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:

• 

  FANTASTIC SUV!!! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Stephanie - November 27 - 10:54 pm

  I absolutely love my CR-V! I have had it for 4 years and put almost 100K on it with only changing the tires. Zero mechanical problems and great gas mileage. I am getting rid of mine only because it lacks power and I live in the mountains...it is great on flat ground but it is a little challenged going up steep hills it makes a lot of noise but little acceleration. AWD is great in the snow/ice!! This is a perfect entry level SUV for someone who wants something bigger than a car but doesnt need a lot of power (small engine gets much better gas mileage :)

• 

  mild to wild....270k mi later - 1992 Honda Accord
  By MikeyMeyagi - November 27 - 9:26 pm

  i got my accord for free from a buddy that was going into the marines. it had been neglected and abused, with 237k on it when i got it. still ran great and drove great. i liked it so much that i completely rebuilt it from the ground up. new paint, new interior, new suspension and brake systems, and a 430 hp turbocharged engine.seeing the look on peoples faces when this car will keep up with, or beat their much more expensive sports cars is priceless.

• 

  Drive Great - Not Japanese Anymore - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jim H - November 27 - 5:33 am

  The Honda Accord is a blast to drive, and gets reasonable, if not great, mileage. Cost to own will be in line with Hondas of the past. Honda stands behind their cars, but I did NOT expect to find any Honda that had problems direct from the factory. My car had major window seal leaks, and water in the car after the first rain. The dealership promptly fixed, but left an indelible impression on my opinion of their manufacturing process, which in my previous 3 Accords and 1 Civic were NEVER at issue. Well see. Overall, an excellent car, and I hope to be able to write a different opinion as this car ages a bit. Jim, in Shawnee, KS

• 

  North Country - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By North of 55 - November 26 - 12:31 pm

  I have now owned this car for one full year and used it thru 2 Canadian winters as well as one vacation trip thru the Rocky Mountains. Love this car. Great for snow and ice conditions, and most importantly its gets WARM quickly in the winter (Im talking -30 here). This is my first Japanese car and Im very impressed with the quality.

• 

  Perfect gas-miser/weekend racer - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mbratton - November 26 - 10:56 am

  I loved the Mugen from the first time I saw it on the showroom floor -- I knew I had to have it. Sure, its way more than the base Si, but a test drive of the two will let anyone know that the money was well spent on the suspension and wheels/tires. The looks I could care less about, but the handling is absolutely superb! Ride is harsh, as you would expect from a sports car, but the gas mileage is amazingly good (about 26 mpg in 100% city for me, even with "spirited driving"). The only cons for me are the lack of nav and the fact that its a car that must be parked "out of the way" so as to avoid vandalism/theft.

• 

  I Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By LGale - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is extremely fun to drive. It has been wonderful in bad weather. The vehicle has a lot of storage room and our family of 4 fits in the vehicle very well.

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - November 25 - 7:08 pm

  This is by far the best car/truck I have ever owned. The build quality is great, the interior is top-notch, the truck drives on the highway like a luxury car. Gas mileage is OK, but not great. I have towed a large trailer 1100 miles, no problems. There is not a comparable vehicle out there.

• 

  Surprised Happy Owner - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Alson Chin - November 25 - 6:09 pm

  The Civic is much more luxurious than I expect. The cabin is very quiet, something you would find in a more expensive car. It has a blind side camera, so when want turn right or make a lane change to right, the blind spot on passenger side pops up on the led screen. Very handy in the city, when there are bicyclist in your blind spot. Over all very happy with the purchase.

• 

  I am in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sue - November 25 - 4:21 pm

  I bought someones deal gone bad so I got some toys I might not have added to the vehicle, but I am glad I have them now. It is fun to drive. The manual shift lever is very handy (short throw)- positioned like a sports car. I love being high off the road and everyone is AMAZED at the room inside it. I use it for moving around displays and large boxes in my business.

• 

  2003 Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bob Berry - November 25 - 2:49 pm

  Love My Element!!! I Knew Honda would Ultimately offer painted fenders. Mine were added in 2003!!