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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  The Green Shortbus - 2007 Honda Element
  By Shrt_Bus - June 14 - 5:29 pm

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. Its fun to drive and I am averaging just under 21 mpg mostly city about 25 highway. Cargo space is great, smooth ride. Definitely recommend changing the tires to something more SUV style. I put BFG Long Trail and rides and handles much better. Truly recommend this vehicle to all.

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Susan - June 14 - 3:08 pm

  It is compact SUV. Bigger space than car but not as big as mini van. Back seats are not that wide to hold three adults. I wish the front camera can show how close the car is to the sides of garage door frame and how close to the curb when parking

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  Stealth fighter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By NightHawk - June 14 - 11:23 am

  I bought my black si after my white 96 aAccord sedan was stolen and totaled (I love ya RIP). The car looks like a spaceship inside and out. The interior layout is real cool and has lots of convenience and comfort features. The seats really hug you. The mp3 sound system with sub is a nice touch. The car has good acceleration & quick handling. The engine sounds great. Buy driving gloves & get the windows tinted. The shifter burns your hand when hot & freezes it when cold. I get the same rattles as other folks but its not that bad. Its due to the stiff suspension. What do you expect? The interior is a lil bit delicate but I think folks trip out b/c black makes scuffs more noticable.

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  3 years review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cxvargas - June 14 - 11:13 am

  Dealer took care of two recalls, machined rotors-replaced front pads and reverse condition re-program computer, no big issues. Paint chips easily, the drivers window fails to go up or down during cold weather and the check engine light is on. All fluids are fine and with 47k miles maintenance is not due until the 50k. The wife decided to have the 50k maintenance done early to check the p/w and the engine light. Im starting to lose confidence on this car and that is a pity because the wife is happy and is really comfortable and superior to the domesticÂ’s offerings. Im not sure if I will buy Honda again based on my recent experience. Lets see.

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  First New Car In Ten Years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - June 14 - 10:43 am

  I love this car! The last time I bought a car was ten years ago. My family has always bought Ford vehicles so I initially looked there but was not impressed. I researched and test drove vehicles over two months before I decided on this fantastic car. Great ride. Excellent gas mileage. Convenient dash controls. It looks sleek. It is suprisingly spunky for a little car!! Love all the standard safety features.

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  This is a GREAT car!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By MB SKANDALAKIS - June 14 - 4:23 am

  I LOVE this car so much!! Its so fun to drive, and itll totally fly! But, due to an unexpected influx of grandchildren, I have to switch to a car with 4 doors. My 51-yr-old self cannot get them in and out of the car without major discomfort. Switching to a Honda CR-V.

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  Honda next generation - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Emperors civic - June 14 - 2:54 am

  Good car for the money...but still need to work out a few kinks

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  Horrible Gas Milage - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jeanny Collazo - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family SUV with a lot of safety features. Weve had it for 3 weeks and we love it. It has Exactly the same engine,transmission, chasis, steering and suspension of the more expensive Acura MDX. However I have been keeping track of the gas mileage and it is terrible. We just got, driving in the city 183.4 miles on 16.8 gallons for a MPG average of 10.9. The car only has 403 miles so I am hoping that it takes a few more miles for the engine to break in and gas mileage to improve. We have not driven the car over 55 miles as we were told by the dealership not to exceed 55 mph in the first 700 miles.

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  Transmission leaks - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By humbled - June 14 - 2:00 am

  My brother recently bought a Pilot. After a week he found about a quart of transmission fluid on his garage floor. After taking it back twice, the dealer advised that he may have a porous transmission casing which is causing the transmission fluid to seep out. He is getting his transmission replaced. The dealer has been working hard to please him.

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  Great car except for slight vibration - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Snoopy - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the Pilot except for a slight vibration between70- 80 mph. This is our 10th Honda product and I have loved them all. Im sure Honda will solve the vibration problem, but in the interim it is aggrevating.