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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  Breat Van ISO Better Breaks - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By k9chita - October 6 - 12:34 pm

  The Honda Odyssey EX-L is a great buy. I love the DVD, CD Changer, Wireless Head Phones, Heated Leather Seats, etc. The only thing i would add to this impressive vehicle in better stopping power. The breaks are adequate at best.

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  No Disappointment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By sae185628 - October 6 - 11:23 am

  I traded in my truck in order to get better gas mileage. I have not been disappointed at all. I average 27 mpg for city and 31 mpg on the highway. And believe me that I am hard on vehicles, taking corners at higher speeds than one should, speeding, etc. This car has been nothing but impressive from my standpoint. I have had no issues with it and it has over 24,000 miles.

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  Typical Honda quality - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jerry2 - October 5 - 10:50 pm

  I had to add a trailer hitch by the dealer (I needed it to tow my 2005 Goldwing) and I had to buy a real spare tire (I will buy a better quality of tire when I replace these Goodyears) and rear mud flaps. With that said, it is an outstanding running car. Most of the time it is in the eco mode (3 cyclinders). The visibility is outstanding (it is my wifes car). The GPS is great and so is the XM stations. I miss the automatic seat adjustments that my Acura has. Honda could add a few little items that would make their customers happier without stepping on their Acura brand

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  Worst Car I Ever Bought..... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sheri - October 5 - 11:42 am

  I caution anyone considering buying this car. I bought the car brand new relying on Hondas history. The transmission suddenly blew up at 80K. I did every scheduled maintenance and more on the car. I contact the Honda dealership where I bought it and they offered to replace the transmission for $5500 or sell me a new 2009. I walked out of the dealership, sold the car and bought a BMW. Never again will I buy a HONDA.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2004 Honda Element
  By aschulze2001 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We test drove the Scion xB, Toyota Matrix, Subaru Forester and Element. The Subaru was the smoothest ride, BUT it sits low like a car and handles like a car. The storage options inside are limited. We chose the Element because we need a small city car with lots of hauling capacity for my husbands music equipment. All his equipment fits easily in the E and the E is small and easy to park. We like how you sit very high in the E and have a wide view out the windshield. Visbility is great. You can also fold up or remove the rear seats for plenty of storage. We got the EX model for the Side Air bags. Though crash tests are impressive, side crash test scores were poor without side air bags.

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  Solid - 2001 Honda Civic
  By wildkard58 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my familys 5th Honda (4 Civics) and we are not disappointed. We knew what we were getting. Of course we could have saved $3K-$4K buying a Sunfire\Cavailier or Hyundai but the resale, reliability and quality is not even close to the Civic. Not a problem from day one. For road trips, this may not be the ideal car but itll be good on gas. On the performance side the 1.7 4 banger is lacking a bit in power and performance compared to competition (Mazda3, etc.). Just imagine the Civic with the Accord or CRV 4 cyclinder engine.....are you listening Honda?

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  14k paid, but worth much more - 2005 Honda Civic
  By akhdz - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2nd Honda a month ago, and I am completley satisfied. Excellent build quality, refinement, A/C, CD player all for 14.5k. Steady 33 MPG in heavy city driving. ANYBODY who is on a budget (like me!) and can spend 14k or so on a new car, this is the only choice. With gas going to $2.00 a gallon, Honda has continued to refine an inexpensive yet stylish(for the price) car. Many of my co-workers want to know what kind of milage I get; I tell them 33-35mpg, they cant beleive it. Many of them spend more on gas a month than I do on my monthly payment.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Esplin - October 5 - 9:00 am

  I liked the looks of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. I test drove it and bought it the next day. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned and driven, and I have owned quite a few in my lifetime. I never get tired of driving it and having people look at it. I guess you could say that I feel "proud" when I am driving it. I feel safe in it and know that the Ridgeline will take good care of me if I am ever in an accident. With all the airbags and the superior frame design, I know this is a very safe vehicle to drive

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  May new Honda CRV EXL Is Somewhat Of A Disapointme - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - October 5 - 7:10 am

  My new 2017 Honda CRV EXL is somewhat of a disappointment because : A. It didn’t come with roof rails and crossbars, B. Back window on rear hatch doesn’t open, C. I don’t like there climate control , when using autostart during the winter at times my fan speed that I set on high does not always engage on high. I’ve called Honda Customer Service in the past about goodwilling and installing new roof rails and crossbars and the person I spoke with could care less telling me that it was my problem. All CRV’s should come with a roof rack especially if the rear window doesn’t open.

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  Always reliable! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - October 5 - 1:13 am

  I love this car! Granted, its not the fastest thing on the road, but it may be the most reliable. For the price, I dont believe you will find a nicer interior design. The main reasons I went with the Civic was reliability/price/fuel economy. So far it has either met or exceeded my expectations.