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 car except for the mileage - 2007 Honda Element
  By E55tech - June 27 - 2:39 pm

  We recently purchased our Element and have found it to be extremely useful. The interior is more spacious than you could imagine for such a small vehicle. It is very well designed. The only drawback so far is that we are getting about 18 MPG mixed City/HWY MPG. To claim 21/26 is a bold statement. Great little milk truck though.

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  Youre winner and still champion... - 2010 Honda Accord
  By hardten - June 27 - 12:40 pm

  Lets get real. For the past 3-5 years every midsized sedan has mentioned the Honda Accord in its advertising. Yes, there is a reason for this! As a 2006 Accord owner, my wifes 1998 Toyota Camry was recently rear ended and totaled while waiting at a stop light. What to buy? Camry? Way too many problems at this time and boring styling. 2011 sonata? Too new and unproven. Hate being a new model Guinea pig. And my trusted friend says Korea still not quite there yet against the Japanese. Altima? Definitely not a Honda. Push button ignition! Big deal! As a 58 year old "old school" driver there are some new gadgets I could care less about. Chevy or Ford? No thanks, I would Rather buy American. O

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - June 27 - 12:27 pm

  Very close to purchasing the 2018 Honda Odyssey but opted for the Sienna instead. Generally, I like the latest tech (Odyssey has Apple Play but Sienna does not) ... interestingly however, I actually prefer the knob transmission handle (and round A/C knob) on the Sienna instead of the transmission buttons on the 2018 Odyssey. One of our best friends bought the 2018 Odyssey EX-L and loves it (although GPS didnt work properly to get the right destination). I was disappointed that the 2018 Odyssey A/C vents for the 2nd/3rd row seats are on the side of the vehicle (bad for hot weather days) instead of the ceiling like the Sienna. Nevertheless, I still would have purchased the 2018 Odyssey but the one thing that killed the purchase were the UNCOMFORTABLE seats. I was willing to upgrade (spend more) getting the Elite because it had perforated seats in the 1st/2nd rows which offers a bit more cushion but still nowhere as comfortable as the Sienna seating. I sat in the 2nd row of my best friends 2018 Odyssey EX-L during a ride ... and seating felt so uncomfortable (too hard) that I actually disliked the whole ride experience - it seems to be a bit more noisy than the Sienna ride too. In all fairness, the Elite does have ventilated seats as standard in the front seats which the Sienna does not have.

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  A Must Have - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy - June 27 - 11:08 am

  I have had this SUV for almost 9 years and have had no problems what-so-ever! I highly recommend this vehicle for everyday use. The only minor thing I had to replace, besides the usual tires, oil and filters, was the rear-differential fluid (at 100,000 miles) because it made a grinding noise when maneuvering tight turns. Great gas mileage between 23 and 26 city. It handled snow great! It also has child-safety locks for the back doors and windows. I would purchase another CR-V in a heartbeat, but dont particularly like the exterior of the newer models.

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  Fog Lights anyone? - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Keith - June 27 - 8:33 am

  This has been a great vehicle for us. Enough room for our stuff and our dog and still room for the additional family member coming in about 7 months. But look out if you have to replace certain parts. $275 fog light assembly plus 1 hour labor to remove the entire bumper cover because the fog light was hit with a rock. Hopefully insurance will cover, but what if it had just burned out? $400 for a lightbulb? Sad that such a great car has such poor design qualities.

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  Its not great but not bad - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Decent car - June 27 - 7:03 am

  The transmission has a lot to be desired. It has been replaced once and is still acting up. The body is flimsy (dented by someone leaning against the fender. The paint is terrible (does not hold up well to pebbles and road debris. Will not hold an alignment for too long. One bright light quick working (replaced bulb and still doesnt work). Gas gage has never read full even when filled to the brim.

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  Love my pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - June 27 - 4:26 am

  I love my Pilot. I strayed from Honda with my last vehicle being a Toyota. I thought the quality were similar. I was wrong! Owned Hondas since the early 90s and never regretted it once. I feel extremely safe in my Pilot. Quiet ride although it is still a truck. Very little leaning taking corners at higher speeds. Really holds to the road. Extremely roomy and comfortable. If you are trying to decide to buy this vehicle, do it. You wont regret it.

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By YOWHEREIBE - June 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST MINIVAN, I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND IM LOVIN IT.IT HAS A SMOOTH RIDE.NO PROBLEMS YET. THE DEALER SHIP WAS AWESOME FRIENDLY AN NOT PUSHY.

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  LOVE THIS THING - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MALIK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  ITS WELL DESIGNED. THIRD ROW IS ROOMY AND COMFY. EASILY SEATS 3 ADULTS.HAS A LOT OF FEATURES LIKE HEATED REAR VIEW MIRRORS AND HEATED SEATS. EXCELLENT HANDLING ON THE ROAD AS WELL

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  Wada car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mastergs - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 1 year and it still gives me joy. I still have to park it a work where I can see it out the window and keep an eye on it.