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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  This car is a survivor!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By moondaisy_us - September 25 - 1:48 pm

  My husband recently totaled our Element. He swerved to miss a deer at 60MPH, spun out on the road berm, and the car rolled down the highway, landed on its wheels, then smashed into the ditch/hillside. The only part of the car that was not mutilated was the back hatch door. The car was smashed beyond recognition. My husband was uninjured except for a goose-egg on his forehead since the drivers airbag did not go off. This vehicle held together so well that even if it held 4 people, all would most likely have been unharmed, except from flying glass. ALL this and the engine would still run. I would totally buy another Element, and plan to as soon as possible! This car is amazing!

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By BurnsFamilyof4 - September 25 - 12:38 pm

  Decided to purchase my first Honda and wanted something more than a car but not as much as a SUV. I test drove the CRV first and that is all it took. It has more room on the inside than one would think by looking at it from the outside. My kids and husband all love it and I call it the ultimate grocery getter...plenty of room for everything. I love the ride and the fuel mileage is average 26 mpg. Love it!

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  Comfort not speed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By dennis - September 25 - 8:55 am

  I drove my CRV up the Troodos Mountians in Cyprus with 4 adults with no problems. The engine was quiet and the brakes reassuring. It was comfortable and we were relaxed. Petrol consumption was good (this is the 2l engine). This Honda is about being relaxed and comfortable and I cannot fault it.

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  N/A - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Lee - September 25 - 1:15 am

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  1995 Prelude Si - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By 2.3Si - September 24 - 8:24 pm

  I bought this car a couple months ago and I must say its great. The only thing is that my paints faded on parts of it but it runs great and has extremely good performance. It picks up pretty quickly for a four cylinder car. Its also very good on gas.

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  Easy to like - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By al - September 24 - 5:19 pm

  Weve had this ody since July 2007, it is our 2nd ody. We have had only minor problems, problems with the back bumper after dealer installed trailer wiring and thats it. Only changed the oil and rotated the tires. No shaking, pulling hesitation etc. just a good all around vehicle. I average 19.2mpg city and hwy. The vehicles traction control works great up here in Alaska, but I do use dedicated studded snow tires. Road noise is much better than the last model (2002 ody), but still noticeable, actually its not much quieter than my 2005 ford diesel. Kids love the car too, we put an alpine dvd player in it, which is easy for them to use. So this vehicle is easy to like.

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  Very nice car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By very nice car - September 24 - 12:33 pm

  I waited till I had about 1,500 miles on my car before evaluating it, and I can say, it is still my favorite car that Ive ever owned. I had a 1994 Integra before this, and this is worlds apart in comfort, ride, noise (lack of), and style. It doesnt corner like a 2700 pound integra, but it still handles better than most 3500 pound cars. I got a manual, and its the smoothest one Ive ever used. I was surprised to find that the gear ratios for the manual are similar to the automatic, so theres not much difference in performance. The only "fit and finish" problem I have is the trunk lid is little lower on one side.

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  Cracked Engine Block - 2006 Honda Civic
  By stp44122 - September 24 - 7:51 am

  This WAS a fun car to own, but Im not buying another Honda. Ive had this since January 2006 putting 71,000 miles (95% highway) on the vehicle. I followed all oil changes, all servicing AT THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. There is a TSB, 08-044 where they admit that all 2006, 2007, 2008 Civic Sedans have this design or casting flaw AND YOUR ENGINE WILL CRACK! Its just a matter of time. Hopefully it will be during the warranty (as most have been), and youll get your engine replaced. If not, youre in my boat, called the DOT, State Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, and Honda trying to get their design or casting flaw fixed. Ive never had to replace a Toyota engine.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - September 24 - 7:44 am

  We were so excited to buy this van, and were really looking forward to many years of service from the vehicle. Now, heres the reality weve dealt with the last 4 years: 3 power steering pumps Passenger side window assembly Drive shaft Front rotors and finally, rear engine mounts. What happened to Honda quality? Of course, Honda was no help on any of this. Should have gotten the extended warranty.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Honda Element
  By Buy One! - September 24 - 5:35 am

  Looked at these when I bought my last new vehicle in 2006, finally bought one this summer. You will not be disappointed. Great utility, handling, looks. Comfortable unless you are in the back seat, although there is plenty of room there - just rough ride when sitting on the rear wheel well. Great stereo, fun to drive, good gas mileage. Wish Id bought one sooner and considering buying another one since my daughter has hijacked this one! GREAT value for the price.