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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  The Fit is a Definite GO - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fittastic - August 6 - 12:46 pm

  Ive only had the FIT (base model w/ MT) now for a handful of days, but Ive put over 500 miles on it already and could not be happier! It handles wonderfully, parks easily, and the gas mileage is superb! All for a base model car with power windows/locks, AC, stereo, and awesome safety features!

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  Great van, safety is first - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By IGNACIO V. JOHNSSON - August 6 - 11:16 am

  There is nothing more important to me as a father of three, than moving my family around with peace of mind. Besides this is a great vehicle in pretty much every aspect, is incredible to see, after a little resarch, that this van is even safer than some Volvo cars. Driving is simply awsome you will not believe youre driving a vehicle this big, it just make you feel safe and comfy. Comfort is another high for this van, everybody in my family says is a great improvement from our last van, also an Odyssey. Just by driving it, you will find out why is so well considered within editors and users all around.

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  Repeat Buyer - 2008 Honda Element
  By Repeat Buyer - August 6 - 7:23 am

  I traded in my 04 Element, and bought the new 08. Loved my first Element, and only traded it because I got a great deal. I live in New England and find the car handles all the weather that we get great. I have taken several trips to New Hampshire. Handles the mountains well.

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  Shouldnt need to "get used" to seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dbdc22 - August 6 - 2:56 am

  The seats (EX-L coupe) are simply awful for both me and my passenger. I get back pain, and my passenger gets neck pain from the head restraint. None of this was apparent on the test drive. Takes about 45 mins. or an hour to kick in. I have never had this experience in over 35 years of car ownership! Also dont like rear visibility. Cant see objects in rear quarter, and hard to tell where the rear bumper is in parking. Finally, low end torque with 190 Hp is still sub-par. On paper (and test drive) this is a fine car. Have owned two other Hondas with no problems. Unfortunately I let that sway my purchase. Am considering trading in for something else, with only 1100 miles.

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  Not Your Fathers Honda Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Marshall - August 6 - 12:25 am

  Much larger than what one thinks of in a Civic.

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  Works In Northern Canada Too! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Martin - August 5 - 10:18 pm

  We had always owned a Chev or GMC before in Northern BC Canada,it can be tough driving in the winter so we were concerned about moving away from the large size vehicle. However after our first 3 or 4 months we have nothing but good things to say about the vehicle and the service from Honda. Our other vehicle had always been a Toyota so it was nice to see good service at Honda as well. GMC and Especially Ford could learn a lot on how to service customers. Lastly if I was asked what weakness this truck had I would say that a more efficient diesel option would have been great. Driving Duramax diesels before exposed us to the benefits of that type of engine. Its been our best vehicle buy.

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  Not a Politician, But I Reached a New Accord! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Randy M - August 5 - 2:38 pm

  I took delivery of my Black Currant beauty in the Spring of 1999. It didnt take long to fall in love. The double wishbone suspension, coupled with a high-revving in-line four (which felt like it was hand-built by Swiss watchmakers), light weight and a responsive steering linkage made this car a ball to drive. The fact that it was reliable, durable, possessed an excellent degree of utility and didnt require a fortune to operate and maintain were just bonuses. Faced with its inevitable demise all these years later, it feels like losing a friend. True, the low-end torque wasnt the best and a parasitic amp draw was never properly diagnosed, but I am distraught at having to say goodbye to this car. Its style, the brilliantly laid out dash and the aforementioned high-revving four and excellent suspension turned long drives into sprints. Im 63" and could sit straight up in the back seat. Such was the thoughtful engineering and design invested into this car by Honda. In its own quiet and sublime way, I feel it was one of the best cars ever built.

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  Ten years and still good - 1998 Honda Civic
  By steevo - August 5 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car new in 1998 and am surprised at how well it has stood up. Things Ive replaced are the timing beltx2, starter, front brake pads (rear drums are original!), water pump, muffler and fluids. Stuff I would expect to replace on a ten year old car. It is just a reliable car that is a bit underpowered but is easy on fuel. I prefer the styling of the hatch and wish the newest hatch would come to north America. The hatch fits a 36" CRT TV.

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  Make sure you have a Warranty! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By chefmickd - August 5 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car in April 08, within a 14 months I had to return the car 4 times to the dealer. Twice to have the front driver and then the front passenger windows replaced because the original ones were defective and wouldnt close. Then I had trouble with the IMA (the Hybrid Technology), the IMA stopped working, when that happens you do not get the power assist from the electric motor,when that happens the car has all the power of a go-cart. Super dangerous when that happens on the freeway. Thankfully the warranty covered the work which would have been over $2500 for each IMA failure. The emergency brake is positioned in such a way that it jabs into the drivers leg, not comfortable.

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  Might as well call it a tank - 1997 Honda Accord
  By JohnBonanno - August 5 - 12:23 am

  I will tell you how great this car is through experience. I bought the car with around 85,000 on it and it ran like a track star. And this was my first car so I was driving it like Dale Earnhardt. I had to replace the radiator (big deal hah) other than that my car is crazy. I think they put armor on the body of accords or something 1) ran over the side of a 2005 Toyota Corrola. Yes I ran the thing over snapping the Toyotas whole axle bent the rim (pretty much destroyed the whole front side of her car) my passenger side fender was dented and I drove away. 2) a brand new sts cut me off and I rear ended her at about 40. Small dent in the bumper the caddies bumper was destroyed. Trust me buy this car