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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  2006 Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By black and tan - July 28 - 4:06 pm

  This is a near luxury car for a sedan price. It really has everything I need. About the only extra items I could even think of are memory seats and heated mirrors. The engine is powerful, the steering tight, the ride smooth and refined and the build quality first rate. It takes me longer to get anywhere because I always want to stretch out the drive experience.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve S. - July 28 - 10:46 am

  Ive had my Honda Fit Sport automatic just over a month. The gas mileage the first three tanks, all 75-80% city driving: 24.6, 23.7, 24.7 mpg, less than I had hoped for. In every other way, it has been terrific. The braking, steering, and acceleration from a city stop are all very sensitive and responsive. I had the goal of purchasing a safe, reliable, economical, environmentally friendly (qualifies as LEV) fun-to-drive and not exorbitantly expensive vehicle. I feel like thats what I have. I test drove Yaris, Versa, Mazda3 and researched many others. For the best price, I went about 75 miles out of Los Angeles after extensively contacting Honda dealers internet sales folks.

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By David - July 28 - 6:16 am

  Seats are uncomfortable, but other than that, love the vehicle, gets a combined city/hwy MPG of about 32, which isnt bad.

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  Step up from a porsche - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Randy - July 28 - 6:03 am

  I purchased this car as a run around car and as a car my son can learn to drive in a few years. It surprised me by how nice it is. I get 32 MPG driving the mountains of the Sierra Nevada mountains and 35.5 on longer trips. I like the navigation system and the stereo. For $22,000 this is an amazing car. It corners and steers almost as well as my 2005 Porsche. In fact, had I driven a Civic before I bought my Porsche ( I picked the Porsche up in Germany), I might have saved a lot of money.

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  Best of all worlds but the wind noise! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tina V - July 27 - 8:06 pm

  Having had nothing but constant mechanical troubles with a 2000 Suburban but being spoiled by all the cargo capacity, we werent sure what we would buy. We were surprised by how much we could manipulate the storage with the 60/40 split folds. First road trip was comfortable and we love the car. Did get the sunroof and we are experiencing terrible wind noise though. Not sure what thats about but its not deterring from the great drive and handling of this car. Since its a Honda I have no worries about dependability. No more GM for us.

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  Quality, Quality, Quality - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mark Powell - July 27 - 7:26 pm

  Theres more wiggle room than youd think these days when buying a Honda. I paid less than invoice for this beauty, and she does not disappoint. Comfortable seating, good smooth acceleration and stopping, plus PRECISION handling motivate me to take a different and longer way home each night. I drove and loved my Jeep Grand Cherokee for 4 years and thought the change would be difficult. Not so. I drove the Jeep the other day and felt like I was driving a school bus. This is the poor mans Mercedes without the bulk.

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  Rear differential leaking oil after 176 miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Patrick - July 27 - 1:02 pm

  Buyers beware: Purchased AWD EX-L model two weeks ago. Noticed oil on garage floor. Oil leaking from rear differential (AWD model). Vehicle is at dealership and service department is contacting Honda. Was happy with the overall performance / ride of the 2016 pilot but reliability is most important to me. Very disappointed.

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJ146 - July 27 - 10:06 am

  I thoroughly researched this vehicle prior to purchase and it sounded perfect for me, my previous vehicle was an 05 Colorado crew cab. I generally use the vehicle for commuting and occasionally use the bed for homeowner chores. This vehicle was well thought out, everything functions as it was intended and every square inch of this vehicle is used to its potential. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the overall feel of the vehicle is solid. As far as looks go, I opted for the Formal Black with the optional chrome wheels and I must say that this is a mean looking truck. I couldnt be happier.

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  ripped off - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dan - July 27 - 4:36 am

  I bought my 2006 coupe in 2005 i decided one day to compare spec 0-60 the clutch blew up when i hit 2nd gear they would not go good with warranty nailed me for 18,000 for one years use had 9600 km on it i have never been so disappointed how i was treated by the dealer and honda canada

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  Element - Long Overdue - 2003 Honda Element
  By OOX-MAN - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I tried to choose other vehicles over the Element, due to the styling. But, as soon as I test-drove it....I overlooked the styling. I compared the Xterra, CR-V, Escape, 4-Runner, etc. You cant beat the value, safety, standard options, reliability, and security all in one SUV for this price.