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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  Love it! - 2006 Honda Element
  By s a jollensten - July 26 - 7:43 pm

  The car is comfortable, fun to drive, great gas mileage and the XM radio is a must! Great for trips to the market, the beach, the lumber store. I cant say enough nice things about it! I am sold, and some of my friends are sold too. Did I mention it has loads of head room and is so easy to find a parking place for!

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  Love my Kiwi Green Toaster - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jimpete - July 26 - 10:41 am

  Wow! Had for approx two weeks now and have had a fairly long road trip 4 hrs. Love the comfort, style most and not to mention the stereo, it rocks! I traded in my 06 Honda Civic. It was a nice car, but the seats were very uncomfortable and couldnt house the pup so it had to go. Its fun and I enjoy it.

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  No Longer Boxed-In - 2006 Honda Element
  By Elementary - July 25 - 6:01 pm

  Recently purchased 06 EX-P AWD, AT. Put on 400+ miles the first weekend, including a day of hiking, venturing on dirt roads & a night of sleeping. Sleeping on seats is comfortable on back or side. I suppose sleeping on the cargo area with therma-mats would also work. Floor is great, mud can be wiped out with a sponge. Traded in an 05 Mazda 3 hatchback for more room & more abilty to get outdoors and easiness to clean. Love the body colored side panels, too bad they came one year later! Lots of available options for the outdoors. Lots of head & leg room, cant believe its considered a "compact" SUV. Built for outdoor use or as a daily driver.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jennifer Zaudtke - July 25 - 3:12 am

  We test drove the 2017 EX-L 4WD, but ended up buying the 2WD instead. There was no noticeable difference. And, given the area we live in, wed rather save the money.

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  nice - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By big ragoo - July 25 - 12:26 am

  The ride on this minivan is excellent. it floats on the road it reminds me of my 1992 Cadillac Fleetwwod Brougham. Excellent for families with little children. Fun to drive for a minivan. I never thought I would like it so much.

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  My Insight Driving Expirence - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Andrew J - July 24 - 9:53 pm

  I drive mainly on interstate highway. My commute to work is about 96 miles round trip, all but 10miles are super highway. The vehicle has nearly 115,000 miles with an overall average mpg of 64.3. I havent had any problems with the car and have replaced 4 tires once, and the front brakes just once. Because of the conditions of our Mass highways, I have had to replace the windshield twice and will need to replace it a third time before the next inspection. My Insight is a 5 speed manual with air conditioning.

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  Comfortable and a workhorse - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Debra - July 24 - 7:45 pm

  I have always liked my Honda Pilot, but a recent long trip really showed what this car can do. I had a class-3 trailer hitch installed and pulled a 6x12 U-haul trailer full of furniture and household goods from New Orleans to New York City. My Pilot had no trouble pulling this load in the mountains or in the city. It was my first time to pull a trailer, but I felt safe with my Pilot. I was warned to watch the temperature gauge in the mountains, but the needle never wavered off the "normal" level. Going down mountains with that heavy trailer behind me, I put the Pilot in D3 and never had to touch my brakes to keep my speed down. The Pilot really performed well for me on this trip.

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  I love my CR-Vs - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By THE g man - July 24 - 7:38 pm

  This is my second CR-V. I put 210,000 on the first one in about 6 years. The car cost me about $1500 in repairs over those 6 years. I do my own brakes and oil changes. Im still using the original rotors which are level and smooth as can be. Ive had only minor engine problems and use the car to deliver my mail route of 31 miles, 6 days a week. I love both my CR-Vs, they are the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Wonderful Element ... a joy to own and drive - 2006 Honda Element
  By spg - July 24 - 7:26 pm

  The Element has been a true joy to drive, to and from work every day plus a 3600 mile trip when I had had the car only a month and a half! My 80 year old mother said that it is one of the most comfortable vehicles which she has travelled in on a vacation. I am very satisfied I feal that the value received is well worth the price.

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  Strong Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Barton - July 24 - 6:20 pm

  I cannot say enough good things about Honda in general. With that said, they Element is a beast of a truck/car/suv, too much storage, extremely roomy interior, especially for tall people. Im 65" and have tons of headroom and legspace! Runs flawlessy!