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 - 2006 Honda Element
  By black - April 8 - 10:46 pm

  Its a bit ugly, but a lot of fun. Exterior design is bad, but great inside. Low MPG because its tall, but its a quality car. The way the doors open sometimes bothers me, especially when getting other passengers in a tight parking space. Great engine, floor surface and seats. Far from perfect, but worth the experience of owning one.

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  Just purchased - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rgw - April 8 - 11:36 am

  Hard riding on all but smooth roads especially back seat. Front seats well adjustable.

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  Cant Beat It! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By LuvMyHonda - April 7 - 7:13 pm

  Absolutely terrific family vehicle, especially with 2 young boys who are only growing. We finally took it on a longer trip this past weekend with the grandparents as well, and all 6 of us were very comfortable during the trip. Hard to beat the value when compared to other mini vans and some SUVs. We compared it to our friends LX470, which is 2x as expensive. Only things that vehicle had on our Odyssey - 4 wheel drive, the DVD system, and silly wood grain accents.

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  Happy with my Civic :) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Step-Mom - April 7 - 3:26 pm

  Bought this car to replace my 03 Accord that was totaled in an accident. Was considering a new Accord, but the price of Accords have gone up from when I purchased my 03. And I was looking for a car with better gas mileage than the current Accord. I decided to give the Civic a chance. Im glad I did! I loved this car from my first test drive. It is surprisingly roomy and has a peppy engine---acceleration is more than adequate. I have only owned this car for 1 month. 3 tanks of gas with gas mileage slowly improving from 28 to 29, to 30. This is with my A/C on ALL the time (in 100+ degrees) and with mixed highway/city driving. I am sure gas mileage will improve.

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  This is Elementary dear Watson - 2007 Honda Element
  By Ted - April 7 - 11:22 am

  The Element has most beautiful interior (extreme?). I like especially the heavy-duty flooring, removable back seats and the fabric . Element is a very agile little SUV, it has an excellent transmission. I really appreciate Honda for placing polymer panels in places where Hondas notoriously rust and get bumped - the fenders, front and back over bumpers and thresholds. Element is very roomy car, it handles very nicely and I love its boxy Lego-like looks. My element likes to sip the gas though, I wonder why. But since it has 75 cubic feet cargo room it is not a tragic situation. All things considered, the Element offers excellent value for the dollar and I am extremely happy.

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  My 1st car in 40 years - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Greg West - April 7 - 10:22 am

  I should have bought a Honda along time ago.

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  9 years old and still running great - 1993 Honda Accord
  By MD Tran - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car! The exterior is still in great shape, the design itself is holding up pretty well although the front seems to be aging better than the back of the car. Interior is well- thought out with plenty of places to place your things and easy to use controls. Even though the engine is a 4 cylinder, it has good pickup and handling is simple and nice.

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  Still a honda fan - 1995 Honda Civic
  By wgt - April 7 - 10:00 am

  this is our second honda, and we love it. It runs great, drives and rides great, and is just great in general. The cup holder placing is kind of lame, though, but otherwise its just right.

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  Cdn Dealer Invoice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By TJ of Calgary - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Spent the past many weeks searching reviews, and test driving vehicles. Drove the Escape, Vue and CRV. Honda ended up being the lowest cost, packed with the most features and best fuel economy. Found that by purchasing the vehicle outside Calgary in High River, I saved over $1,000 on the best price any local dealer would provide. Used carcostcanada.com and paid the subscription fee to find the actual dealer invoice. For $50, it saved me over $1,500!!! Also found that demand at Saturn is very high, so they are not motivated to deal on trades or price.

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  The Honda Accord SE Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By A D - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most fun cars to drive. It comes with Hondas reliabilty and great handling. The fuel economy on the 4 cylinder is great. The car doesnt have the nip of the V6 but still delivers reasonable performance out of the 150 HP VTEC engine. In short, it is a real sweet car for its price