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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  Awsome for such a great price! - 2003 Honda Element
  By JGLazam - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Great mileage, great turn - not wide, comfort and quietness of any moderate to high income car. Cute, very noticeable. Just a great deal overall.

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  Greatest Vehicle we ever owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By hondamann - September 5 - 2:00 am

  We have been driving our Element for almost one year now and like all the Hondas I have owned, we have never had a problem. Great comfort for long distance traveling, good handling and general performance. Plenty of room for tall people.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Yodel boy - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Element is the most practical vehicle I have ever owned, plus it is a gas to drive. I have a band and all of the sound equipment fits in this vehicle. For person that is used to driving Chevy pick ups it sure is nice to get more than 13 miles to the gallon, I average 23 to 25 on the higway and this is 4 wheel drive. Great traction in the rain, and I will find out real soon about in the snow. :) Engine has enough power to get you through town and on the highway, if towing I would suggest a six cyl.

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  honda pilot review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sp singh - September 5 - 2:00 am

  My next car will be a Honda for sure.The best vehicle money can buy with all the features of a luxurious Suv is a Honda pilot.

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  Honda makes a great car. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Czarkat - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with Honda and their service. I have had zero mechanical issues. The only con of this vehicle is the rattles in the sunroof. I have found rust on the door flashing (the shiny trim)and the dealership fixed it immediately with no fuss. I also found rust on the lugnuts and they were also completely replaced with no problems. This car has exceeded my expectations and is a very reliable, trouble-free vehicle that also looks good.

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  My thrid new Honda and not my last... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By garciawj - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car. New design and a lot of little goodies have been added to keep this car up to speed with the competition. My last Honda was a 2000 V6 Accord. All I ever did was oil changes and new brakes. The car was a dream and I anticipate this 04 Accord will be no different.

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  2008 Honda EX 4dr Sedan (2.4 4cyl 5A) - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Aaron - September 4 - 8:53 pm

  With a baby on the way, this car offers everything I need; safety, space, reliability and just enough styling to make it a head turner.

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  Just make the cheap payment - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Steve - September 4 - 5:40 pm

  Ive put 20k on mine in one year oil changes only. Nothing goes wrong with these little cars. Road noise on rough highways make Bluetooth phone useless. 30 bucks gets you cross country on highway with cruise and eco set. Kick back and dont worry about breaking down.

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  Voice Controls dont work and are a waste of money - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By George Walkden - September 4 - 2:38 pm

  Do not waste your money on the Voice Recognition system, it is worse than bad. It cant understand a word my wife or I say to it, even when doing exactly as the manual says and it couldnt recognize the commands of the Honda Technician or service advisor either. . Additionally the navigation system cant find a McDonalds, or gas station closer than 500 miles away. They should fire the entire staff who designed this system or license the Ford "Sync" system which works like a charm in my Lincoln. Its such a pain that we are considering selling it, as it gives us heartburn every time we get in the car. Manual entry before starting the trip is the only way we can get the navigation system to work. This year (2017) Paid for "Map Upgrade" which proved 2 things. 1) Upgrade had a 20 minute software upgrade, showing that Honda knows about the problem but is still not willing to admit it. Cant believe I had to pay to get new software they should have provided free. This shows that Honda is just thumbing its nose at its owners. 2) Even after software "voice recognition" was upgraded from TERRIBLE to only LOUSY. At least have the guts to admit your issues, because I cant trust Honda on any issue at this point. I am now using an independent garage to service it, despite the fact that I qualify for free oil changes after buying the maintenance upgrade from the dealer at purchase.

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  2005 Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By LIP - September 4 - 2:06 am

  Overall, this is a fantastic car. The four cylinder feels stronger than a lot of base V6s, especially in the 50-80 mph range. It rides smoothly, yet corners crisply. The 5 speed auto is better than any other Ive driven, but being accustomed to a stick, it still seems a bit too twitchy. Especially with the cruise on, its over eager to downshift. It shouldnt ever have to shift down to 3rd on the freeway in the MidWest. With the cruise off, it seems to shift more conservatively. Shifts are always very smooth. Gas mileage has been a little low, 16-18 mpg city. Hopefully that will improve (only 1500 miles on it now). The ABS brakes are incredible,even in turns, and almost silent.