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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  Car shopping - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sarath Sek - May 3 - 3:57 pm

  Do research, find out different prices from shops around before buying

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  Car shopping - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sarath Sek - May 3 - 3:57 pm

  Do research, find out different prices from shops around before buying

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By mfrollins - May 3 - 3:12 pm

  I like almost everything about the car. I was looking for an all wheel drive, that got good mileage and was comfortable. The Lexus was nicer but $15,000 more. This car has a lot of very user friendly touches, I do miss automatic climate control and power seats. On a long trip I would kill for about 4 more inches of leg room. Plenty of power, the automatic speed control works well – even in the PA mountains.

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  I love the element - 2006 Honda Element
  By gb - May 3 - 11:44 am

  I normally hate SUVs but the element is unlike an SUV because of its light weight and very good Gas mileage. Also the options that Honda put into the element show it was the result of cunsumer marketing response, Honda listened to what buyers want in a specific vehicle.

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  Finally a car Im happy to drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By NoMoreFord - May 3 - 1:30 am

  Ive had my Honda EX-L for just over 2 months now. I find myself HAPPY to drive again. Comfortable seats, a nice zippy engine that doesnt suck the gas every time I punch the gas to get on the freeway is always nice. Its easier to maneuver than my FORD vehicle I traded in and is much more stylish.

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  Reliable car to own - 1994 Honda Accord
  By csaleem - May 2 - 10:52 pm

  Purchased a gray LX used at 38k which was assembled in Japan. Changed Radiator, Ignition key switch, Battery and tires once. Runs great at 101k without any hesistation. Recently my friend tested it at 115 MPH still has some power. Just do the regular maintenence in the manual she will last a long time. Driver side window rolls up slow maybe need new motor.

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  Something to think about - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Yvonne - May 2 - 10:07 pm

  I purchase one of the only two white CRVs with manual drive. I wished I had went ahead and purchased the automatic, but my husband was worried about power going up the Grapevine and Tehacapi Mountains that surround us. The gear shift needs to be raised about 3" taller and there are no arm rests for the driver or passenger front seats. The clutch is very smooth and effortless, and does give the vehicle the ability to drop to a lower gear and pass without effort. The ride is wonderful and what we wanted for all the traveling we plan to do, and the AWD allows us to not worry about what time of the year or where we are going.

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  Suprised - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dv - May 2 - 3:36 pm

  Everyone talks about how great Honda Civics are. So, I decided to buy one. I have had the car for almost 3 years and I have already had to have my dash display replaced (due to some type of a defect in this model), the motor for my fan replaced, and my trunk is broken. The car performs great, and the gas mileage is outstanding. Of course all this stuff was covered under my warranty, but it has just been an inconvenience. I was so surprised by all of this because the Civic has such a great reputation. This experience has me wanting to trade it in for a new car, not a Honda.

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  Fun with flair - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great utility vehicle with good ride and easy options for hauling. Retro dash is an eye catcher and the different look of the vehicle always attracts attention. People have aksed me if they could take pictures of my car. This is a fun car with a design flair and solid design.

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  VTEC SUV....little lifted RSX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By acuradrian - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun Lots of room The best stick in a SUV