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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  Beyond Expectation - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mary Mediate - June 9 - 7:43 pm

  Driving this car is like going to heaven. You will want for nothing. It is amazing in every way. It has bells and whistles I never knew it had. The car is human and perfectionistic. It drives well, the satellite radio is awesome and it has the comfort of home. I am thinking about living in my car.

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  Pros and Cons - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Veronica Krautheim - June 9 - 7:32 pm

  Pros: Its great to sit up high in traffic so I can see well ahead. The electric seats are very easy to adjust. The car has good power and responds quickly. The back-up monitor is well placed, is easy to see and understand, and helps me keep track of anything behind the car. Steering wheel adjusts in so many ways that I feel very comfortable driving. I like the car, but I miss my previous car. I bought this car so I could tow it behind my RV. I couldnt tow my previous car 4-wheels down behind the RV. All of the following Cons are based on differences between this car and my previous car (a Prius). Cons: The steering wheel gets in the way of viewing the speedometer, dials, and problem indicators, so I have to take my eyes off the road and bend my head to see how fast Im going or to make sure there are no problem indicators lit up. The speedometer is not digital, so I have to guesstimate my speed. The ride is rougher than my previous car, and feels bouncier. With my previous car, I never needed to use a key. I could just touch the drivers door handle and the car would unlock as long as I had the key in my pocket or purse, and the car had a push-button start. Now, I must have my key in my hand to open the door and to start the car (which means digging in my purse to find the key). Just a slight inconvenience, but difficult to deal with after 7 years of the previous car.

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  Honda not living up to reputation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By quietrider - June 9 - 4:23 pm

  After my disaster with my first car, a 94Â’ Ford Thunderbird, I decided to listen to my friends who told me of HondaÂ’s legendary build quality. What I found with this CR-V was that it drove well and has a nice design however, they did a lousy job with the air conditioner unit. It went out first in Â’04 after only 31,000 miles on it. Then it went out again in Â’06 when I had over 90,000 miles on it. Today 6/9/2007 it has gone out again. Other then this problem it has been a great vehicle.

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  Own 4 Elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By We own 4 Elements - June 9 - 3:59 pm

  Love this car. Currently shopping for the 5th in our family. Everyone who rides in ours buys one. This car is a blast to drive and VERY comfortable. Will own this for 10 years.

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  Best car Ive ever purchased! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied Customer - June 9 - 6:23 am

  I just purchased an Accord Sedan (fully loaded) with leather seats. I was originally in the market for an Acura and compared the both and chose the Accord. They are very similar as far as engine and design on the inside. The difference to me is the body style. I really really love my new car. It rides smooth, roomy, great horsepower and maintains the road well. I put it on the road a week ago and road noise is not a problem. This is the best car Ive ever purchased. It took me two years to make up my mind in what would be my next car and I wouldnt have it no other way. I get compliments and praises everywhere I go. The black on black, 2008 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L V6 is MY new Lexus!

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  Buy German - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Raj Nathan - June 8 - 10:54 pm

  Good on the highways, thats the only good part. Bought the one with a Navigation that has all outdated maps, windshield wipers that do not clean, bug paste literally sticks to low-quality windshield, lousy stereo (multiple problems with the subwoofer) and above all a not a great drive. Engine may be nice, but not fuel efficient if you want to feel a little of the rush. Body is literally made of tin !! Listen to me, buy something German, everything else is a cheap imitation !!! I plan to promptly return this after my lease, but wanted to save a few souls from getting into a similar trap !!!

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  High Performer - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CarKat - June 8 - 12:04 pm

  A fun car with quick response and excellent handling. Plenty of power and good fuel economy. Average about 39-42 MPG highway and 22-25 MPG city driving. The pleasure of driving a high performance V6 with economy of a 4 cylinder car. No problems in 2 years of ownership.Still looks and runs like new.

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  GREAT CAR - 1999 Honda Civic
  By zc - June 8 - 10:00 am

  its a great car. never had anything better. i recommend this car to everyone.

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  Excellent!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CorkyF16 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Two Children. Two Car Seats. Plenty of room for strollers, beach items, coolers, *and* two more adults.

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  Civic HX 5 speed/2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By knarf - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Very poor engine performance. Primarily in 4th and 5th gear get a degree of engine hesitation, stumble and at times surge. Difficult to do maintain 60-65 on highway in top gear because of the total lack of throttle response. Have to depress throttle 1/2 way to floor before I hear engine tone change and feel any acceleration. Am getting 37-39 mpg, well below rated 44mpg on hiway where most of my commute is. Would appreciate any response or comment on this issue