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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  I love my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DIANA796 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. It is easy to drive and doesnt have blind spots. The gas tank is small so I spend more time at the pumps, but I love its size because it is easy to park yet has plenty of space.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By robbie8586 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cyl is powerful for city but lacks just a little on the highway. I would still get the 4 over the 6. I get about 30mpg combined on the recommended 87 octane. The leather seats are very comfortable and supportive. I wouldnt buy one without the Nav and voice activation. It makes the car and changes the whole look of the dash.

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  Another :So far so good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Pete - April 16 - 9:00 am

  So far so good, only had this one week, took one short trip at night, 100 miles, each way. Rides well for a small car, performance just adequate, but OK in town. I also traded in an Accord V6, so it may just take time to get used to. Quality seems good, and it was made in UK. No loose parts, no rattles, body parts aligned well. (So far.)

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  Best engineering ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By YoYo Meow - April 16 - 5:43 am

  In terms of meeting expectations, this vehicle is the best Ive ever owned! Were delighted to be getting 40.1 mpg (36,000 mi) in reasonable comfort and variable driving conditions saving more than half the monthly cost of gas relative to our SUV (which I still use for off-road work).

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  impressive car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By scubapro - April 16 - 4:26 am

  I am very happy with my new honda civic. It is fun to drive. Although the steering is light,it is precise, Plenty of leg room and for a small engine, suprisingly peppy. You can really toss this car around and have fun with it. Dont believe anyone who says the car does not have enough power. This small engine loves to rev.

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rich Love - April 15 - 7:34 pm

  The Element is near perfect for my needs. All four seats lay back (flat). The rear seats fold up to the side for open storeage. If that does not make enough room, the rear seats can be removed within two minutes. Also I have not seen so much rear seat leg room since the 1940s. I like having a tailgate too.

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  Great Car ...but worth the money? - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dheepak Ramnathan - April 15 - 2:57 pm

  Honda Dealerships are in general deceptive with a lot of hidden fees much like toyota dealerships. It is a great reliable car... But some of the features in there are too pricey... They should make honda sensing standard.

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  The Fit Just Keeps Getting Better - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Kirk Tepper - April 15 - 8:43 am

  This 2016 Fit is the third Fit our family has purchased. It has improved in almost every way. Better power, better fuel economy, better interior design. The only glaring flaw is the low rent front seats, at least on our cloth model. The seats in our 2009 Fit were much more supportive and comfortable than these new ones. They are flat, yet somehow feel uneven to sit on and offer minimal support.

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  I Love it! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Vassili C - April 14 - 9:56 pm

  INever thought I would buy a pick up truck! but I am so happy i did. I love the extreme styling, the car like drivability and the functionality. Honda should refine some rough edges like: no drivers side vanity mirror, no mp3 player capability unless you buy a $700.00 option, no roof rack, running boards, towing package (things that come standard in other trucks on its class). I guess they want you to spend another 3k before you are all done with it. In general I am very happy I got it! At least for a while I will be almost the only one on the road with it :)

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay - April 14 - 3:03 pm

  Hands down, the best van on the road today. I love every feature and this van is truly my home away from home when I am on the road. I did a lot of research and the Toyota Sienna comes close but options seem confusing and overpriced.