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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  Really Dont Like It - 2008 Honda Element
  By JustCC - October 9 - 9:51 pm

  All the stuff I have in it slides all over the place (nothing slides in our Suburban), the seats hurt my butt and back, the headrests puts my head in a weird position, Ive had two very minor fender benders at very low speeds and each one has resulted in mega repair bills because if the front touches anything it caves in. The paint on the cladding chips easily. Small gas tank means more frequent fill ups, rattles, I hate hate hate having to get out of the car to close the back windows.

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  The Fit fits. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Kristin - October 9 - 5:03 pm

  I have had my Fit for 3 months now, its my first new car and I love it. It fits so easily into tight parking spots, can turn in incredibly small areas and has plenty of room on the inside! However, I am only getting about 20-22 mpg.. WAY less than was advertised and the front lower spoiler that comes standard on the sport is too low. It scrapes whenever I have to go in or out of a driveway unless I am creeping very slowly, which doesnt work if I am entering or crossing traffic. But all in all I love my Fit, it is much superior to my 98 Saturn that I was driving. I would suggest this car to anyone who enjoys driving and often find themselves with a car full of people

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  Great Mini, - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerry - October 9 - 12:53 pm

  Prior Toyota Sienna owner. Sienna was good but like the Honda better, due to the handling ease, space utilization. A lot of whining about the fuel consumption. We get just about what EPA states. If you want fuel economy buy a Honda Civic or Fit. You cannot expect great fuel economy in a 4500 LB vehicle.

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  A Good Car to Own - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Good Pick! - October 9 - 5:24 am

  My Wife and I made a decision when we discovered another child was on the way, that we should get the family a new car. We sold our 2001 Hyundai 300 XL and purchased a 2007 EX-L AWD CRV. We had averaged around 21 mpg with the Hyundai and are now averaging 24 mpg with the Honda. The quality craftsmanship difference for the Honda vs Hyundai is huge. You get what you pay for. I feel much better knowing my wife and two daughters are safe with a very reliable car to transport them throughout their weekly routine. I wish the Honda had more power, but with todays fuel prices the fuel economy is more important. My wife had owned a Prelude before we were married, so shes a Honda Gal anyway

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  My Last Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Landfear - October 9 - 1:47 am

  This is my fourth crv, and Honda has ruined it. It vibrates, hesitates, and has a general lack of power. The trim and interior look cheap and the new electronics suck. The superficial design flaws completely obscure the fundamental design flaws. I will be dumping this piece of garbage as soon as I can, as Honda will only fix problems that are life threatening.

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  Homeowners Vehicle of Choice - 2008 Honda Element
  By Dominik - October 8 - 10:55 pm

  Ive owned an 06 Element and now just bought an 08. From road trips with the dogs to hauling 4x6 wood posts and 4x8 plywood back from Lowes in the same load this vehicle has done everything Ive wanted it to do. I always remove the backseats out of my Elements, it makes things easier to clean and get in and out of. I treat it like a covered pickup with really good fuel economy.

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  Love It But - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Love It But - October 8 - 10:03 pm

  Bought Van from dealer used with 110,000 miles, bought used Japanese before with over 40000 in the past. Excellent mpg on hwy of 27 mpg. Im big, fits me well, tons of room for passengers and stuff. CD went out, a/c went out, remote doors to not work all the time, sliding driver door will not lock automatically, transmission went out 170,000. 2 friends Odyssey trans went out at 99,000. Rubber timing belts in Van changed at 115,000, had 2 Toyota vans, only changed oil, never any problems drove to 220,000 miles, this one at 215,000 no a/c toime to change timing belts, wonder if transmission will last still like handling, roominess, but can trust Honda, new vans seem worst.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Brian - October 8 - 8:53 pm

  I would buy it again, no buyers remorse at all. My main complaint is that Honda still does not make an SUV as good looking as the domestics.

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  Oklahoma Square Root - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By J. D. Carter - October 8 - 6:46 pm

  Having never owned an SUV before, I truly enjoy the driving experience of the new 2007 CR-V. To go from an 03 Civic to the 07 CR-V is nice and I love the higher view of the road.

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  Final Vehicle! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Seagrave - October 8 - 12:51 pm

  As a retirement purchase this likely will be our last new car purchase. We researched and test drove 6 different SUVs before settling on this one. Easy to get in and out of, understandable modern technology, comfortable seats and ride, great visibility, and lots of standard "options" included in the package. Honda got this one right.