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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  Element, boxy but beautiful - 2004 Honda Element
  By tcs - February 24 - 10:53 am

  Great vehicle. More room than expected. 25mpg on the highway, in the mountains with the AC on, with an automatic EX. Great sound system.

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  Ill keep it until the wheels fall off - 1999 Honda Civic
  By BustedFlush - February 24 - 9:19 am

  Has it been 10 years? I used to live very close to work, so my Civic only has 95,000 miles on it. Had to replace the exhaust line (Ohio winters mean salt trucks) but otherwise no serious issues. Had the fuel filter replaced, new plugs, timing belt and a tune up around 85,000. Someone asked me why I buy cars (depreciating asset) instead of leasing - this is why. Mechanic says this car is just getting warmed up and I havent had a car payment since 2003.

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  Honda rocks - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By abulazeez - February 24 - 2:32 am

  We love this SUV so much, it moves very fast, just like rocket, fun to drive. The 4x4 is very fantastic. I enjoy driving in turbulent off road terrain. It is a wonderful SUV. Will recommend it for every one.

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  Just breaking it in - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 24 - 12:50 am

  Put the first thousand miles on it in just a few weeks. Already seeing gas mileage improvement as it breaks in (31 mpg to start, ~35 now combined). Also seeing a little more acceleration as well. Extremely well put together interior, stereo with amazing sound, tons of features. It also handles flawlessly that makes you forget you are in a subcompact and rivals sports cars I have driven before. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great mpg and a fun car to drive.

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  Great seats for the long drive - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark Cooke - February 23 - 1:30 pm

  I love my Honda van. I bought it used at 116,000km 6 years ago and it now has 310,000 km on it with only an alternator and the usual tires and brakes. I added a transmission cooler since I pulled a 3000lb trailer for two summers. This van is driven daily in town and driven coast to coast twice in Canada plus has seen 25% of the States.

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  Could it get any better? - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Harmony - February 23 - 11:02 am

  Weve just celebrated 19 years together and hoping for many more. This car just runs and runs - nothing but routine maintenance. Over the years there have been several brake jobs, a set of CV boots, a new radiator, several sets of Michelins (only way to go for the original feel), two timing belts, and new motor mounts. I have averaged just about $250 per year over the life of the car. Radio, tape deck, clock and AC work great - usually the first things to go! Id add a CD, except I dont want to ruin the ambiance. Every year I go test drive new cars and decide Im not ready to part with this one. The kids have given up on inheriting it any time soon.

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  Great car for the $$ - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Linda - February 23 - 2:03 am

  I bought my CR-V EX about a month ago. I choose the EX because I wanted the sunroof, which was standard on the EX model. The car is fun to drive and Ive been very pleased with my purchase. This SUV is very classy looking as well, just as sophisticated as the pricier SUVs. The interior is so roomy, you actually feel like you are in a much bigger vehicle. Nice sized cargo area & the rear seats easily fold up for extra storage.

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  Sweet Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sou - February 23 - 1:20 am

  So Far I had a few things to pick about. The van came from another dealership so i really didnt have a choice other then that it was the color that i wanted. 1.scratches here and there inside the van(dealer going to fix that). 2.needed alignment(dealer taking care of that as well. 3.Glove box off alignment(did that myself). All in all the van is really nicer then most in its class.

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  sexy sedan - 2016 Honda Accord
  By gene schiefer - February 22 - 7:38 pm

  Accord EX is like great sex : happily exceeds expectations .. leaving you to want more !

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  Love my Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Mahlon Yoder - February 22 - 5:26 pm

  Love my Honda