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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  Not worth 30K (incl interest on price) - 2010 Honda Accord
  By pakkya - October 17 - 11:40 am

  spacious, comfy but 30K+ is a lot to pay for a car of this quality; but given the other cars out there in the same price range and similar feature set, this seemed the best pick. Premium sound is not so premium - FM/AM reception on my 95 maxima is far superior, sounds like they forgot to put in the antenna for the radio. climate control fan is starting to sound like a 5$ fan u buy from walmart, it emits other sounds besides sound of air - havent been to the dealer yet

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  Great value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Teddy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  ±?|·¶?nomy car with lots of tasteful styling. Gas mileage advertised was dead-on accurate. Original equipment tires are not the greatest with road wandering a problem. The ride is a bit jittery (tires?). The car is reasonably quiet with a great stereo system. The console seems a bit cheap looking with lots of plastic. the ergonomics of the climate controls could be improved a bit (small & hard to see) needs a remote release for the trunk needs at least two more cup holders in the rear

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  Small Outside? XL Inside - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cool Ride - October 14 - 9:13 am

  Only had it for 1 week. Comfortable ride in front seats. Little bit chompy ride in back seats over bumps. Looks smaller than other SUV on outside, rides tall feels large inside, enough to accomadate 6-2 drivers. Gas mileage is average for this 4 cylinder SUV, only got 229 city miles on first full tank. Also some wind noise when driving on freeway at higher speeds.

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  Small Outside? XL Inside - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cool Ride - October 14 - 9:13 am

  Only had it for 1 week. Comfortable ride in front seats. Little bit chompy ride in back seats over bumps. Looks smaller than other SUV on outside, rides tall feels large inside, enough to accomadate 6-2 drivers. Gas mileage is average for this 4 cylinder SUV, only got 229 city miles on first full tank. Also some wind noise when driving on freeway at higher speeds.

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  Great family wagon - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mick - October 13 - 7:33 am

  If you need a minivan.. this is definitely the one to buy... so practical, high quality.. it carries so much stuff that it would be difficult to go back to a sedan. We had an Accord.. then we had a baby.. if you need to cart babies and baby stuff around its great.. Im a bit disappointed in fuel economy... I cant squeeze better than 23mpg... even when I try really hard

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  Noisy Bumpy Ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By netrick - October 10 - 6:36 pm

  I am very disappointed with the noisy and bumpy ride – it is atrocious, especially on concrete freeways. Why wasn’t this issue reported in the other reviews, including the professional reviews? I think Honda should have stuck to making motorcycles!

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  2009 LX COUPE AUTOMATIC - 2009 Honda Civic
  By SKYKING1 - October 10 - 2:13 am

  I only have 600 miles on the vehicle but I really enjoy it so far. The gas mileage is increasing every tank full and I expect to easily exceed the 36 MPG rating for the car. I wasnt sure I would like the placement of the speedometer but I cant imagine driving a car with a conventional speedometer now!

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  Its a keeper - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HenryClay - October 10 - 1:43 am

  Purchased a mini-SUV came down to a Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. I liked the body style of the RAV4 over the CR- V, but could not locate a RAV4 with leather, all-wheel drive and side curtain airbags. I purchased the SE AWD because of the AWD, leather and the body-color bumpers, side molding and spare tire cover, much more attractive then the black molding and bumpers. Athought the body style reminds me of a Chevrolet Blazer, it has the best safely features. As for the vehicle, it rides nice and itÂ’s comfortable, although I do wish the CR-V had electric seats and removable rear seats. The SUV could use more under- body sound proofing, as the road noise is a little loud.

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  2004 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TRW - October 9 - 5:36 pm

  The Odyssey should have an all wheel drive option for those of us living in the northland. Our previous car was a Subaru Outback Wagon and we will likely go back to an all wheel drive option. We also have an AWD Passat and the difference between it and the Odyssey on snowy roads is obvious.

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  All fashion, no fuction. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By thelainster - October 9 - 5:09 pm

  I set out on a mission to buy a CX-5, but as a first time new-car-buyer, my dad advised me to get a Honda. At the time, the only CUV was the CR-V ( which I happen to think look like stinkbugs) so I waived him off. Then, I checked the Honda website and fell in love with the appearance and versatility of the HR-V. I bought it and almost immediately regretted my decision. I am 58 of legs and the HR-V just doesnt fit my stature. I even went so far as to modify the seat for an added tilt, which helped but didnt solve the problem. Plus, now I am farther away from the barely telescoping steering wheel. Overall, I am very torn on the whole thing.