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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  Its OK - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - October 1 - 11:52 am

  Mileage has been ok at 22 in town and 27-29 highway. Power is great with quick pick-up and easy pull in mountains of Tennessee, and Kentucky. This is a Florida car with good a/c in the summer. Am disappointed with small stuff like a rattle that the dealer cant find - I think its the exhaust pipe, the dealer installed automatic mirror needing replacement, and the cubby hole door in the dash not staying closed. Surprising for Honda.

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  So far its great!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Dee - October 1 - 11:00 am

  I replaced my Subaru Outback with the Honda because I wanted more interior room but wanted to maintain good gas mileage. I was concerned about how the Honda would handle in bad weather (the Subaru was excellent). I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. The Honda is very surefooted in the worst of weather. The interior is very roomy and the car is beautiful to look at. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  A true utility vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By roger - October 1 - 10:56 am

  My Element is now 4 years old with 60k miles and havent had one problem. I have shoved so much stuff inside of it 2x4s, bikes, cabinets, firewood etc. Its a great vehicle for my family of four, plenty of room and easy for the kids to get in and out of. I am an avid snowboarder/mt biker and the Element is perfect for my outings. It tracks really good in snow, no problem doing 55mph in five inches of fresh snow. I have talked two (and working on the third) friends to buy one and they all say the same thing "I cant believe I waited this long to buy one". So go buy one.

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  Just boarded still learning about it - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Bettina - October 1 - 10:27 am

  Just boarded still learning about it. I haven’t learned to fully use all the instruments in the car. However at this point I am most impressed with the mileage and the comfort of driving it. The seats are comfortable this front space is comfortable and I really enjoy driving this car. I am still getting used to the rear backup camera and the lane boundaries on the car. But so far I am thoroughly enjoying the process of getting to know my new car!

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  Acid or tree sap - 2016 Honda Accord
  By AL - October 1 - 10:09 am

  If you park your car outdoors and it might be under a tree, tree sap may bubble your paint like it was acid and Honda will do nothing to address it. So dont park your car outdoors. It also does not say anything about this in the warranty. The paint quality of Honda has gone down hill. Had 5 Hondas, 4 Accords and this has been the most disappointing. Will never purchase another Honda again.

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  What a car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Josh - October 1 - 3:00 am

  Got my new Accord last month and it is a wonderful car! The design is top notch, and the 6 speed manual really makes this family sedan into a true drivers car. I would recommend this car to anyone who is in the market for a practical automobile that will give you some excitement when you want it to! The 244 hp V6 pulls strong in all situations and the manual transmission is smooth and easy to operate. The EX also has pretty much any option that you would look for in a car standard! Including leather, CD changer, alarm, power everything, heated seats. It doesnt get much better than this!

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  First Time Van Owner - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By bad_dog205 - October 1 - 12:34 am

  We bought this vehicle with a 2400 mile Disney World trip in mind. It practically drove itself there and had us convinced we were in a luxury sedan. Driving feel was sporty. Mileage was 23 mpg despite using a/c even while parked often and driving 65-80 mph. At home its closer to 16 mpg. Our son runs to get in and has never mentioned the SUV (he used to love so much). My wife hated to buy a minivan but fights over who gets to drive it next.

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  Best Value For An Economy Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob Jenny - September 30 - 10:03 pm

  Build quality and performance for the money is tops. A fun car to drive, a drivers car. Love the 6 speed manual. Gas mileage is tops for a performance a car. Honda should include the following items: glove box light, window switch lights for passenger side and rear side windows (4-doors). Only drivers window switch is lighted. Would like fog lights on without having headlights on, would like to have switch to turn off day time driving lights. Dual exhaust would look cool.

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  Just picked it up and LOVE it - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Kristin - September 30 - 9:53 pm

  I just picked this car up tonight and already am in love. I just came off a lease of a Nissan Murano (2006), and while I enjoyed the Murano, I love my Honda. This is the first Honda I have owned. I did plenty of research before leasing this SUV. I looked at the Rav 4, Rogue, Escape, etc. The reviews on the CR-V blew the competition out of the water. I read all of the previous reviews, and again, just picked it up 4 hours ago, so at this point I have no complaints about anything. Looking forward to 36 months of BLISS in this car. LOVE IT!!!

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  Not as good as I thought - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Vertigo - September 30 - 3:56 pm

  I heard how great the Accord is from this website, from my experience that was wrong. My 06 Accord was the first new car Ive ever purchased. I got the extended warranty, the xylon coating, and I check its vitals (oil, tire pressure, power steering, etc) weekly. I avoid rough, pot-holed, bumpy roads (and take it real slow when they cant be avoided) yet I have had soo many problems with this car. Ex.:In under 4 months my power steering started spazzing out. I had to take it in and explain to the technician (who just wanted to top off the fluid) that the reservoir shouldnt be virtually empty that quick (lots of effort went into getting them to properly inspect it).And there are more...