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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  Great Car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Roe - June 10 - 11:24 am

  This is my SECOND CR-V and I am planning on buying a third within a year! It has been reliable all the way. I am not afraid to drive it in bad weather (including snow, sleet, etc.) It has all the room I need and then some. Passengers are comfortable. I get a lot of good comments on my baby!

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  Truly Love Our Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By jgcla - June 10 - 8:09 am

  After a year and 14,000 miles, I have had no issues and love the truck. Thought rear visibility could be better until I drove my bosses new Silverado and realized mine was not so bad. The mileage has ranged from a low of 17 to a high of 22. 60 to 65 delivers around 20 - 21. Engine/transmission combo is extremely smooth, just like our CR-V. Even with gas prices approaching $4 per gal, I think I made a wise decision. I have had many positive comments on the appearance and feel secure when driving.

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  None - 2016 Honda Accord
  By PATRICK AUBIN - June 10 - 5:39 am

  Pay attention to little details.

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  Honda Element Satisfaction Survey - 2004 Honda Element
  By E. and N.Weber - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We love our Honda Element. My husband is a PIG!! Someone finally made a car for him. You can wash out the inside in a minute. You can put big, awkward, bulky things in the car with ease. Taking messy yard waste to the dump is easy now that we can clean the car so easily. He thinkshis car is really COOL and I think it is WONDERFUL and really CUTE. The backdoor business is a pain, but because of it you can get things in and out easily. It is a trade off. We dont ferry klds anymore so we dont care about it that much.It would not be convenient for dropping off kids. WE LOVE IT!!!! Thank you Honda for saving my marriage!!! N. Weber

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  honda pilot ex-L/black w/ dvd - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilot owner - June 10 - 2:00 am

  the pilot has been one of the best suvs i have ever driven. the handeling is excellent, the climate control is great and the speakers are 100% excellent. when i drive this suv, i feel like im flying thorugh air because the ride is smooth and the tourqe kicks in just right. i use to own a cr-v, but we traded it in for a pilot. i think it was worth it because the pilot felt more strongly built compared to the cr-v. you cannot really compare a 4cylinder car to a v6, but it has made a major driffernce.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shari - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is our first SUV and we love it. Test drove the Jeep Liberty and this was by far the better. Its fun to drive and looks great. The cargo room is really impressive and I love the fold down tray so I can put my pocketbook there when there is someone in the passenger seat. I also love the gear shift up on the dashboard. Ive always liked by cars and this has that feel.

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  New Honda Fan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By photogeek - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Great little car after driving 2 different minivans for 6 years. Gets great gas mileage, peppy little 4 cyl. engine, easy to keep clean, very sporty looking.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jwalters - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Best small car Ive ever owned. Runs great, gets almost 40 mpg, fun to drive, and great to look at. Highly recommended!!

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  No better value, so much car for the $ - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TexAccord - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Saab 9.3, Passat, Camry and the Accord. The Accord was simply the best car among the four. I really wanted to like the Passat and the Saab, but quality issues ultimately narrowed the choice to the Camry and the Accord. The Accord was much more fun to drive than the Camry and made it an easy choice. The interior fit and finish is unbelievable and its very thoughtfully designed. The 4 cylinder engine is smooth and powerful, feels like 6. A perfect blend of quality, technology, design and fun! The only improvement would be to add a panoramic rear view mirror to relieve a blindspot when youre in reverse.

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  2004 HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By GERM - June 10 - 2:00 am

  GREAT HANDLING, VERY PEPPY, A JOY TO DRIVE. I AM 6 4" AND THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM.