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 deal!!! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Johnny - July 1 - 12:50 am

  Updated review 8/8/17 Ive now had my Hybrid EX-L for 2 years now, Im at 56,600 miles and I must say that driving this vehicle has definitely changed my formally aggressive driving; acceleration and braking. I average anywhere from 650 miles to the tank during the winter and up to 780 miles a tank during the summer; average mileage to a full tank is somewhere in the upper 600s to low 700s year around. Are there minor tweaks I would prefer that this vehicle have, sure but nothing major. Ive managed to save myself between $7-8.5k in the past 2 years in fuel costs and services that I would have had to pay in my previous car; 2011 Audi A4. Is this a muscle car? No. Is this an ugly Prius? Hell no!!! The comfort and fuel saving advantages outweigh the Audi or almost any other car any day! A word of caution if you do not drive a lot the premium cost of this car will not balance out within a couple of years, shop with this in mind. I have yet to use my extended warranty 6 year/120k miles, but I would highly suggest getting the extended warranty if you actually drive more than 20k miles a year, it should pay off in the long run. I look forward to the all electric Clarity or hopefully Accord some day. Happy driving!

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  Element #2 - 2008 Honda Element
  By ghostrider78 - June 30 - 10:02 pm

  This replaces my 04 Element LX and it is leaps and bounds better! The AWD was great in a hard great lakes winter even with the OEM tires. The colored body panels are a definite looks upgrade. The stereo in the EX sounds great and the steering wheel audio controls are something I wouldnt go without again. Fuel mileage is so-so and wind noise can be excessive on the highway. Overall, I love this car for the functionality and great winter handling.

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  Honda Hybrid, Too often Overlooked - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dl091189 - June 30 - 4:30 pm

  I have a 2005 Hybrid with manual transmission--a rarity. I chose manual for better power and control, and automatic seemed too sluggish. I do sacrifice gas mileage however, but still average about 39mpg no matter where I drive. I love the car, it is well built, fun to drive, and has more power than expected. It is also very comfortable for a long trip. The only drawback is that the "auto stop" function does not always dis-engage, but I found a way around this, but always making sure I am in gear, before the light changes, or double shifting when it stalls. I think this car has been overlooked in the hype over the Prius, which drives like a golf cart, the Civic is a real car!

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  Honda 2003 PRH 6-09 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hugret - June 30 - 3:57 pm

  The car has proven to be the best car I have owned in 45 years of car ownership. Other than wear parts nothing has had to be repaired. My last highway trip was a round trip 300 mile trip and I averaged 30 MPG. Not too shabby for a 6 1/2 year old car!

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  Bad Seats - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bohemianwild - June 30 - 2:29 pm

  I got the lowest model - the LX - and the seats are horrible. They are very stiff and there is no lumbar adjustment. If you have a bad back I would not recommend this vehicle. Overall the car runs and looks great! I am just disappointed that Honda makes such a great car with horrible interior. Also, the brakes are a little touchy.

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  Excellent Family Van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 30 - 1:47 pm

  First van and feel confident with picking the Honda. Drives great. Highway fuel economy higher then expected. Interior is quite spacious and the leather interior makes it feel more luxurious. Navi and RES is awesome! Sound system is ok but then again it is a minivan. Overall an excellent choice for families who require room.

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  VERY safe car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jconley78 - June 30 - 12:36 pm

  We were involved in a serious car accident a month ago. We were stopped in traffic on the hwy and a lady hit us in the rear without slowing down at over 70mph. We all walked away. Thank you Honda! No prior problems with the car, it was fantastic to drive. QUALITY all around. It was only a 4 cyl but because of the V-Tec engine it had the power PLUS the gas mileage. BUY HONDA!

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  OWNER - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry Kohler - June 30 - 12:13 pm

  This is my wifes car is known as "Holly Honda" everyday car to work and back in Prescott. Daily mileage 8 miles round trip. Purchased in 2002.

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  Reliable companion SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Don coglione - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Own it for 10 months and so far love the way it handles the over all driving. Fun to drive and very practical. The sun visor,when down gets in the way of your driving site. The cup holders would prefer if they were a little higher reach.While driving it can be tricky to reach for the cup, you may need to take your eyes off the road momentarily. Mileage could be better for a 4 cyl. Manufacture claims 27 hgwy, I think 25 more likely. Igot mine loaded with options, under 24,000. For its price and performance I certainly would recommend it highly. The plastic side pannels that alot of readers are concerned about it, so far they holding on pretty good. Do hav

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DFUGATE - June 30 - 10:00 am

  With the limited time I have owned the vehicle, it has performed perfectly and for the price, you cannot beat the safety features of the SUV.