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 with minimal repairs - 1996 Honda Accord
  By cam0175 - March 1 - 1:57 pm

  I got this car when my dad was disabled in 2001. He had kept it in the garage with 7,500 miles. Six years later and 181,500 miles later (it has 189,000 now...mostly highway miles) the car has held up. I just replaced the struts and rotors and got new brakes. I also did the usual coolant change and transmission fluid change and had to replace two cv joints. The engine seems to purr now, I guess it is just breaking in! I plan on driving this thing for a long time. The body is in excellent conditions with one scratch and a small ding and the paint still shines when I wash her. I plan on seeing if this things will last me for another 80,000 miles.

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  Love love love this great family suv - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Ashley flood - March 1 - 11:29 am

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  Good for all uses - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By suzanne - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving the car and have had no problems with it. Good reliability in all aspects. Drove it to the east coast the week after purchasing it and got wonderful mileage on toll roads. Driving the speed limit and with minimal traffic I got 26-27 mpg. Love the car.

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  2007 Big Improvement Over 2004 - 2007 Honda Element
  By kcbrooksider - March 1 - 8:59 am

  I traded my 2004 Element for a 2007. I was surprised at how much better the 2007 edition is. It is a nicer and safer vehicle to drive. Even with the opportunity to get a different vehicle, the decision was easy to buy another Element. The 2004 was great. Its amazing the things I hauled in that vehicle: a refrigerator, 40 bags of mulch, two love seats...each time with the rear hatch closed.

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  I love my Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By poppyjim - March 1 - 5:46 am

  I drive my Honda Civic Hybrid like any standard vehicle. It performs very well, more than I expected. It has very good pickup from a standing start. My gas mileage averages out at 46 mpg by the way that I drive it. I find that the best mileage occurs when I keep it at or below 60 mph. My highest fuel mileage that I have gotten with it was 59.2 mpg. When I want to get a true gas mileage reading I always fill it the same way each time til the gas can be seen at the top of the filler tube. This vehicle is comfortable and handles very nice and I really appreciate it for the peace of mind I have when I pull into the pumps. I love my Hybrid.

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  good car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By bconn - February 28 - 9:10 pm

  Just bought this car. Used to have Toyota. Went with Honda due to Toyota problems. Overall good car. A little bumpy ride but will get used to it. came from corolla which had smoother ride.

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  Feel like a kid again - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ed.Chicago - February 28 - 7:23 pm

  Love this car, would cry if something happened to it. Feel like Im in high school again with my first car. Great acceleration, huge cargo space when rear seats are folded down, rally shifter works wonderfully, good stock radio and lots of aftermarket parts if you ever want to go faster. Feels a lot faster than 160 Hp, think they under- rated the engine.

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  Extended the lease - 2003 Honda S2000
  By DaDeacons - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  Hot wheel stickers are on the rockers in front of the back wheel because its Yellow and Hot. Ive driven this roadster for 4yrs and yes in the snow too! If the snow isnt too deep it goes like a 4x4. This yeller car is the most fun Ive had driving. Having driven everything else that goes fast this car is an everyday rush! 55000 miles and no problems. The most "attracting" car to the public that I have ever owned. The engine is bullet proof and 70 mph is all I have ever taken it to. It corners like a yellow Twinkie on rails. I personally think its powerful enough and boogies when I wind her up. I told myself to never fall in love with my cars but this love is a marriage made in heaven!

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  LOVE IT!!! Handles like a BMW. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By c2mlp - February 28 - 2:50 pm

  I recently bough this CR-V EX-L (with nav.) Although great handling, it does have a stiff ride, and the four cylinder engine is a joke. Fuel efficiency was not a deciding factor when purchasing. Honda really should offer an optional six cylinder for the people driving on the highways often.

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  X-B - 2006 Honda Accord
  By X-B - February 28 - 7:33 am

  The new 06 model is simply slick and look much more dynamic than the last model.