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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  Great all around vehice - 2006 Honda Element
  By alaskachow - May 5 - 12:09 am

  This is the perfect car for dog lovers. The floor is entirely plastic so there is not worry about hair removal. The seats are waterproof and tough for excellent wear. I love driving it.

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  Tuned 2002 coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Leszek - May 5 - 12:01 am

  I did only 15,000 miles on it, but I know the car since it was 1 year old. That 1.7 liter engine was almost all the time pushed to the redline. The car was tuned a little bit, but it was almost like glued to the road when cornering. 0-60 is about 8.5\9 sec. I owned a manual transmission and I had to rebuild it (with 90k miles on it) but only because of track use and power shifting ($1000). Around 90k miles I had to change all front bushings ($450) and shocks ($300) everything else works perfectly. I have experienced an accident on highway going about 60mph and I can tell you that the car is very safe. It just started to burn about a half quarter of oil for every oil change. Mobil 1 5W-20

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  Hondas are the best - 2004 Honda Civic
  By SCF - May 4 - 10:16 pm

  Purchased in fall of 2003 and now have only 26,000 miles on the car. Super reliable, great gas mileage, supportive and comfortable seats. Whats not to love about this car? We took the car on a trip in southern Colorado on mostly secondary roads with speed limits of 55 to 65 mph and got 43 mpg! Have only had to do oil changes and had one small rattle near the dash that the dealership fixed. No other problems. This car is not a hotrod but set the cruise control at 78 on the interstate and thats where is stays. If you want a car with bank vault solid reliability, great resale value and excellent gas mileage you wont go wrong with a Civic.

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  Very Practical Ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - May 4 - 9:59 pm

  Great Utility vehicle and super reliable. I cant believe how much stuff will fit in the back with seats down. I practically remodeled an entire house without needing a truck.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sylvia - May 4 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car in 2007 and Ive gotten nothing but compliments on the design. Smooth ride but weak power on acceleration/. My car mileage on highways is typically 28.1 mpg and 27.8 on city roads (based on 87 octane). Seats could be more comfortable as they are a bit stiff, esp for long distance driving. Love how the back door opens up, not sideways, like the RAV4. One of my complaints is that I have to turn off my front lights manually--does not turn off with the engine. Also when you drop anything between the 2 front seats-around the console, its extremely difficult to find/retrieve whatever you dropped. Overall, its a great-looking car with good gas mileage.

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  Top Down Performance - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Mike K. - May 4 - 6:15 pm

  Last year, I sold my motorcycle and wanted to fill the empty void in the garage with a rag top. I considered the Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster and Honda S2000. The Elise certainly performed the best, but unfortunately suffers from kit car looks and limited dealer access. The Porsche, holds its own in terms of performance, but brings with it high maintenance costs. The S2000, combined stellar performance, excellent visuals and rock solid Honda reliability. The VTEC engine is a treat to listen to and continually begs you to drive it at the top of the rev band!

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  Trashy Transmission - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Problem - May 4 - 4:36 pm

  Warning: Do not but Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny. My tranny went out after warranty went out. Even dealer told me that there was a problem with the Pilot and the V6 with auto tranny. A $2500 fix for me. I am a disabled veteran and live on a fixed income. Bought Pilot expecting to get about 250,000 miles out of it. What a joke. If you buy, plan on trading before power train warranty runs out. Do not end up with the same problem that I did. Warning. Do not buy Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By JC - May 4 - 2:30 pm

  As far as the mileage - this vehicle is a great downsizer from larger SUVs. I guarantee it will hold more stuff than your larger SUVs out there- due to its design. And still its power only drains about 22 \ 24 avg mpg. Great vehicle- very happy with it.

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  Love it - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cojlucas - May 4 - 11:46 am

  I just bought my Accord 2 weeks ago and am very happy with my decision. This is my 4th Accord and was considering the switch to the Acura TL. I decided I wanted one more coupe and am glad I did. I got the EX-L in Belize Blue and opted for all the extras: spoiler, fog lights, mud flaps, and tinted windows. This car looks great! The interior is very similar to that of the TL, but for about $7k less. I traded my 04 EX-L for this one, yet there a few things I miss like the electro-illuminescent gauges. My biggest fear is that of the other drivers and the amount of door dings I always get on my cars and this car doesnt seem much stronger. The passenger seat rattles, but other than that..nice car

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  Its a Hummer !!! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Ross 2015 Accord Ex-L - May 4 - 9:52 am

  This car rides like a Hummer , its the most uncomfortable car going over bumps , cracks etc. My car has the 17 inch wheels so I cant fathom how the sport with 19 inch wheels feels going over bumps , the cvt transmission feels like a yoyo during acceleration and just feels odd , Id much rather just have the feel of the gears shifting.I do love the overall look of the accord compared to the camry. As soon as I get enough equity on the loan I will buy another brand unless honda changes the suspension on the 2018 accord.