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 - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By loveit - October 12 - 1:56 pm

  I have had the car a week and love it. I love the interior features, it drives amazingly. I got more for my dollar compared to Acura, BMW and Lexus.

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  Great Purchase - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fockerRN - October 12 - 10:10 am

  What a great surprise this CR-V is. I was looking for an SUV in the $20K range with a 5-speed and 4-wheel drive. This fit the bill perfectly. It drives just like a car with a commanding seating position. The handling is very car-like and stable; it never feels tippy or anything like that. The interior is much bigger than you would expect from the outside. The backseat is massive, and when you flip the seats away, the cargo area is huge. This is the benchmark for small SUVs. The 5-speed gearbox is slick and precise; there is absolutely no reason to spend $800 on the automatic. Although the overall rating wont come out as a 10, it definetly is a 10

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  This SUV has it all at a very affordable price - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Sciannella - October 12 - 3:46 am

  Cant believe Im averaging 28 mpg in mixed driving. My friend with a RAV4 cant believe how much more technology advanced the CRV is, and how much more comfortable than their RAV4.

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  Best Car I have Every Owns - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sock - October 11 - 7:42 pm

  Im getting a little teary eyed at the thought that I might soon part with my car. At 100K, it runs like a clock. You will never stop being amazed at all the space inside this vehicle no one will feel cramped in the rear seat. The interior is spartan, but does not feel cheap at all. I have a 5 speed, so the 4 cyl engine never bothered me, and I get an MPG in the low to mid 20s despite the AWD. This may be one of the best used car values youll ever find.

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  Kiwi Metallic - 2007 Honda Element
  By theElemenT - October 11 - 3:05 pm

  I love my new Element. It drives and handles so much better than the 2004 Element I traded in. I love the new black utility floor and it is so much easier to get people in the back seats with the seat belts intergrated into the front seats. Im glad Honda gave the Element VSA and side curtain air bags for safety reasons. I can haul my two Saint Bernards with little problems now. The 166-hp is a nice improvement along with the 5-speed auto. I get about 28 on the highway on average and about 25 in the city. Cant wait to see if it handles even better in the snow than my last Element.

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  1996 Honda EX six cylinder - 1996 Honda Accord
  By KenStewart - October 11 - 11:00 am

  This is a great car. Gas mileage is good, about 27 mpg at speeds up to 70 mph. Gas mileage declines above 70mph. ~21 mpg climbing Rocky Mtns @80 mph. Gas mileage is 24-26 mpg in city traffic. Handles well on dry road, wet road, and snow covered roads. Ive driven it through Needles California when the outdoor temperature was 120 degrees F with no problems -- air conditioner functioned well and engine coolant temperature remained normal. Interior is comfortable with four adults. Ride quality is good with 1 to 4 people. Fill the car with 4 people and the trunk with luggage then the car feels heavy.

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  S2000 Its all you need! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By maxfior - October 11 - 9:09 am

  As with most on this site, Ive been working toward this car for about 4 years and I finally got it. It was used, but still under warranty and had low miles. This is BY far the most fun car to drive. There are not too many cars out there that can give you the feeling that this car can. Ask any other S2000 owner and youll see what I mean. Things to watch for are paint chips, rear tire wear and nasty break dust in the front. Ive had very good luck with GoodYear F1 tires, good wet control with plenty of dry grip. I wouldnt trade this car for anything. Many people look at me and ask what sort of car this is... Drop the top, find a nice twisty road and blast!

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  Love my Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HybridFan - October 11 - 5:33 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Civic Hybrid. It has all the great features of the mainline Civic (already the most popular compact car in America) with the added perks of the Hybrid technology. It looks, feels and drives exactly like a traditional Civic model (unlike the quirky Toyota prius model - I feel like Im in a space mobile). I average about 45mpg (in both city/highway driving). The extra money I spent on the Hybrid has already come back to me with my tax credit. On top of this, I feel an extra sense of satisfaction when I make fewer stops at the gas station - which is saving me hundreds of dollars each year. I highly reccommend this vehicle to anyone who is in the market for a new car.

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  2005 Element LX-M - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rick - October 10 - 9:35 pm

  Amazing room, great versatility, lacking in some pick up speed. Miles per gallon could be better. Reliability is bullet-proof, day in day out. Comfort, ride, superior build quality. Easily a 10.

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  3000 mile update - 2006 Honda Civic
  By walter - October 10 - 8:20 pm

  After 3000 miles I am still amazed at the value this car represents. One online reviewer used the word “engaging”, and I can’t think of a better one. If you enjoy being totally engaged in the act of driving, you must have this car. It is quick, it handles very well, it has everything you could want as standard equipment, and even driving with right foot firmly planted on the accelerator we are getting 27 mpg in daily driving and 31 mpg on long trips. We have had only one warranty issue with the car; the dealer installed the 8 disc CD changer incorrectly. It was fixed in 15 minutes when we took it in to have it repaired.