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, Great Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mecobb - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one masterful car with a great price tag. With the options on the EX V-6, it could be easily priced at 30K instead of 26K. I am extremely impressed with the handling, braking, and overall performance of this vehicle. The interior is well planned and is very user friendly. The ride is not as appealling as the Toyota Avalon; however, the overall performance is much better in my opinion. This is a solid car with a solid reputation and I would highly recommend test driving the new Accord EX before placing any money on the table.

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  I love this car!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Albert - December 14 - 9:24 am

  After test driving many SUVs I could not believe how this car could have the best road feel, since its shorter then most of the ones I tested. It was not the quietest or the smoothest ride, but by far the one I loved the most. I liked many cars in my 50 years of driving, but this one I LOVE.

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  The Best and Most fun Car !!!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jo Jo - December 14 - 3:56 am

  This is the best car!! It handles GREAT and is great on gas! The design is so sporty and I get compliments everywhere I go! My husband just bought a 2005 Accord fully loaded and still loves to drive my special edition civic. He thinks it handles even better than his! I love my car!!!! It also has a sterio that is chrome! No other honda has this radio! Its gorgeous!

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  Happy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - December 13 - 1:30 am

  Fun to drive. Could use more horsepower. Lots of room inside, but kinda plain. Could use a DVD player in the back, for kids. Havent seen the gas mileage as promised by the salesman, but its still pretty new.

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  My Best Friend - 1996 Honda Accord
  By s.macquaig - December 12 - 10:28 pm

  This is my second Accord, I have 152,000 miles on the present one and I really do not ever want to get rid of it. I have only had to replace batteries and I have been faithful getting timing belt, etc changed on schedule. I was a home health rn. working out in the country and put many miles on it, son had it for 1 semester at college, this car drove me to Florida about 2,000 miles round trip when I evacuated New Orleans from Katrina.I have retired to northern Michigan 3 months ago,and "my best friend" now has nice warm garage and loves to drive on the snow! My son lives here also and after my luck with honda, bought a Honda station wagon from private owner 1984/186,000 mi+ runs like a top.

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  2004 Honda Element EX AWD - 2004 Honda Element
  By Elementary - December 12 - 5:23 pm

  Versatile.Many fact. add-ons (fog lights, tow bar,etc) are overpriced I chose aftermarket ones. Wife & I haul a roof box, bikes, kayak, dog & camp gear all at once. Lots of road noise & seats offer very little back suppport for long trips,yet are versatile. Im unhappy with the syncros/shifting in the manual tranny yet AWD system has been amazing in all conditions.24.8 mpg average.The angle of the windshield makes it prone to rock chips in MN winters. The plastic floor, interior & body panels make for easy cleaning, but scratch easily. Great SUV for GenX outdoor folks that like attention and Honda Reliability. Only problem has been with body panel frame creaks.In time Honda will perfect it!

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  Buy for performance not fuel economy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Gregg021161 - December 12 - 3:01 pm

  I recently bought this model used with only 7200 miles on it. Forget about the 37/29 mpg ratings, I get 20 in the city and 32 when mostly highway driving. But the nice handling and smooth quiet ride made me decide to keep it. I also like the power and many included feature.

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  my 06 honda element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ryan Rice - December 12 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Element in august of 06 and never thought id love it as much as I do. It is so versatile! The element has so much leg room in the front and back seats, I never have a complaint from any of my friends. My favorite feature thought is the folding seats. I have plenty of room for a few sets of golf clubs or when I need to take my bulldog somewhere the fold up seats are perfect bc the cargo area is so huge for her cage to fit into. The element body style is not for everyone I must say. You must be a real fan of boxy SUVs to appreciate the body style. But the interior is something that everyone can appreciate.

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  New Honda Owner - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Stacy White - December 12 - 8:11 am

  Never owned a Honda before. This car is perfect. It rides smoothly, quiet interior, more roomy than one would expect for a small car. It also looks sharp.

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  New Honda Owner - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Stacy White - December 12 - 8:11 am

  Never owned a Honda before. This car is perfect. It rides smoothly, quiet interior, more roomy than one would expect for a small car. It also looks sharp.