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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  Good Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Shahidm - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Good car overall. Could use some more power. Good overall handling. Great year end pricing. Got mine for $12,110.00.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By John Williams - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The quality of this car is unbeliviable. I always thought Id stick with american made cars but this car unquestionable beats the competition by a long shot.

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  I Adore This Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Elizabeth - September 27 - 4:49 am

  This is by far the greatest car Ive ever owned. Just had to trade it in for a CRV (financial issues) but had the EX-L, which has been almost perfection to own. I was initially worried about the size of the vehicle, but it is such a smooth ride, wisely placed windows (almost no blind spot), and with plenty of pickup, the size was irrelevant almost immediately. I particularly loved the cargo space in the back, and the very comfortable third row. The dash was generally intuitive, and the center console very accessible and full of space. The seats were incredibly comfortable, long or short drives it was amazing. Like any big SUV, would have liked better mileage, but LOVE this car!

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  Does the job - 2008 Honda Element
  By upstatenewyorker - September 27 - 4:43 am

  My 2008 Element EX AWD with 5 spd manual does all I need it to. I replaced a 04 Jetta because I wanted 4WD for the winter road conditions and I needed space to haul stuff- but did not want a pickup truck. The Element along with a lightweight aluminum trailer when needed satisfies all needs. Upon delivery from dealer, I noticed a leak of clear fluid on my garage floor... turns out it was from the rear differential, and they promptly replaced it and Ive had no problems since. Feels stable in slippery conditions, and has good power. Ive consistently averaged 25 mpg summer, 22 in winter. Smoothest manual transmission Ive ever driven.

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  love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CATHERINE - September 26 - 6:13 pm

  This is my first new car i have purchased. I have owned 2 vws and 2 bmws. Love them all but this time i just couldnt afford another bmw. Everybody I spoke with told me that they love their Hondas and thats all they will ever buy again. I know what they mean now. I have only owned it for a month now but the ride is so smooth. When your at a stop sign you think the car turned off because it is so quiet. I just started to use the wipers and that took me a few tries to figure them out. Backing up is a little difficult though. I have to lift my head a bit higher and move more towards the center of the car to see the back window. Once I get use to it it shouldnt be a problem hopefully!

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  Great little suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Katherine Wilson - September 26 - 1:02 am

  I have only had this for a couple of weeks. It did not have Sirius xm, so the dealer put it in. The backup screen is very useful and I am getting acccustomed to it. We took it on a road trip last week and it handled very well in the rain and in DC traffic. The gas mileage was great. So I am pleased with this purchase.

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  I LOVE My Element! : ) - 2009 Honda Element
  By VERY HAPPY : ) - September 25 - 11:10 pm

  Just traded in our 2008 Honda Accord EX for the Element. I have to say Im very happy with it. ITs very roomy and safe feeling. My children are 61" and 63" and they sit comfortable in the back seat. The seats have to be reclined some because my tallest sons head will touch the ceiling. The ride is smooth. You dont feel every bump in the road either like we felt in the Accord. The lights dont blink constantly like our Honda Accords did. My husband loves our new Element also. Its so much fun to drive. You wont feel claustrophobic. We have had a 2004 and a 2007 Suburban LT, a Chrysler 300 touring and even though they were more luxurious The Element is our favorite.

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  My mini-SUV - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Goldbug - September 25 - 9:06 pm

  Very fun to drive and zip around with. I purchased this after missing the space of an SUV but wanted the great mileage as well. Less than a month and Im getting 38.8 mpg mostly on highway driving going mostly 65 mph. Love the interior space especially the magic seats. Very versatile in that aspect. Acceleration is not as bad as I thought it would be and the fog lights, interior lighting, dash lights and speakers are a plus. The second glove compartment and ipod/aux jacks are cool too. Theres really not a whole lot to complain about for the money.

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  Hybrid Newbie - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ZZach - September 25 - 6:46 pm

  This is the first hybrid vehicle Ive ever owned. I was contemplating purchasing the non-hybrid Civic with navigation, but after driving the hybrid I was sold on it. So far Im averaging about 43 MPG doing only city driving, Im anxious to do a highway trip to see what kind of mileage I get. This is my second Honda vehicle and I’ve been impressed with the quality for the price. The hybrid has been fun to drive and I only have fill up every third week rather than weekly doing the same amount of miles.

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  Disappointed Honda Owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mom of three - September 25 - 3:21 pm

  I bought a brand new 2005 Honda CRV EX Auto AWD after I had a Ford Expedition that constantly broke down. Wanted a reliable car, Unfortunately it hasnt been so great with 53,000 it is broken once again. Lived in all climates from humid in Georgia, snow in Maine and dry heat in California. My 93 Oldsmobile runs better, gets better gas mileage, and is more reliable. I had to replace tires, O2 switch, rotors, and now AC has called it quits. I do the oil changes and maint. on time yet it is sluggish, wont do hills and vinyl on the doors has ripped because back seat not wide enough for three car seats. Disgusted and disappointed in Honda. Dealer doesnt even carry the stock tires! That stinks.