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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  A good, decent car! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bob Aldridge - July 24 - 11:12 pm

  This is my second Honda Accord. First one was a 2001. Very pleased with that car. I got this one because I wanted Apple CarPlay (love it), V6 and leather. Overall I like the car, its an accord, pretty standard vehicle, you cant go wrong. Three dis-appointments: 1) The leather is a cheap leather, not like I had in the 2001. Feels like plastic. 2) There is no change box (strange I thought all cars had a place for change), 3) There is not quick way to mute the stereo, you have to press two buttons. Pain to do when your driving. Other than those things its a great car.

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  Truck like ride - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By R. Neal - July 24 - 3:45 pm

  Most everything on the vehicle will get a passing grade, except for the ride. On the highway road noise is very loud and on back roads the ride is downright harsh and uncomfortable. Typical of stiff suspension and short wheel base vehicles. I am also disappointed in the gas mileage. I would have thought a four cylinder engine would get more than 20mpg highway. You get what you pay for, I guess. I would not buy another one.

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  Ground clearance - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stewart Mark - July 24 - 2:05 pm

  Love the truck for highway and town driving - BUT. Gravel roads which are poorly maintained are a problem. Roads which can be driven uneventfully by Toyota and Big 3 trucks cause the Honda to scrape repeatedly and in my case a rear strut broke. Great highway vehicle but dont go too far from maintained roads.

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  Only one problem - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mr. E - July 24 - 12:33 pm

  I hate the instrument cluster. When are automakers going to get a clue, and start mounting the instruments so we dont have to peer through a tiny hole in the steering wheel to see the gauges? Counterexamples: Scion xB and Mini Cooper, whose instrument visibility is unmatched. So, even though the Elements steering wheel can "adjust" (DOWN, helpful if youre 4 feet tall) and the drivers seat can "adjust" (UP, improves visibility using the generous headroom), the only way I can see the speedometer is with the seat DOWN and the steering wheel UP. So no adjustment is actually possible, if youre an average 58" guy like me! If youre taller, youll likely never see half the speedometer...

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  Lovin it - 2005 Honda Element
  By Element Owner - July 24 - 12:09 pm

  Great vehicle for what I like to do, camp, bike and hike. Kids love it. Wife and daughter are horse folks and works out great for them too. Cleans up great, hauls tons of stuff, great AC.

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  Luv Our Hondas - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Honda Family - July 24 - 10:53 am

  Finally sold off the 93 DX MT model for a 2008 EX AT and couldnt be more satisfied. The EX gets 32 City with AC. Highway mileage is also impressive - were getting 38 on the highway! Cant ask for a smoother, more quiet ride. Enjoying the keyless entry, remote trunk, 6 speakers, and theres plenty of room for the 62" passengers. Its a great value for the money. The dealer installed the low profile spoiler and tinted the windows. Now we really look cool! We researched and test drove a couple SUVs as well as the Corolla and Accord. They couldnt compare to the Civics ride and reputation for dependability.

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  Not what I would expect from Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Laura - July 23 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my Civic Coupe hoping for a car with great fuel economy, reliability, and a good Honda design. The car handles very well, however, I am very disappointed with the quality of the interior cosmetic items. After 2 months the drivers side sun visor broke, then the passenger side visor broke soon after that. Just last month I noticed the drivers side interior pull handle plastic strip was loose. I brought it in to have the panel replaced, went home, and the whole plate came off. I would expect more from Honda. If you have this model, make sure you use your sun visors because I understand many others are having the same problem. The gas mileage for city driving is only 23 mpg.

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  THE best car ever... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jack - July 23 - 7:03 pm

  I have had 6 Mercedes and 6 Hondas, this is the best of all. Firm, comfortable seating and great economy, 24.8 to 29.4 mpg during the 13,500 miles I have put on the car in 5 months. Cylinder deactivation is flawless. There have been no maint. or repair issues at all. A perfect car! Very spacious vehicle for pax and cargo. Memo to Honda... integrate grab handles into the A-pillars, use a manumatic trans, a fuel mileage readout would be nice in this class of car,a sixth gear or lower ratio for fifth gear for better highway mileage,and memory seats would be nice. This is a great and almost perfect vehicle. Buy and enjoy.

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  One Hot Papa in a Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wynner - July 23 - 12:46 pm

  This van has updated styling, plenty of practical, nifty features. Buyers - compare the practicality of the Pilot vs the Ody and youll see - from easier access to better power, unless you NEED AWD go for the van. Its a sign that good cars CAN be built in America with proper planning / engineering. Power everything is great, ease of driving excellent, comfort excellent!

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Steve - July 23 - 8:46 am

  I bought my Accord Hybrid 10 days ago. On the 4th day the engine light came on and the engine started to rattle and smoke. After the dealership looked over the car, I was told that is was a software issue. The car still does not run correctly. Today, while on the freeway, the right rear tire exploded. To my suprise, there isnt a spare in the trunk. After being towed to the dealership, they said they do not carry the tires and I would have wait a day or two for a replacement. They will not fix the engine, give me a spare, nor replace the vehicle.