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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  Incredably Versitile Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By kevin777 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Most people think theyre ugly, but I think the styling is refreshing. Too many cars (and SUVs) look exactly the same. Its fun to drive, and has a ridiculous amount of cargo space for a vehicle its size. You get a lot of the perks of the giant suburban-assault SUVs without the enormous gas bill.

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  Best all around car - 2004 Honda Element
  By ELE-mentary - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car performs better than expected from onlookers. The theater style seating makes the ride enjoyable for everyone and it drives just like a car. Not bad on gas either. At 1.65 about 20 bucks will fill it.

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  Focus!? What Focus? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By honda4evr - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second brand new car ever. My previous one was a 2002 Ford Focus LX. My new Honda seems more like a 2040 vs a 2004 when compared to the Focus. It drives better, handles quicker, MUCH better gas mileage (in town about 35-36MPG) and you cant beat 2.9% APR for 60 months! ;)

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  Cant Beat an Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Annaliese - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Have driven this car almost 10,000 miles. Has been reliable so far. No rattles, easy to drive, not boaty like my previous Solara. Looks much better when you add a spoiler.

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  Whatcha talking bout Willis? - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Dave Perry - July 3 - 8:20 am

  I sure am glad I had a thorough test drive of this vehicle after falling in love with the looks and reading reviews here. If I had relied on the reviews alone I would not have purchased, which would have been a major mistake. I dont know about the seat, ride, noise or other features being dissed here, but my Accord Coupe with the 4- cylinder engine is everything I expected in a sporty personal coupe. I have owned two Elements and an S2000. My wife has owned the previous generation Accord and the current Civic and this Honda is a good as anything I would expect from Honda, which means great! Im 61" and weigh 225 pounds and I find the seats extremely comfortable. Firm is good, soft is bad.

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  My first car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By teenager - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord just a few months ago. It has been great. Its my first car and I love it. I had issues with the alternator and car starting and electrical stuff. We replaced the battery and the alternator to no avail. When we got it looked at, it turns out that the previous owner replaced the alternator belt on incorrectly, and now it is perfect. I love the gas mileage...300 miles per fill-up! A great first car. Its got 92,000 miles and is still going strong!

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  Rhondas Review - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Prtyflwrs - July 2 - 11:13 pm

  I had a 1998 almost identical and loved it. It got totaled, so I replaced it with the 2001. I love it as well. I think that it is extremely stylish. I love the comfort and the leather. I really enjoy the climate control system. I have yet to find another car that I would want to trade it in for.

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  First car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - July 2 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Honda Accord Ex-l coupe on 3/31/10 from first team honda. The buying process was smooth and easy, and the price was truly unbeatable. Before purchasing the Accord i looked at the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Vw Jetta, Vw GTI, Nissan Rogue,Nissan Frontier, Volvo S40, and GMC Terrain. After looking at these car the accord was the best. It offers a comfortable ride, a sporty look,and good build quality. I also drove the Sedan which is a total different beast it offers a choppy and noisy ride, and rattles but the coupe is so much smoother and more powerful because it has more hp than the lx-p 190 vs 177. I would recommend this car to any one.

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  Fun CUV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Allen Wiese - July 2 - 11:51 am

  The new 2017 is by far the best value in this segment, and would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  So far, so good! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Trish C. - July 2 - 7:53 am

  I bought my 2016 Pilot EX-L AWD on 9/2016. I have already taken it on a small road trip and every time I drive it, I fall in love again. Its been great in the short time Ive had it and hoping it will last a lifetime. Sometimes the Bluetooth goes out but I just reset it. Technology, go figure. But the drive, the comfort and the space is really wonderful! I traded my Murano for it and while I thought I would have that car forever I am really happy I traded it in for the Pilot. I do wish the panoramic roof was available on the lower trims but still happy with at least having a sun roof. Great SUV!