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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  Fifth CR-V (2002/2006/2012/2014/2016) - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Don Montalvo - June 15 - 10:31 pm

  Sold my 2002 LS at 175K miles. Sold my 2006 SE at 80K miles. Traded my 2012 EX-L AWD (hated the color) for a 2014 EX-L 2WD (big mistake). Finally got a 2016 Touring CVT. I would have never thought the 2016, a 4th Gen model, would be such a huge improvement over the other two 4th Gen models I owned. The NAV system takes getting used to, but works well once you learn how to use it. The acceleration was a significant improvement (thanks to CVT and Drive-By-Line) over the other 4th Gen models. The biggest surprise was all the safety features. Lane assist, assisted cruise control, video side view mirror, etc. The power latch is to kill for. Very happy. Now I just have to resist buying a 2017. :)

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  So much fun! - 2007 Honda Element
  By jenn - June 15 - 3:46 pm

  I just bought my Element and love it! The gas mileage is better than I thought it would be. The arm rest is anemic but other than that, I am so happy with my new car. It is fun to have a vehicle that not everyone else has. If you want a quality, efficient vehicle with its own flare, the Element is for you!

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  Fits me perfectly - 2008 Honda Fit
  By chezdre - June 15 - 5:30 am

  Just bought my Vivid Blue Fit Sport 5 speed last night. I was comparing a Scion xD with the Fit Sport. I was ready to buy the Scion because dealer mark-up is usually higher on Hondas, whereas a Scion has a "pure-price" pricing policy. I got my Fit for MSRP, which is pretty good. The Fit felt more solid and has more configuration options for interior space. I like the short throw shifter action and handling. Ive always preferred Hondas over Toyotas and Im not disappointed. Great car, good m.p.g. overall. Upgraded from a 1983 Mercedes turbodiesel wagon. More m.p.g. but less interior space and thinner sheet metal, but overall very pleased.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Gene - June 15 - 12:07 am

  This has been a great car for me for the past 5 years. It has never had any issue with reliability or handling, braking is brilliant and performance very good. It even has room for two young kids in the back seat. Basically this car gives solid performance with all the little things thrown in - mine has cruise, power everything, sun roof, sports gears etc..

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  Accord V6 The Best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bryan - June 14 - 8:20 pm

  I have been a Honda Accord owner for over 9 years now. This model is definitely the best and the 240 horses respond on demand.............

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  Pilot . . . good choice! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By NR - June 14 - 7:18 pm

  First SUV and what a winner. Wanted to go cheaper and needed cargo space, so I just went with the FWD. Ive had it for 2 months. Fun to drive. Step on the gas and you are flying, if need to. A little wider in the garage than I am used to. Im reading all these reviews on the poor mileage and my ride to work, with mixed stop and go and some highway, Im getting 20 MPG. Doesnt like the road trips with with higher speeds. Only 23 MPG, even with that ECO feature that shuts down three cylinders. Good looking vehicle.

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Susan - June 14 - 3:08 pm

  It is compact SUV. Bigger space than car but not as big as mini van. Back seats are not that wide to hold three adults. I wish the front camera can show how close the car is to the sides of garage door frame and how close to the curb when parking

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  Stealth fighter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By NightHawk - June 14 - 11:23 am

  I bought my black si after my white 96 aAccord sedan was stolen and totaled (I love ya RIP). The car looks like a spaceship inside and out. The interior layout is real cool and has lots of convenience and comfort features. The seats really hug you. The mp3 sound system with sub is a nice touch. The car has good acceleration & quick handling. The engine sounds great. Buy driving gloves & get the windows tinted. The shifter burns your hand when hot & freezes it when cold. I get the same rattles as other folks but its not that bad. Its due to the stiff suspension. What do you expect? The interior is a lil bit delicate but I think folks trip out b/c black makes scuffs more noticable.

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  3 years review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cxvargas - June 14 - 11:13 am

  Dealer took care of two recalls, machined rotors-replaced front pads and reverse condition re-program computer, no big issues. Paint chips easily, the drivers window fails to go up or down during cold weather and the check engine light is on. All fluids are fine and with 47k miles maintenance is not due until the 50k. The wife decided to have the 50k maintenance done early to check the p/w and the engine light. Im starting to lose confidence on this car and that is a pity because the wife is happy and is really comfortable and superior to the domesticÂ’s offerings. Im not sure if I will buy Honda again based on my recent experience. Lets see.

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  First New Car In Ten Years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - June 14 - 10:43 am

  I love this car! The last time I bought a car was ten years ago. My family has always bought Ford vehicles so I initially looked there but was not impressed. I researched and test drove vehicles over two months before I decided on this fantastic car. Great ride. Excellent gas mileage. Convenient dash controls. It looks sleek. It is suprisingly spunky for a little car!! Love all the standard safety features.