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 CRV Ive owned out of 5. - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By ccschanz - December 10 - 12:34 am

  Great all around vehicle for a very fair price. Ive owned 4 other Honda CRVs in the past and this is by far the best.

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  Ultra Low Emmissions Vehicle. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By deadeyerish - December 9 - 11:34 pm

  I just bought my Ridgeline, I have been wanting one for years now. My 07 has 60k+ miles but Ill tell you if it didnt have an odometer I would think it was brand new. Honda Certified, the truck drives beautifully. I traded in an Acura TSX. I loved my car but this truck is great. Its everything I need and nothing I dont. Power rear window, moon roof leather try to find that in a competing model without paying out the wazoo.

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  Great Ride! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Barbara Reed - December 9 - 8:42 pm

  Mine gets 30-31 mpg. Never had a problem, have 87,000 miles on the odometer. Mine is a 4 banger and it has all the power I need and I drive on I-45 (one of the busiest freeways in Houston) and I can get on the freeways without a problem. Great car!

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  Great ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DP - December 9 - 8:38 pm

  Bought with 28k in 2002. Now has 125k. Super reliable. Very little maintenance. Best car we ever had. Great in snow. MPG around 28-30.

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  Nice EX V-6 Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Matt - December 9 - 4:57 pm

  Bought my EX-V6 coupe about six months ago and do not regret my decision. Have owned two Hondas previously, a 1993 and a 2001, both four cylinders. You can really tell the difference in the V6, much smoother at idle, much quieter, and easier to go around town. Get about 25 on the highway and about 20 in the city. The interior is very nicely laid out, everything is very clear and easy to reach. The auto climate control, sunroof, and leather sport seats add a lot of comfort. The trunk is large enough for many golf bags. The exterior is very nice looking as well, especially with the spoiler and exhaust tips. Just need some fogs. All I need is some better tires, way too loud.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Warren C. - December 9 - 3:33 pm

  For 22 years I have said to myself, "I really ought to buy an Accord", but instead I have spent my time driving expensive European cars. Great to drive, but expensive to purchase and maintain. Well, the 2008 Accord pushed me over the edge. Not only is it well made and enjoyable to drive, it actually compares to much more expensive cars. The doors make that German car "thunk" when you close them. The suspension feels sophisticated and is smooth on the open road, handles bumps without harshness, and easily handles canyon curves. The interior is first rate. The nav system is impressive. The stereo sounds great. The car is quiet. It even gets great mileage with the V6. There is lots of room.

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  Love my TRP - 2006 Honda Element
  By Randall - December 9 - 11:33 am

  Have owned my MT AWD Tango Red Pearl EX-P for one year. Have been camping, moving daughter to and from college, (5-6 hour trip loaded). Lots of local driving on interstate and side roads. Researched it for a while, knew what I wanted and it has been everything I had hoped for. Have 66,000+ on her, had about 48,000 or so when purchased. Oil changes with synthetics, average 24.6 overall driving. I have the better stereo package with subwoofer, have factory 8-disk CD changer, Yakima roof rack, hitch, etc.. my E gets used. These are great vehicles. Wish that Honda would include them more in their advertising campaigns.

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  Fun Fun Fun ... and Practical! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By James L. - December 9 - 9:40 am

  Being a father of two kids, I was growing tired of driving the family SUV with automaitic tranny. I went back to my youth by purchasing the Si Sedan and boy am I having a great time! After the initial break-in period, I floored the gas in 2nd gear until the RPMs ran over 6K. The car then turns into a monster with unbelievable acceleration with a Ferrari-like exhaust note thanks to the i-vtec K20 engine! I get about 250-275 miles per tank and spend about $40 ($3.80 per gal of 91 octane) at the station. Not bad compared to spending over $75 with my SUV which gets about 300-325 miles on a full tank of 91 octane. You MUST get this car with Navi and XM.

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  The Best By Far In Its Class - 2003 Honda Element
  By lazaro - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is by far the biggest bang for your dollar and the versatility is awesome! Its a Honda and the reliability is the best of any manufacturer!

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  Pilot Proponent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jay03 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had about 3 months (4K miles). One long trip. No trouble at all so far. Very impressed with interior room vs exterior size. Have taken short trip with 4 adults and 2 kids in car seats. Still has room for double stroller and packages. Very comfortable for me or my wife driving. Smooth ride, great power, visibility and great stereo. Replaced a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the works. This car drives and rides better and quieter than the Jeep ever did plus it holds a lot more. Have not taken the Pilot into the mountains or off road yet so I can not compare to the Jeeps off road ability. At MSRP - 1K it cost about the 95 Jeep price.