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:

• 

  I love my 09 Fit Sport! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By zackster - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased this car one week ago on Dec 20, 2008. I am very happy with the 09 Fit Sport. I had the 07 Fit Sport but it was totaled by the insurance company. I enjoyed the 07 but on a longer drive the 09 feels smoother to me and to be very honest, it is a much more pleasant drive! I love driving around in my new car because I love the way it handles. I would give higher marks in performance but pulling away at red light and uphill is hard. Going uphill on an interstate is hard... your MPG get really low it is a bit slow to do. Fuel economy is ok, for me as advertised thus far. Interior needs a center console so took points off for interior.

• 

  2008 Honda CR-V LX 2WD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Cinglemom - February 22 - 2:20 pm

  Ive had this CR-V for 3 months now. I have not had one disappointing moment. It drive just like a car. I dont have problems passing other cars or trucks. Ive been to NY and it gave me 28 miles to the gallon. Around the city I get 23 miles but the combo is 21/22. I totally love this car. This should have been the first car I purchase instead I went in the opposite direction and purchased a 2007 Dodge Caliber (one of the worst cars on the road).

• 

  Owner for two months - 2017 Honda CR V
  By noonanse@gmail.com - February 22 - 3:22 am

  Overall the car is pretty nice, but here are a few downsides: 1) Stereo is pretty bad and our Touring model supposedly has the upgraded sound system; 2) Safety tech is okay but overrated, radar based cruise control is what I find most useful but it has its quirks; 3) Road noise could be better, I will probably add some additional sound deadening to the doors and floor once the warranty expires.

• 

  Everything I Hoped For And MORE! - 2003 Honda Element
  By surkh - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Id been waiting for this puppy to be released for a while. So far its lived up to all of my expectations, and MORE. The beds are a lot more comfortable than I expected. Its very peppy, much more so than I expected. The shifter is great too and perfectly placed. And the handling is unbeleivably better than I expected. Basically like a coupe. Theres very little Body roll, and the grip is amazing for a vehicle this tall. Its also fun great demonstrating it for everyone. Im VERY happy I bought it, and I expect to take LOTS of road trips in the near future in wonderful comfort, with my 20GB MP3 Player! :-)

• 

  Dont expect too much - 2002 Honda Civic
  By digitalworkhorse - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is pretty much what I expected. I bought it for a to commute with since it has a good track record, and is fuel effecient. But it is hard to get excited about driving it. Take a close look at toyota corrola before buying the civic.

• 

  MPG is awful - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Loyal to Honda - February 20 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 7th Honda and 4th Accord. The car rides better than previous generations. However, I cannot get better than 23 miles to the gallon, even on the highway! I drive the same way I did in my 2004 Accord that got 33 MPG. I expect much more from Honda. The dealership said everything checks out, so it is just the way they built the car. Too bad. As much as I love Hondas, they can never seem to get everything working at the same time.

• 

  Nasty tires at 25000 miles. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mr Jeff - February 15 - 11:45 am

  Purchased new March 2016, at 25000 miles tires are way out of line for road noise, dealer claims it may need alignment, when I get the paper from Alignment specialist that it is not out of alignment that would cause the tires to act this way I will be back to dealer.

• 

  new car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By efa - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, good performance, looks nice, I bought it over Camry, maxima. The first problem I have after 3 weeks, couldnt open the trunk from inside, take to the dealer(the mechanic only works from 7:00am- 5:00pm,sat and sun closed. Now I am waiting for the part that is not working, will take a week. Not good from Honda,

• 

  2004 Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gatorfan - February 14 - 7:56 pm

  My Element is a great car. The interior design is fantastic. I really enjoy the versatility of the fold down and removable seats. The rubber floor is easy to clean, either by sweeping or just using a yard blower. The interior layout is nice and all displays are clearly marked.

• 

  2004 Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gatorfan - February 14 - 7:56 pm

  My Element is a great car. The interior design is fantastic. I really enjoy the versatility of the fold down and removable seats. The rubber floor is easy to clean, either by sweeping or just using a yard blower. The interior layout is nice and all displays are clearly marked.