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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  Honda lives up to its name - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Greg Nice - May 31 - 8:23 pm

  It has been a month and every day I love something new about this car. The build quality is outstanding and the Honda name is what I have been missing since dealing with Nissan. My Accord is amazing, the ride is smooth for a V6 and the acceleration will blow you away. I got a great lease price for 24 months on this car and I dont know if I want to give it back. I am paying under 265 month and I only put 1000 out of pocket, thats it, nothing else. I will never ever stray away from Honda to go for something else. This Accord is what a sedan should be made of.

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  love is blind! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By essjay - May 31 - 3:00 pm

  i am very impressed with my civic coupes style, performance and sporty feel. however, due to the roof design, there are significant "blind-spots" in the rear/sides of the car and after three months of driving, i still have no idea where the front bumper is exactly as the slope of the hood drops off... but the good news: excellent front seating that hugs your back. no fatigue on long trips! simple, smart dash controls and layout. very quick and responsive. beautifully designed exterior. large trunk with fold down rear seats. its an awesome car for the size and money. glad i purchased. highly recommend the civic coupe lx.

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  3 Year Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Pizzo - May 31 - 10:15 am

  50k miles in 3 years. Excellent SUV for the money and every for every positive comment posted on this site. Mileage is very dependent on how you drive, I average 21 for city driving. Ive owned 5 Honda cars and the CRV is by far the most intelligently designed, easy to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. When do you ever hear from people on how easy and fun a car is to drive? Its so true. At 50k miles, Im having to replace 1st set of tires and brakes, nothing else so far.

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  good compact car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By harleyd - May 31 - 8:56 am

  Handling is so good. No wonder people call it sporty car

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  Half a Hummer! - 2007 Honda Element
  By mdredwing - May 31 - 3:02 am

  This vehicle is a riot to drive. It has so many standard features I cant list them all. It looks cool and is very useful as an utility truck. Plenty of cargo area and is a very safe car to operate. With Honda, safety comes standard. I traded in an 07 Saturn Vue and had to take a big hit on the trade, but it was worth it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Adam - May 31 - 2:53 am

  This is a great car. There is nothing to it. Great gas mileage, comfortable, nice interior and exterior, and I love the features, especially the navigation system. Although the windshield wipers dont work well dry, the only other complaint I have is the lack of heated seats.

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  Ridgeline is everything I expected! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - May 30 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned 4 Honda cars, this is my first foreign truck. I feel for the kind light truck work that I do the Ridgeline seems fine. I get 17 MPG around town and 22 MPG the highway. I currently have 2300 miles on it with no problems. I have talked to other Ridgeline owners that get 24 MPG highway miles. They mentioned that the mileage improves after 10,000 miles.

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  Love this Car! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Ronnie Law - May 29 - 9:20 pm

  The Honda CRV is such a comfortable riding car. I have been a Honda owner of cars since 1993. This is first SUV. Just got it a month ago so not sure how repair frequency there will be. But based on my previous Hondas (2004 Accord has 200K miles and still running perfectly) I have no doubt this will be a reliable car as well.

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  Very nice and smooth! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By John Douglas - May 29 - 11:14 am

  Very roomy inside, third row seating was the best we found when compared to other SUVs in the same class (except maybe the VW Atlas, that was very good too). Even the EX trim model came with a lot of nice features. Gives a super smooth ride! Opted not to step up to a higher trim and get the sunroof because it was noisy anyway. We wanted an AWD but found that is hard to get in So Cal because manufacturers do not think divers in So Cal need that, so not many are sent there.\, had to settle for a 2WD.

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  Love me some Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gamoore - May 29 - 10:07 am

  One of the least expensive 4WD vehicles on the market. It has more rear seat passenger room than my Suburban. You can even recline in the backseats. Just fold the backseats up and you have tons of room. Its fun and comfortable to drive, great in snow, and its a Honda. The resale values Ive seen are really good. I own a Ford Explorer, and GMC Suburban also, but I prefer to drive the element. The next vehicle I purchase will be another Honda Element. For the money and qualty get the Element.