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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  Best Honda Owned - 2005 Honda Civic
  By rstbr493 - June 16 - 8:33 am

  I have always heard great things about Honda cars. I bought my 2005 Civic Si Hatchback, because of design quality in and out. Also the stock motor putting out 160 bhp, that was another factor for the purchase. And the race design suspension gives handling a new meaning.

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  The Element is just OK - 2005 Honda Element
  By rubio1010 - June 16 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my dogs. I bought it for all of my activities. Its just OK. Driving is fine, not fun, just fine. Take every turn slowly as stuff slides back and forth over the entire plastic interior easily. This is not a "Dog Car." The rocking back and forth and sliding makes them car sick. Cleaning is not nearly as easy as it sounds. "Hosing it out" is not an option. Comfort? On short drives, less than 100 miles, its ok. Anything longer and the plastic seats get stiff and sticky. Ive had two windshields replaced from highway pebbles. Thats annoying. The two reverse doors are awkward for passengers in the rear, and getting in and out of the back seats is very awkward.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Honey - June 16 - 2:39 am

  AC and electrical issues as well as pulling to side upon acceleration. Master brake cylinder went out and had to be replaced. Ride is jiggly compared to other SUV I had considered. No tinted windows so gets hot! Poor acceleration with AC on which did have probs as well as idiot lights sometimes lighting. Got a lemon... Not happy with power...even the Hyundai is faster (and has a much better ride, though Mercedes heavy feeling). Needs more storage compartments, no bumper to stand on to get to roof racks... paint chips easily in parking lots... Cute, bought because of reputation. At least it still has 2 years on warranty... Got a lemon...

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  Love this SUV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By madchen - June 15 - 9:56 pm

  Ive only had this car a few days and already Ive discovered its a blast to drive. You feel like youre in a really big SUV without actually having to drive a really big SUV. The ride is very comfortable, handling is good and acceleration is amazing for a 4 cylinder. So far Im getting almost as good city mileage as I did in my 2001 Saturn SL, but Im having a LOT more fun driving this one! All the cubby holes for CDs, glasses, etc. are really great and I love the fold down console because I can stash my purse next to the seat instead of having to throw it behind the front seat. I definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone whos considering one!

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  Great all the way around - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Catherine Coleman - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  This car has been excellent. Everyone remarks that my husband and I must have gotten a raise because it looks much more expensive than it really was!

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  Great all the way around - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Catherine Coleman - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  This car has been excellent. Everyone remarks that my husband and I must have gotten a raise because it looks much more expensive than it really was!

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  Life-Long Honda Driver ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Don Setterlof - June 15 - 1:30 pm

  I enjoy getting such positive comments about how attractive and sharp the car is from friends/family. The overall performance of the car exceeds all my expectations. Drives well, performs in all types of weather, and is basically a great auto to own! My experiences over the past 8 years as a Honda driver have been very positive, and I expect that to continue with my Civic!

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  2016 Honda CRV Touring FWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Yates - June 15 - 11:32 am

  Love the car! There really isnt much about it that I could complain about. In town I can get 27 plus if I really watch how I drive. Havent really had it on the highway so far, but I have had one tank that came out to 31.4, with a combination of city and highway driving. Things that I hope Honda will include in newer models would be front passenger power seat. At least make it an option. Also a camera in the drivers mirror, like the one on the passengers side. Its really nice to look at the navigation screen and be able to see down the side of the car. It eliminates blind spots!

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  Good buy for under 20K - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DRE - June 15 - 11:10 am

  Got a new ’07 LX manual for under 17k. Great vehicle. I get a "true" 37mpg just about all the time (~70% hwy) except for in the winter. While I wouldn’t call it powerful, it does show oomph if revved high enough (if you have the manual). Corners well enough for an economy car though back end tends to slide out early. Only 4 complaints. The ABS seems to kick in prematurely when doing moderate braking. I had to get both sun visors replaced at about 16k miles. They were both coming apart and would eventually not even go up. Shocks/suspension makes noises when car is very cold (after a few miles it goes away). And as most Civic owners already know, it’s not the quietest ride.

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  197K miles and going strong - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By patmog3 - June 14 - 11:59 pm

  Purchased my CRV in 2002 with 50K on it. I am 6 tall and there is plenty of headroom. Comfortable seats, could drive all day in it. Love the visibility. Dependable. Lost radiator this year. No other problems. Gas mileage has been good, about 28-29 mpg highway doing 70mph. Once in awhile Id like a bit more pep, but overall no concerns. Id like to keep this vehicle for many more years.