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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  joes CIVIC EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By joe - May 6 - 10:43 am

  This car has never left me stranded, or let me down in any way. Youll never understand how great the gas mileage is until you own a civic. My civic has 170,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. Im looking into buying a brand new civic while I restore my old one. A civic is so easy and affordable to upgrade. I currently have a full body-kit, carbon-fiber spoiler, rims, euro tail lights, projecter head lights, (blue) under body lights, kenwood amps, sony sub woofer, rockford speakers, kenwood CD changer, pioneer in-dash CD with flip out moniter, playstation 2, air intake, header, cat- back exaust, and many more upgrades. I plan to tear it down, and re-build it into a true show car.

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  Luv my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By J.T.Wallace - May 6 - 8:39 am

  I like this vehicle better than any I have ever owned (I am age 62 and have driven or owned many vehicles). Fun to drive, loads of room and very practical... it is just me! Just as comfortable on long trips as running down to get a few groceries, click on cruise control and gas mileage is even better. Climbs mountains with ease and handles curves on switchback roads well. I have recommended it to others many times.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Daniel0127 - May 6 - 2:53 am

  This car is simply FANTASTIC. I love every feature of it, its sexy, sporty, handles terrific, has great gas mileage and the price is fair for all the feature you get especially the EX model. It has a very strong chassis too. Once I slammed a Cadillac CTS on the back at a full 30 mph without hitting the breaks, I thought I had totaled the car, but only the bumper got scratched. INCREDIBLE. I was totally surprised by that. I think this car is definitely the best one there is out there in its category. Anyone one considering buying one, dont hesitate. Ive only done oil changes to it and its been great to me..

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  my element - 2006 Honda Element
  By cheryle K. Fisher - May 5 - 10:33 pm

  I am very pleased with my Element. I have two grandchildren and the room in the backseat is great. No more feet pushing on the back of the front seats. Also the system for the safety chairs is fantastic, so much easier then my old car. I also enjoy all the people that come up and ask my how I like my Element. It may look like something a young person would buy, but it sure serves this grandma just fine. Only one thing seems a little off and that is the mileage I am getting. I get 16 MPH in the city and 21 MPH on the highway. Although this is much better mileage that I was getting with my old SUV, which was not a Honda. My son has a Civic but loves to drive my car for fun.

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  Happy with Purchase - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By new owner - May 5 - 10:23 pm

  We liked the car when we first bought it, and our satisfaction has only improved. We bought the CR-V because we thought it was really functional given our lifestyle (baby and two dogs). It was one of the few small suvs that could comfortably fit our car seat behind the front passenger seat. That, combined with Hondas rep for reliability and safety, sealed the deal. Weve driven it for 2 weeks now and really enjoy the ride. The only negatives are that the sight lines to the rear arent ideal (but they are more than acceptable). Also, the seats arent the most comfortable/luxurious, but neither are they uncomfortable. We got the LX trim level, however, so thats to be expected.

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  So far so good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob from Boston - May 5 - 7:30 pm

  I have only had my Honda for a short while (600 miles) but I see none of the problems (for example the complaint that CR-Vs often pull to the right) that some folks seem to have. Road noise is a bit more than I like but that is why the stereo has a volume knob. Overall I am quite happy with my choice.

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  My kind of car - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Kelly - May 4 - 9:05 pm

  This car is very fuel efficient, comfortable and in my opinion has some spunk. I can get my car to go pretty quickly. Id buy another in a heart beat.

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  Good car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By stephen - May 4 - 12:31 pm

  This is my second Honda. I cant say enough about this car. While it could use about 25 more horsepower, it has very precise handling and has good road manners. Have had no problems with the car, just keeping up the regular maintenance. Gas mileage is great (29 city and 36-38 highway). At 63", Im corfortable in the drivers seat (and back seat to when needed), though there is not enough foot room on the front passenger side. For such a small car, the trunk is huge. I would buy another Honda after this car.

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  My Blue Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jean - May 3 - 10:40 pm

  I have recently purchased another Honda CR-V in March. I love this vehicle. It is not too big or too small. I enjoy the space it has inside. It does get good gas mileage which is great for me since I do alot of driving. It is easy to drive and very comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Wow the Accord is great - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ted Munice - May 3 - 8:33 pm

  Bought an Accord loaded with technology. The only negative is it takes hours to go through the owners manual. Becuase of all of the features.