX is one of the reasons why. I saved thousands of dollars after I found a car buying advice article called Beat The Dealer. This automobile is fast, quiet, wonderfully built, great gas mileage (over 30 MPG highway and its not even broken in yet). It handles very well and is great fun to drive. The leather seats are of better quality than in my Acura. This is the way cars are supposed to be built and perform. At under $24,000 (negotiated price), this car rivals luxury cars costing much, much more.

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  Perfect? No, but awfully good! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By volsfan0911 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Incredible value, motor & tranny rock. Economy oriented Michelins are LOUD on grooved concrete, etc. Bumps transmitted clearly through seat - want soft, cushy ride? Camrys your car. XM will transform your roadtripping experience. Tire size could be bigger w/ more aggressive rubber. Stealership accessories a ripoff. Overall - love it. My third Accord (nough said).

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  Love everything about car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Darin Parle - December 18 - 5:56 am

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  It Truly Will Reverse Your Thinking - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Scott - December 18 - 5:06 am

  This is, by far, the best sedan out there by a mile. Others do not even compare to the performance of this car and the interior design which is miles from extrodinary. It truly is a car that I will love. I want to drive it all the time even when there is no where to go. Plus the fuel economy is great, so that is a major plus.