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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  Who didnt love the Ugly Duckling?" - 2007 Honda Element
  By Pam - June 23 - 10:31 pm

  Okay, when my Dad owned one in Silver I totally thought it looked like a toaster. He raved about it, so when the lease on my 2004 Grand Cherokee was up I thought what the heck (always been a Jeep girl) Test drove the Element and the CR-V and to be honest the CR-V was teeny inside, my husband is 65" and he has plenty of room, so do my two boys. I love the ease of a rubber floor with two kids and the special order stain proof fabric on my EX. But most of all Mommy loves cranking up the tunes on the killer stereo system. Super fun to drive & own. Better than any Jeep I have ever had, more fun to drive, better gas mileage and AWD if I ever need it!

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Picky Female - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  Great car with a lot of pep! Have owned a Camry before, just switched from large SUV. Very roomy inside and the throttle response is quick! Got all features available minus nav only 10 min from work. Black with black leather with chrome trim, wing and tint just pops and looks super sharp! (HID option would be nice)

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  The car I never bought - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AZ Bob - June 23 - 4:36 pm

  This vehicle is great love everything about it except the price--would but it in a minute if the price was better--unfortunately my dealer has a love affair with cars and we were NOT able to reach a sale

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  Transmission Woes - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dissatisfied - June 23 - 2:21 pm

  Just got an estimate from the dealer for a new transmission in the amount of $ 5000 and thats with the old PCM (the computer module that dictates how the transmission shifts). Its another $1200 for a new PCM that will supposedly increase the life of these transmissions. This car is only 6 years old. The transmission should last longer in my opinion. I bought Honda because I thought they built reliable cars. This was a disappointment and I will no doubt look to other makes.

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  Have a fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tif - June 23 - 1:32 pm

  I love my fit, its fun to drive, excellent performance and steering. I can fit as much in the back as I did in my truck. I do wish the gas tank was a few gallons larger though.

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  So Happy I went with My Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Erin - June 23 - 8:13 am

  I just purchased my Honda Accord EX-L 4CL with leather/moonroof and am so happy that I did. I was looking at spending extra for a certified pre-owned Volvo S60 or the Nissan Maxima. I just couldnt find any good deals, as the latter models were over priced and over hyped. When I test drove the Accord, I fell in love. The interior is that of a Lexus- quality. I couldnt believe it. So smooth and its got a lot of pep for a 4CL engine. I just got rid of my gas guzzling Jeep Cherokee V6. So over these ridiculous gas prices! Used to have to fill my truck twice a week to get back forth to my job. Ive cut that by just more than half (and itll get better once its broken in).

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  Honda Element 2007 - 2007 Honda Element
  By JoAnne Stubbs - June 23 - 6:47 am

  I love my Honda Element but the blinds spots are annoying when backing up. I have had to replace the brakes on the rear after only 17,000 miles. Honda Corp. has not followed up on my complain either to resolve the issue. I have owned many vehicles and have never had to service calipers or replace brakes with so little miles. Very disappointed in Honda in how they handled the issue.

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  Like the newer style , but liked interior of 07 - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By MarieB. - June 23 - 5:40 am

  I have been driving a 2012 (bought used) for almost a year. I traded in my 07 Odyssey for the 2012. I like the updated style of the exterior, but I miss some of the features of the 07. It drives/handles just fine, no complaints. There is quite a bit of road noise, for the $$$ a quieter interior would be expected. I like the way the 3rd row seats fold so easily. The center console is a poor design, once you put stuff on top, its a hassle to get to anything that may have been put inside. Drawers would be a good idea. We miss the cup holders on the sides of the 2nd row seats. There is a center fold down with cup holders, but that isnt always down if there is an extra passenger or if the kids want to spread out. It is comfy, both the 07 and the 12 are super comfy and roomy. Weve taken road trips with 4 adults and 2 kids with plenty of room for everyone and their stuff. I wish the power lift hatch was available on the lower models, I paid more because that is one feature I really wanted; but the other features arent used often. All in all, were pleased, but it is expensive.

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  Great Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GD - June 23 - 2:46 am

  All in all the 2005 Honda provides a fun, efficient and safe ride. Plenty of room for 4 adults, without sacrificing performance. Car handles well on highway and city. Clutch system makes city driving easier than previous experiences. I have discovered a few rattles. First in the dash area. Dealership fixed it the first time in. Second developed in the passenger side headrest area. Nice trunk room. Could use fold away hinges like the Passat to allow greater clreance in the sides of the trunk. Stereo sounds full and XM option is great and easy to use. Biggest diappointment is the odomoeter/trip and temp options. Odometer should remain on with trip A, B and Temp options.

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  my baby - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Michelle G. - June 22 - 8:07 pm

  Almost at the 200K mark with routine maintenance. I love my car. With studded tires I can zip around with no problems whatsoever in the winter. Reliability is of paramount importance to me and Ill be keeping her until she blows up on the side of the road. Hell, we all gotta go sometime...