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 Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bigsr120 - September 17 - 12:03 pm

  I previously drove a 2004 Honda EX CR-V on a lease, which I turned in about four months ago. I purchased the 2008 EX CR-V about four weeks ago and absolutely love it. It is so much better than my previous SUV in comfort, ergonomics, technology, and overall style. I am averaging approximately 24 MPG, in mixed city/highway driving. My 04 CR-V was a pleasure to drive, but this total redesign really blows it away. The safety features are terrific with full side curtain and seat side airbags. With included traction control and vehicle stability assist, I feel so much safer driving this completely redesigned version. The CR-V handles nimbly, rides smoothly, and is much quieter than my 2004 CR-V.

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  2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JG - September 17 - 10:53 am

  The 2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe is a real bargain for an under $25,000 car. I never tire from driving it. The seats are pleasing to look at; however, I sometimes have a difficult time finding a comfortable seating position. Below 5,800 rpms there is not much power. I usually reach i-VTEC in first and second gear, but that is usually it unless I want to obtain a speeding ticket. On the streets I have only been able to redline the car in first gear because it already brings me to 55 mph. Honda should increase the power, so it can be accessible earlier. The transmission is smooth, and I am able to shift the gears effortlessly although fifth and sixth gears are mostly useless.

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  2006 honda Element 5 speed 4wd - 2006 Honda Element
  By Christina - September 17 - 10:34 am

  I really loved my 2006 Element until gas prices started to go up and the 2007 models came out with the seat belt attached to the seat instead of the back door. How ever I love the honeycomb grill on mine compared to the newer models and the ease of cleaning the interior.

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  I THINK I downsized - 2008 Honda Element
  By rick259g - September 17 - 9:57 am

  bought this Element "downsizing" from a Ford Explorer with 186k miles. I have more legroom, better road visibility, passengers in back seats have more legroom than in the Explorer. Pep seems better than the heavy v6 Explorer. The gas mileage has been upsized from 15-16 MPG for the Explorer to 23-25 with the Element. Im glad I "downsized".

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  My SC - 2008 Honda Element
  By Anthony - September 17 - 9:35 am

  I work for Honda. i had my choice of any of the models that Honda has. I chose the element for many reason. Looks, style, diverse interior, upscale interior are just a few. I can honestly say that after 6 months I am still as happy as i was the day i bought it.

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  Almost 4 yrs later and going strong. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By michelleinmo - September 17 - 8:23 am

  Have leased this vehicle for nearly 4 yrs now and its been pretty good! No mechanical issues or anything and at 42K miles its still going strong. We are upgrading to a new 2009 Pilot and Ill miss the zippiness of my CR- V! What I wont miss is the discomfort of the drivers seat. I cant get any lumbar support and the seats just seem small. My son sits in his car seat forward facing in the back passenger side and therefore the passenger seat needs to be nearly all the way forward in the front, total pain. Love all the cargo space!

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  An affordable Honda Accord - VP - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ted Detjen - September 17 - 5:03 am

  We began our search for a car by looking at Honda Civics but discovered that the Value Package Honda Accord cost only a few hundred dollars more. It comes with many useful features including remote entry, an anti-theft system, cruise control, a CD/radio, a maintenance minder system, a peppy 4 cylinder engine with a smooth five speed transmission, air conditioning, lights in the glovebox and trunk, anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and power windows.

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  Mysteriously Cracked windshield cannot be replaced - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Joanne - September 17 - 3:34 am

  Honda failed to make enough replacements for the 2016 Civic windshield which dealer and glass companies tell me could take up to six months to manufacture and replace . UNACCEPTABLE HONDA! Car was purchased with summer road trips in mind which are not now possible. No known rock or debris impact -windshield just cracked one day and huge cracks continue to spread into driver field of vision making this a SAFETY ISSUE . Very disapointed! Car was not inexpensive . HONDAs lack of foresight in manufacturing replacement parts is disturbing AND shows lack of concern for product reliability or consumer safety .

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  53,000 BUMPY miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmart - September 16 - 9:28 pm

  Have had my CIVIC LX for 28 months/ 53,000 miles on odometer. As mentioned in my previous entries the car still rides roughly even on new tires. Rattles in dash, rear deck area. WHY does this car have SO MUCH ROAD NOISE? Clunky transmission-still-now has a new whine to it. Still gets approx 34 MPG, though. KBB, NADA, Black Book value ahead of my pay off. Im proud of that. Thinking of 09 Corolla.

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  civic 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic - September 16 - 8:20 pm

  I like this car a lot! I just bought it about 3 weeks ago and I couldnt have chosen a better vehicle. Its very sporty looking. Ive gotten so many compliments from people. The only bad side is that at night while driving, theres a glare on the windshield from the blue light (how fast youre driving). Other than that its a great car that will hold its value!