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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  The best in a life full of great cars! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Richard B. - August 4 - 3:48 pm

  Ive been a mechanic all my life. I have worked on everything from fords to Ferraris. I was the team leader of the crew that built Jay Lenos Ariel Atom. I have to tell you that I have never had as great a car as my Element! It is an 04 EX AWD in Fiji Blue, and we call it Gimli, after the steadfast, squat, ugly companion to the hobbits. Now with 56K, it is quiet, sweet to drive and has had absolutely no problems requiring repair. We get 27+ on the highway, and 24 in town, which aint bad for a phone booth on wheels. we sleep in it when camping or skiing, and it hauls more than any vehicle Ive ever owned. The Real-Time AWD is amazing. Cant say enough about this vehicle!

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  2006 Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By T - August 4 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased the 2006 Honda Si after a great deal of research and many vehicle test drives. As a matter of fact, I test drove it, then called the dealer two hours later and told him I wanted it. After owning the car for a day, a rattle developed in the back. I began searching for the cause and determined that the passenger side rear seat was not latched - problem solved. When cruising, the car is very quiet, but accelerate up through the gears and the tuned exhaust sings as the engine tachs up. Cornering is a dream in this car with virtually no body roll, and the deep buckets really hold you in place.

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  Fun little Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By butterfly - August 4 - 6:51 am

  Just got my new 2009 Automatic Honda Fit Sport a couple days ago. First day battery died, but went back to dealer and they charged it. So far it seems very spacious for a small compact car. The front bucket seats seem a little stiff especially the front passenger seat. The a/c seems pretty good, steering is good, love the large windows make it feel bigger, the back seats fold down in a lot of different ways which makes it good for loading and carrying items. All in all a good economic car.

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  Quite a surprise - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rkrass - August 4 - 5:26 am

  I replaced a larger sedan with this vehicle which I had to wait a few weeks to get. I would say it was definitely worth it. The vehicle is well-designed and it is still fun to drive even after six months or more. I dont get 40 miles to a gallon although I have gotten close. My daily commute is a mix of highway and back roads. Initially I thought it was overpriced but I cant say I have enjoyed other cars this much. I am kind of a big person and the car has plenty of room. Well done, Honda.

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  Love my CRV-EXL! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Carmen - August 4 - 5:26 am

  Ive had SUVS now for 20 yrs and last year, because of the gas spike, I traded for a Honda Accord...Beautiful car, but was not good in the snow...I kept checking out the Honda CRVs and finally traded last week...This car is ME! Love it even more than my Toyota Highlander, which was a 6 cylinder engine...I was apprehensive at first, because it was a 4cyl, but I see very little difference between the Highlander and my CRV...This car is a keeper, especially with the long New England winters...I really feel safe too, which was one of the determining factors, other than 4 wheel drive...Ok, maybe a nicer rearview mirror and a pop up trunk switch, a bigger fuel tank, but Im not complaining!

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  Best Economy Car Ever! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By mickyboy1 - August 4 - 5:01 am

  I was getting pretty sick of the up and downs in the gas prices and really got concerned when gas approached $4 a gallon. I decided that my 22 MPG Santa Fe had to go. I shopped around and fell in love with the 2012 Civic. I gave up the power of a V6 for the fuel economy of a 4 cylinder and I dont regret it. I cruised from Cleveland to Columbus at got 41 MPG. Take that Big Oil! I dont need my wallet sucked dry every time I fill up. The Focus was interesting but the cockpit was cramped. I did not like that the auto transmission chattered on my initial test drive. The Hyundai Elantra styling was too extreme and the KIA Forte looked cheap on the inside.

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  Love my new Honda CRV! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Florence Wheeler - August 4 - 1:33 am

  Smooth drive, easy to handle, lots of pep, excellent sound system, lots of features come standard that I either couldnt find on other makes/models or would have had to pay extra for.

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  Great Pick! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By king - August 3 - 9:46 pm

  We shopped around for different sedans and it came down to the honda accord and toyota camry. In the end, we liked the feel of driving the accord. The driving was more responsive than the camry. We got the honda accord fully loaded V6, its very nice... drives great so far!! Im a first time honda owner, and loving it!!

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  Throughly Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By miller31 - August 3 - 2:54 pm

  This car is a Disappointment. I just bought the car and it already has more interior noise then any other car Ive ever had. The roof liner is loose the glove box is making noise. Recently drove to Vegas and the power on the car is embarrassing. Took a while to get up to speed to pass slower cars. This thing needs a lot more torque. Not to go fast just to get up to speed fast. Also the front end is so light anytime you take off the tires burn out. Way to much road noise as well. sometimes you cant even talk because the road noise is so over bearing. I do love the MPG. Over all I am disappointed in my purchase and will get rid of it at first opportunity.

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  What a great car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Merritt - August 3 - 2:45 pm

  We love this car. It drives like a dream. The CR-V is comfortable for passengers and drivers alike. It is quiet on the road. The sound system is superb as is the navigation system. On a recent trip it took us within ten yards of our destination! The size is just right for those that do not need a 5+ passenger capacity. Our grandsons think it is cool.