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:

• 

  Excellent car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bimal - June 5 - 12:20 am

  This is my first hounda car. I bought it used and I must thank previous owner for his immaculate maintainence of the car. I have put on 20k miles on it in 15 months. I love this car and there is nothing that I feel, I would like to complain about it. One minor thing I noticed was in the city I get about 17 mpg. However on highways I have noticed more than 30 mpg as long as I stay around 70 mph (with ac/heater on). I highly recommend this car to everyone.

• 

  Fits our lifestyle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Brian - June 4 - 1:40 pm

  We take our new Element everywhere. We load our snowboards under the seats to go up to Big Bear. We put our surfboard inside to head to the beach. We just got back from the High Sierras and head to the desert as well. We are very active and the Element keeps up. Easy to wash down the interior of sand, slush and mud. Great sound system for the road. Downside is a louder than normal ride and lower than wanted fuel economy. I would have allowed for two more feet of storage in back. Oh yeah, the seats fold into a great bed with a sdylight in the back. We go to the drive in and lay in the bed. Love the Element and cant imagine a more perfect vehicle for our lifestyle.

• 

  excellent design - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Michael Putnam - June 4 - 11:07 am

  Im 75" tall and it is relatively easy to get in and out and reasonably comfortable to drive considering it is an economy car. The "magic" rear seats are brilliant. I have dogs (Australian Shepherds) and they ride conveniently in the back with the seats folded down. With the seats up there is a nice space for grocery bags, and the seats are easy to manipulate into position.

• 

  Pilot Passion! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Vicki T. - June 4 - 2:39 am

  This is my 2nd Pilot. Had 2005 (bought Dec.04, 174K mi.) so it was a no brainer to purchase another Pilot. Ive driven several mid-size SUVs; Buick, Nissan Rogue, Jeep, etc., and found myself not considering anything but a Honda; its sleek, stylish from boxy style of years past. Im still reading my owners manual & learning what this mid-priced model is equipped with!

• 

  Had to have Another - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dwenojavid - June 3 - 11:02 pm

  Previously owned a 2001 model that I had to change because of all year round functionality. Missed the vehicle so much that I couldnt wait to own another. Found a 2004 model. Just love the upgrades such as bigger engine, wheels,more torque etc. Delighted to be back behind the wheel of this little machine. The 2004 model is definitely easier to drive than the 2001 and I am still convinced that this is the best value for money in its class on the road. At 62" anything but a truck can be tight but this is quite comfortable. It is a really fun to drive vehicle and still turns heads even though it has been around for 5 years plus. Hope to keep for a long time.

• 

  Wonderful car - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By wsad - June 3 - 10:19 pm

  Very fun to drive, the seats hold you nicely in place and offer enough support for long drives. Great leg and arm room in the front, but the back seats are somewhat lacking. The dashboard is very unique with energy meters representing the fuel level and engine temperature. All of the controls are in the right spots and you naturally seem to find them. The car sits pretty low to the ground but has large windows so visibility is still good. Pretty quick for a non- turbo 4-banger but still looks faster than it is. The Car does get good gas mileage (usually averages around 25) for its performance though. Front wheel drive is great, especially during winter (Chicagoland area).

• 

  Best Midsize - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kayla - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  This is my second Accord. First was a 2001 that had no problems (except a sqeaky brake pedal). This 05 has reduced wind noise, a smoother ride, and excellent safety ratings. My gas mileage has also improved. I get 28- 30 of mixed city/highway driving. Interior is excellent. Im not crazy about the exterior styling, but it is growing on me. The added spoiler improves its looks.

• 

  First Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - June 3 - 7:43 pm

  First Honda I have ever owned. Excellent car, spacious inside, excellent fuel economy, gauges and other interior features are well laid out. Smooth driving and handles well. Starts and stops smoothly. This is my first experience with a navigation system and I really like it. It gives concise and accurate directions and it follows my voice commands accurately. Trunk space is considerable given the size of the car. I traded a Chevrolet Silverado to this car, so the change was considerable, but at this time Im thinking I may not want to own anything else. Considerable consideration has been given to owner comfort and safety. You cannot ask for much more than that.

• 

  Honda S2000 after 19,000 miles - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Rever - June 3 - 5:54 pm

  Actually, I bought the early 2000 model. After 19,000 miles, its been totally reliable, just like any other Honda, but the performance surprises everyone who rides in it. What a sound and feel once the revs pass 6,200 RPM!!

• 

  Too new to say, but satisfied so far - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DARMAR - June 3 - 4:56 pm

  We traded in my 02 Maxima for this car. We needed less payments and more fuel economy and thats exactly what we got. Does it have the power to blow past people like the maxima, no but it has good pick up and I guess if you wanted to add some mods it would be able to do that. Its fun, very roomy for a sub compact and the side airbags make me feel like my wife is better protected. Good car for the cost, we only have 300 miles on it so reliabbility still stands to be seen but Honda has a good reputation.