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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  A little disappointed - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Doug - August 17 - 10:48 am

  I love the car, the design, comfort and reliability, but am only getting between 38 - 43 MPG. Not bad, but was expecting a lot better. I have tried to drive conservatively, but still got less than 43 in city driving. Highway seems to do better, but most of my driving is in traffic. So a little disappointed in the fuel efficiency, but overall I am enjoying the car.

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  Toms Island Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Tom on the Island - August 17 - 10:00 am

  To whom this may concern: First of all, after owning 20 cars since high school, my New Honda Element, EX 2wd, has to be the best car Ive ever had the oportunity to own/drive, show off! I live in Newport Beach, on Balboa Island. The popularity of the Element is really starting to show, The first of Feb, I was one of only two Element owners, here on the island, now its hard to keep up with all the new ones. The look, the "second" looks you get when driving, and all the questions about the rear suicide doors, I havent run into ANYONE who dislikes it. My biggest regret, this car didnt come in RED (bright Honda Red).Keep up the great work at Honda!! TOM

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  great car....especially for the money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tpaschall - August 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a little over a month ago, so obviously we dont have much to say about reliability. But, this is a great car. First of all, its beautiful (we got it in the green). Also, it has a very smooth ride, especially for a smaller engine. It accelerates very well, has an amazing turning radius, and gets amazing gas mileage. I LOVE the inside of it, very nice and sleek and uncluttered.

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  2007 Accord EX-L - Great Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Chris - August 17 - 9:53 am

  I purchased this Accord a little over a month ago. I usually dont write reviews but wanted to tell everybody about what a great car this really is. Where to begin: 1) The seats are incredibly comfortable 2) All the controls are exactly in the right places 3) probably the best navigation system I have ever used 4)Smooth and quiet ride 5) 4 cyl provides more than enough power - unless you love speed, lol. I test drove the following cars before settling on the Accord: 07 Camry, 07 Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Maxima, Acura TSX. All those cars were great but there was also something that didnt sit well with me. The Accord fit perfectly. Ive owned many cars and this is my fav!

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kristen - August 17 - 4:40 am

  I love my car! Ive had it for 2 months now. Great pickup - handles great - even the windsheild wipers slow down when you are at a stop light.

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  Civic EX in Galaxy Gray - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kate - August 17 - 12:43 am

  Although I have only driven my car for a short period of time I have already fallen in love with it. I previously owned a limited edition 2005 VW Jetta GLI, but due to fuel economy and no auxiliary input I got rid of it. This civic is great. This car has the best stock radio system I have ever heard...I didnt even have to put in an aftermarket sub and amp to get the bass that I wanted.

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  3rd Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LoveMyAccord - August 16 - 9:40 am

  I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for something FUN to drive!

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  Great ride, interior problems - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jon - August 16 - 5:03 am

  Purchased Accord 4 months ago. Beautifully smooth ride. Powerful for a i4, get manual transmission to truly appreciate. Problem with interior fabric quality. Wearing of seats and arm rests apparent after only 1500 miles! Honda will replace under warranty, others have reported same problem with new 2006 fabric. Beyond that car is a dream, smooth, powerful, refined, and perky. Roomy enough for 5 six foot tall adults with no complaints. My girlfriend has a 2006 Camry and loves the sportiness and comfort of my Accord. Camry and Accord are like night and day in terms of ride. Camry is built for pedestrian driving while Accord can really hug the turns and accelerate in traffic.

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  More that we expected! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By WJM - August 16 - 3:39 am

  Having owned only Acura for the past 11 years (MDX and TSX), decided to replace the TSX for a smaller SUV. RDX was tops on our list along with the Mercedes, Lexus and BMW small SUV examples. After test driving all and researching ownership history comments, we decided to purchase the CRV Touring AWD model. Very comfortable for both my wife and I. She being 5 ft. and me at 6 ft., first time she did not have to place a pillow under her "bu" to adjust for height. For me, having more headroom than all of the other vehicles under consideration was a real surprise. We love the shifter knobs placement (leaves more room between front seats unlike the long console found in most vehicles.) I will admit that we had to purchase the top end of the CRV line to have the power rear lift gate button, Hondas Sensing package and AWD, but we saved as much as $14,000 considering the other vehicles. We have not sensed any transmission vibration whatsoever. Acceleration is great. LKAS, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure along with the AWD is a very high end suite of technologies and not something I expected for a CRV, but only available in the Touring model. Resale value is superb. Some of the negative elements are radio; the sound sucks. Unable to adjust. Very disappointing and an easy factory fix if Honda was serious about sound. (Side note is that my MDX radio sucks as well. TSX is the best of all three IMHO); Just dont understand why they would skimp on this. Technology challenges: Becoming familiar with all of the electronic features has been truly very challenging. Text messaging/Email phone feature very impressive, but it will take you awhile to figure out how to set all of the electronic features to work as you wish. Honda Connect, Honda AHA etc., instructions are mind numbing to get up and going correctly. The Honda Support line folks have been excellent and really take the time to work with you live, in the vehicle, to set everything up so without these folks, my rating would have been less. Patience is key here or you will wish you never purchased this vehicle. Would have like a backup sensor beep for objects in rear. Again, not sure why Honda skimped on this very important safely feature. Overall, with the exception of the electronic setup challenges and understanding how all of the features connect, you will love this automobile. BTW.. You will be able to disconnect the Adaptive Cruise Control feature to have standard Cruise Control if you drive around town more than on the highway. No one at the dealer or on the phone could figure this out for me, but I finally did on my own. Press the ACC button for one second and you will be able to use Standard Cruise Control. Press button again to return back to ACC for long distance driving. AWD on this vehicle is awesome. Would like to see an electronic display of the AWD in motion like my MDXs SHAWD, but it is what it is for 20K less! :)

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  Just the Best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bern - August 16 - 3:23 am

  It has been 10 years since I owned my last Honda Accord and I wonder why I ever strayed, I felt comfortable the minute I sat in my new Accord. It handles and corners on a dime, it is just so responsive. Ive had 29 miles to the gallon, which I did not expect. Trunk space , leg room, luxurious interior, fabulous resale value.What more can anyone ask?....maybe four wheel drive. Well, cant have everything.