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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  Great car! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By henry harlan - March 15 - 9:25 pm

  great family car. dependable...would suggest adding leather/tint to the sport model.

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  Honest Review / Inferior Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By OddVan - March 15 - 8:23 pm

  Vehicle purchased new 08/07. Have had many issues that started as early as 500 miles including dead battery, headlamp switch short, relays short, clunking noises to front undercarriage, steering column replacement, slider door safety locks freeze preventing sliders to lock while open, rattles to right door trim panels. The newest of the problems now at 21K to address with dealer is the headliner seam coming apart and the heater controls not functioning properly. We have NEVER been so unhappy with a vehicle. Traded our 02 Toy Sienna, what a mistake. Tried trading this vehicle in, dealers are offering low trade... now I wonder if the reliability factor was utilized in the low trade offers.

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  I love my Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By R. Senex - March 15 - 8:23 pm

  I can tell you that the hybrid gets excellent mileage if you slow down just a little. I drove a 625 mile trip and on the way there I drove 78 miles per hour and got 37 mpg and on the way back I dropped my speed to 68 and got 42 MPG. I love to drive this car in traffic, it gets around smoothly. Only complaint I have is the parking brake lever hits my leg when driving. I am over 6 feet tall and that lever gets annoying, but if you were shorter it would be fine.

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  Fifth Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hoosier - March 15 - 8:03 pm

  This 2009 Accord EX-L 4 is the fifth Accord we have owned. The one traded in was a 2004 Accord EX-L and it was the best Accord of the previous group. Although I have only had the new one just over a week, it is much more refined than the 2004. Each Accord we have owned has always been more refined than the previous model and the 2009 is no exception. The fit and finish are superb! It drives with a great feel to it... similar to my 1999 BMW. I look forward to many happy miles with this car.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gerald smothers - March 15 - 8:00 pm

  Have owned the odyssey for 13 months & have othing but good things to say about its performance.

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  First Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By P.V. - March 15 - 1:00 pm

  This is my first car and first purchase ever and I am beyond pleased. I think I made a great choice. The gas mileage is great. I dont know if I drive less than the average person but when I fill up my tank (which always costs me less than $30) it lasts me practically 2 weeks.

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  Really nice SUV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jimmy Burleson - March 15 - 6:23 am

  Ive owned my Touring AWD for 3 weeks and love driving it. Its very comfortable and fun to drive. This is my first car with a CVT transmission and Im still getting use to that. I didnt care for the RIM design at first. But, love them after seeing them in motion. I hope they dont scratch off the black finish when I take it for tire rotations. The engine noise can be a little loud on acceleration, but I can live with it. Id definitely recommend the EX or higher trim to get the Honda sensing features. Those are fantastic!! Right now Im getting 26mpg city driving in a lot of stop and go traffic as I drive during rush our to work each way.

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  "FIT" fits all !!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sreejith - March 15 - 3:10 am

  HONDA FIT is inexpensive to buy and own, good on gas, and had a big hole in the back. The Fit "fit" all of those. Light, quick and nimble, perfect for country roads and city streets. Also holds its own on the highway.

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  What a Gem! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SS - March 14 - 11:57 pm

  This is an update from a previous submission when our 2016 Honda CRV Touring was only a couple months old. It now is 9 months old with about 11,000 miles on it. It has been driven in all sorts of conditions and weather, including a trip from Ohio to Florida and back again. I am happy to report that this vehicle is better than ever and has performed flawlessly. The Honda Sensing safety features have proven to be quite impressive, keeping the car in its lane on the extended highway trips, and a couple of times the autonomous braking system deployed rapidly enough to prevent accidents we might have otherwise been too slow to prevent. This crossover is the perfect blend of car-like performance and ride coupled with utility, AWD, and abundant amenities. Ive had a lot of nice new cars over the years but none have been better than this in this price range.

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  Best Vehicle Weve Had - 2005 Honda Element
  By hillbilly - March 14 - 8:12 pm

  We live at the end of a dead end road and our Element spends a LOT of time off road and on bad roads. Downsides are that the seats are a bit uncomfortable on long trips, the visibility is sometimes difficult with the side pillar, the gas mileage could be better. Also, the moon roof is way too difficult to replace after removing. Wish the rack spacing on the roof was longer. The wipe down seats and interior are wonderful for a canoe paddler that also hauls his dogs around. Have had it for going on 4 years and no problems except for drivers seat problems. Our Element has never been stuck except after a 6" ice storm. Routinely cross creeks et al on the farm and it rarely kicks into 4WD.