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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  Exterior Body Not tough - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - July 11 - 8:50 pm

  The vehicle stability, brakes, and pickup are excellent. Many swift lane changes and sharp turns are handled gracefully. But the outside body is NOT good. If you drive on country side roads then lots of chipping problems occur. Also inside the rear AC air direction controller came broken in my new Pilot. So build is so-so , I mean from other aspects too.

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  Love my crv! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Angelica Carlos - July 11 - 2:13 pm

  I love everything about my crv, well almost everything. The only problem is that the rear seat is a little narrow for my family. I have 3 kids, one of which is in a booster and one in a car seat. I had to buy another car seat, the narrowest I could find, in order for them to fit, and they are still pretty tight back there. Im hoping it wont be too torturous for them when we go on one of our road trips. Other than that, the car is absolutely perfect!

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  Always there - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Ron - July 11 - 10:04 am

  This car always been there for me. For a full tank of gas could get me to far away places and never did complain. Except for a change of struts It never stayed in repair shop too long. And now that Im passing this car to a friend, I feel like Im losing a friend.

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  Honda best minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave 213 - July 11 - 9:36 am

  It took me for ever to get my wife to buy a minivan. She didnt want to be a "soccer mom". Now that has had the chance to drive it she loves it. I bought her a 2004 Odyssey and she loved and wouldnt get rid of it for anything. Then I talked her into driving the new 2006, well she now drives a 2006. Keep up the great work Honda!

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  I liked the Element when I first saw it! - 2007 Honda Element
  By ANDY FROM MERRICK - July 10 - 9:15 pm

  The new 2007 Honda Element is a pleasure to drive. Its peppy, runs smoothly, and has tons of room. I knew I liked the Element when I first saw it a few years ago. It was "boxy" looking but different than all the other SUVs. And the colors, esp. that unusual orange, were unique. I see people looking at it and in it sometimes. To me all the other SUVs look so much alike. The Element, though its not so new anymore, has such a striking appearance that it maintains its uniqueness. Even your passengers have a unique ride because theyre sitting high up with a great view of the road. The skylight window in the back is fun to use esp. if youre carrying dogs.

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  The best car ever - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Frank Tintrup - July 10 - 2:48 pm

  The S2000 is the most fun, most amazing car Ive ever driven. This car handles like no other and the way every owner feels about it can tell you that Honda has done an excellent job. I dream about my S2000, during the day and at night. I am always stopped on the street by people who ask me what kind of car it is and when I tell them its a Honda they dont believe me. It really is all that and then some!

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  Fits me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By emil v - July 10 - 10:20 am

  The 09 Fit sport looks small from the outside but it is impressively cozy and spacious inside. Im 60 tall and when Im sitting down I still have at least 6 inches gap between my and and the overhead interior. Just how it looks in the commercial it is very fun to drive, the handling and fuel economy is remarkable. Lots of cubic space in the back great on moving boxes, groceries, etc.

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  Excellent - 2003 Honda Element
  By Roxy Deaton - July 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a great riding suv. Does have a little road noise but not so bad.

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  Honda Element, first month - 2003 Honda Element
  By rjvogel - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 Honda Element approximately one month ago. So far it is one of the most fun cars to drive that I have ever driven. It is very practical, since my wife shows dogs. The interior is very conducive to hauling dogs and crates.

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  Versatile and comfortable hauler - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ben Scallan - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Honda has a winner in the Element. Its storable backseats are simple to flip-up allowing easy access to a very large cargo area which has a reasonably low lift height. This cargo area has hauled full-size sheets of sheetrock, 22 spruce trees, a new desk with three matching file cabinets - this on top of its twice weekly duty hauling real estate signs. I chose the Element for its capacity to haul large yard-arm style real estate signs. The Element was the only auto I test drove that could handle multiple signs easily. As an added bonus its AWD will help tremendously this winter, and its easy to clean interior is a pleasure to clean, too.