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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  Love the car except - 2010 Honda Element
  By MrMike - July 6 - 8:19 am

  This is a perfect sized vehicle for my needs. I totally removed the back seats and use it as a van. I have some disappointments like The stereo system is ok at best. The front seats shouldve been able to go all the way forward when in forward position. The rust proofing found under the fender wells shouldve been sprayed everywhere on the undercarriage. It deceives a buyer into thinking he has rustproofing there. In my opinion, even a weekend car painter knows that all the door jambs should be painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. My Element is like that n some parts of the jambs while the rest is the same as what you find under the hood. I cant believe this is standard for a car

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  No regrets - 2010 Honda Accord
  By juspassinthru - July 4 - 7:38 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for one month & have put about 1800 miles on it. Wind noise is not any worse than other cars in the same price range, ride quality is good, gas mileage could be better (avg 21-22 mpg around town) Over all I have no regrets. Nice Car.

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  Might buy American next time - 2008 Honda Accord
  By honda4 - July 4 - 6:51 pm

  This is my 3rd accord and this one had the most problems. All the power locks failed and were replaced, but it caused me to get locked out of my car one time. The rear brakes are 90% worn I was told at only 27k mi. There was a misc evaporator valve problem with the emissions.

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  Cant Believe I Bought a Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Mercedes Lover - July 2 - 10:16 pm

  I love my Mercedes. When I convinced my wife to lease a ml350, I thought she would love it. I was wrong. She ended up buying the pilot touring edition last month. We now fight over driving it. While the fuel mileage is extremely disappointing, we just came back from a trip and got almost 22 mpg. Not great, but better than expected. The entire family loves taking this car on trips. The technology (bluetooth, nav, rear entertainment) is far Superior to my 2010 Mercedes e-class and her ml. The entire build quality rivals the other cars we looked at including those priced well above the Honda. This is a great SUV at a price that wont squeeze your wallet.

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  Happy Camper - 2009 Honda Civic
  By UTSAPAT23 - July 1 - 11:14 pm

  I have had my Civic for almost a year now and I must say that when it comes to GAS it has given me excellent miles for my bucks, pump once a week or every 9 days $32 max. This car has been driven to SA,TX 2 times, and SEATS start to hurt your back after a while, plus you cant avoid hearing the ROAD NOISE. too loud. Other than that, I did purchase this car for fuel economy and I have been happy thus far. Due to uncomfortable seats and my passengers struggling to get in and out of my car I am looking for a larger vehicle, BUT I do recommend the Honda Civic for those who like cute compact, gas saver and economical prices.

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  91 Accord DX - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dave - July 1 - 2:36 pm

  This car survived the summers of Nevada and the winters of Massachusetts. It was a solid no-frills workhorse that got me where I needed to go for over 19 years. For the last few years, it needed a major repair per year, but only this last year did it cost me over $500. The engine has held up very well, and the fuel efficiency has been great.

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  Solid value but missing some features - 2010 Honda Accord
  By TheTick247 - July 1 - 1:20 pm

  I was leaning toward other cars (Legacy, Sonata) but got such a good deal on this I couldnt turn it down. Its everything you expect from an Accord. Solid, comfortable, fairly nimble & well made. That being said, its missing some features that youd expect it to have and that the competition already does. The powertrain, while competent is beginning to showing its age relative to the competition. In the end, its a good car thats better than the sum of its parts. It wont overly impress, but it wont disappoint, either.

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  Bad Driver Seat Ergonomics - 2007 Honda Fit
  By k morash - June 30 - 3:03 pm

  I love the fit, but I cant keep it. The gas pedal is 5" off the floor and this keeps my foot almost perpendicular no matter what position I put the seat in, at the end of 30 mins I have leg cramps and heel pain. My husband is 6 and there is not enough leg room for him as the center console is too close to the gas pedal to be comfortable. The amount of time a dealer offers to test drive, it would be almost impossible to discover the bad gas pedal placement, this has developed over months of commuting. I spoke to Honda and this has not been changed in any current models, so I have to trade for something other then a Fit and maybe something other then a Honda. Too bad.

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  Poor quality by HONDA - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RTH - June 29 - 4:18 pm

  This my third Accord. The first two wonderful. This has been a dog! Today both keys and door latch [left side] need to be replaced. I have complained about this for a year and not that the car is out of warranty suddenly it can be repaired. Over 3 bills. Both seats in front are black there color is that tarp [light brown] I took to an auto seat person and he said take to Honda they are worn out. I did today and was told “they are dirty.” Make a buck any way HONDA this my last one.

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  Servicable car if you like the Seat - 2009 Honda Accord
  By EnvENGineer - June 28 - 3:22 pm

  I have a long commute every day to work (85 miles one way) and have spent a great deal of time in this car. After only approx. 11+ months of ownership I am thinking about selling this vehicle. The lumbar support/active head restraint systems have created a seat that becomes extremely uncomfortable after a nominal drive, to the point of back pain. The gas mileage has been better than advertised (I get 27-28 vs 25). The aux jack is not in a great location (center console). The car always feels heavy and loses momentum quickly. The steering is crisp and the cabin is spacious. Exterior wont win any beauty contests and the dash is not pretty but overall a workhorse type car.