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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  cute and functional - 2004 Honda Element
  By jrjr - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element to replace a Jeep pickup truck. It has exceeded my expectations. I find it to be well built and functional inside and out. Since it has only a four cylinder I wish it got better gas mileage. I also wish it had a six cylinder. I would definitely buy it again. My wife does not like to drive it only because she says it lacks power. Please note that she drives a Buick Regal GS with a super charged engine. We have taken it on a 1,200 mile round vacation and it was extremely comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By sd brownie - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Got my new Ele last month and cant say enough good about it. As a prior Honda owner (98 Accord lx v6), and still have it, I knew the Ele would be a great car. I wanted an suv type vehicle, but with good gas milage and lower insurance costs. I have to say I get 23-25 mpg in the city and about 28-30 on the highway. Great job Honda, keep up the good work, Ill be a customer for life.

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  My Wonderful Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By honda gal - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first honda (but NOT) my last. The car is beautiful inside and out. Roomy in front as well as back and trunk. The heaters in the leather seats are wonderful. The car handles well in rain and snow. I cannot imagine driving anything else. I would recommend this car to first time buyers in a minute. Thanks HONDA!

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  Dependable, enjoyable and quick - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ODS - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Honda Accord Coupe. My last Honda was a 1998 Honda Accord Sedan (4 cyl), Wow what adifference. It has jumped 10 years ahead in style and performance. This is an exceptional car for the price. I am well pleased.

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  Elementary Perfection - 2008 Honda Element
  By Roadkill - August 24 - 9:00 am

  Overall, the Element is exactly what I have been needing for years. The quality of build is exceptional with the ride and handling as I expected. Before purchasing, I read numerous reviews and so far no surprises. It handles the winding backroads to work with ease and gas mileage is as advertised.

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  Transmission failure after 15,000 miles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chad - August 24 - 7:05 am

  We leased our 2015 CRV for the fact we liked the new body style and the fuel economy was great. We leased for wife to drive and this gave me the peice of mind that the services would all be done at the dealership and she was in good hands. All was well with the suv, we drove it from ohio to florida and back for vacation and it had great fuel economy. However on our next trip to Tennessee we had major transmission problems over 100 miles away from home. On the way I was driving and noticed that the rpms would increase and decrease rapidly. I thought maybe some bad gas was causing the issue and stopped to assess the problem. At idle the car was fine and as I increased the throttle there were no issues. Back on the road about 15 miles and the car seemed to get worse rpms surging. We decided to turn back and limp it home to the dealership we bought it from. About 20 miles heading back the shifts got worse and the D light on the dash starts to flash. I immediately pulled over and safely got to a gas station. By the time I pulled into the gas station the rpms were at 4000 just to get the car to move a little and you could here squelling from the transmission. 3hrs later (I forgot to mention my wife was 4 months pregnant and very emotional as the trip was for valentines weekend) we got the car to the nearest dealership to assess the transmission. The CRV only has close to 15,000 miles on it and the codes thrown for the transmission were showing total failure. We tried to get a rental from the dealership, but we didnt have honda care just 24hr roadside assistance so they said no coverage. After many calls to our dealership and the 24 hr roadside assistance (got hung up on a couple times by them) we decided to give up on them. The dealership we were at helped us get a good rate on a rental that WE paid for and decided not to have the car ruin our valentines weekend and I am actually writing this review in Tennessee. I have been a honda fan as they usually have great cars (I have the ridgeline), but I think they may have tried something new and failed. The new cvt transmission seemed good at first, but now I do not have high hopes for it.

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  Trading up, blast from the past - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Honda Owner - August 23 - 11:25 pm

  I traded in my 1995 Dodge Dakota truck for my 2007 Honda CR-V. Its been over a year since the purchase and Im still very happy. Ive owned a 1980 Honda Accord and an 1982 Civic. The CR-V reminds me of the Civic except with all the cool technology, safety equipment, and design upgrades. The handling is very smooth. I can park this thing ANYWHERE! (Unlike my old truck.) I get between 27 and 32 mpg in a mixed highway/city commute 36 miles, 5 days a week(Florida). The mpg meter really lets you see how you are driving. There was obviously a lot of thought put into the interior design of the CR-V. There is storage everywhere. Doors open wider than on other cars. Power plugs everywhere. Buy one!

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  design needs help - 2008 Honda Fit
  By needs design improve - August 23 - 3:57 pm

  The AC is weak and cannot overcome the black interior in the sun. A light gray interior needs to be standard. The seats need help, I have a strong back and never have back ache, but the seats on the Fit are bad on trips over 50 miles. Seats are also too hard. Rear visibility is blocked by the rear seat head rests. Tire noise is excessive. The "smart key" costs a fortune for less anti-theft benefit than a cheap "Club", and returns an insurance reduction of only $8 a year(10% off the theft portion), about a tenth the replacement key cost. HOLD TIGHT On the positive the engine performance is adequate. The car is quite, tires excluded. The headroom is excellent, and leg room is great.

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  Fit to Love! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By TnD - August 23 - 1:45 pm

  This car is ball to drive. Mileage is good, if not excellent. Interior is very good but could use some safety improvement on the door sills and on the step bumper since gloss paint is very slippery when wet. They are offered as accessories added by the dealer but should come from the factory as part of the new vehicle. Honda slipped up there.

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  Most fun econohatch for tall people - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jon - August 23 - 1:00 pm

  For first car, wanted to get an economical hatch that didnt feel like "my dads car." The Fit hit all of the buttons. Lots of usable cargo space, simple user-friendly interior, dash and controls, and is a blast to drive. Didnt think an economical car could be fun to drive, but the Fit is. Granted, its no Mini or Mazda3 or real sports car, but its by far the most sporty of the economy hatchbacks and while it may not have the power that a real sports car has, it sure feels like one. Has to count for something, IMHO. Requires extra responsibility when driving.