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 only Honda owner not in love w/ it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Francesca - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, drove it 4oo miles and the power steering went out. Everyone tells me this NEVER happens in a new Honda. Well, it did. Sent the car abck to the dealership on aflatbed and had to rent a car for 4 days. This interior is not laid out well at all. At least not for me. Im looking forward to 10 years from now, when the car dies and I can be the first person in history who doesnt buy a secong Honda.

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  upset mom - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By upset mom - September 20 - 7:10 am

  When buying the car we were told it was a EX with leather with all of the options, but instead they just added the leather seats and entertainment system to trick us. Horrible gas milage, we wanted space in the car, but without spending so much time at the pump filling up the tank. Other than the major upset of not having the right engine, the car makes life much easier to haul things from place to place.

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  Quality with reservations - 2008 Honda Accord
  By WoWo - September 18 - 12:10 am

  My initial drive of this new model surprised me and I purchased it vs the Camry or Altima. I spend 3 hrs a day commuting and the car has been a little disappointing - there is hesitation when I try to accelerate; interior seat bolsters are to high and rub each time we get in and out - will wear out quickly. In cold weather the multiple piece dash layout rattles and creaks for 40 minutes until the interior warms up. Cubic ft of trunk is large but odd interior shape prevents effective use for large luggage pieces. Wipers and window wash are recessed below defroster line and freeze in place with defroster on. This new model is quieter than the old Accord and it does handle well.

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  Now we have numerous complaints about the car. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Charles W. Huber - September 17 - 8:47 pm

  The car is like a crackerjack box on wheels. Very difficult to enter or exit the car. Very, very poor condition of car for delivery. Delivery condition of car was very dirty. Dealer did not tell us that the car had 85 miles on it intil the paper work was signed. Got rid of the car March 31, 2016. Bought a 2016 Toyota Camry. Did not hesitate to get rid of this vehicle as soon as I could. Again, Very little dealer support from Sunnyside Honda.

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  BACK KILLER-Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Love TOYOTA Highland - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I felt the Honda Pilot had the best off everything.However,after 800 miles on the Pilot-I developed a severe back problem{pain}.I went to Honda-could not do anything to fix the problem with my back{seat}.Then went to the doctors- took medicine still back pain -I stopped driving the Pilot for 15 days and drove on friday-the pain came back right away.I had to give the Pilot to my wife.I am now driving my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.Very disappointed-I will not get to drive my dream PILOT.Sad,sad day- I really wanted this Honda Pilot-Now I am stuck with this PILOT BACK KILLER. I will be going back to TOYOTA for my future purchases.

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  Beware of the rear headroom in the hatchback! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kamil Iskra - September 14 - 8:55 am

  I test drove an EX hatchback and eventually did *not* buy one. There was one particular aspect which gave me a pause but which many reviews seem to miss: the rear headroom. Im tall, but nothing crazy (6ft) and when sitting in the back, my head was firmly against the ceiling. Curiously, that wasnt the case if I set completely straight, only when I reclined comfortably -- I would hit the edge of the ceiling with the back of my head. It seems that the ceiling in this car just isnt very flat and leans too much into the cabin near the edges. Considering how large this new Civic is compared to the older ones, I find this unacceptable. Note that I set in a sedan version for comparison and that one was OK -- this problem is specific to the hatchback.

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  The Element needs restructoring - 2004 Honda Element
  By ROHONDA ARMONY - September 14 - 2:00 am

  stylish, but in the end i have found lousy brake system, poor gas mileage and the suspension system does not take bumps well. Tires on it are not responsive to the poor Pennysylvania roads. would not buy this car again or recommend it to be bought. Lousy performance for the money.

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  what else could go wrong? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By disappointed owner - September 9 - 12:41 am

  Heres the list since I purchased it...4 front struts, 1 transmission, 3 wheel bearings, trunk release, 1 alternator, cd player overheats, enough rust on the brake rotor to rub on the wheel well covers,...and now every indicator light on the dash go on and off...while driving. Wish I had a big bottle of tequila to go with this lemon

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  WHAT HAPPANED TO HONDA QUALITY. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CAMRON - September 8 - 10:00 am

  OVER ALL HONDA PILOT IS AN AVERAGE SUV.HONDA COULD OF DONE A MUCH BETTER JOB BULIDING THIS SUV.FOR EXAMPLE,THEY COULD OF MADE THE INTERIOR MORE PLUSH,INSTEAD OF USING SO MUCH PLASTIC, THERE ARE NO SUN ROOF,CHEAP STEREO,NO OPTION ON 4X4 OR 2X4,SHIFTING GEAR GETS STUCK,DOOR HANDLES DO NOT MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE.

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  Honda Hassle - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kflanagan - September 8 - 10:00 am

  One thing that no one mentions about this car is that you cannot roll the back window down because you get this tunneling effect. By this I mean, the wind is going through the car and you feel like you are going through a tunnel, your ears seem stopped up, the noise is really bad. Now that I have taken it to the dealership, they tell me that if you roll down another window - it eases the noise. That is not true because I tried that already. The cup holder does not come out so it is a pain to wash. The car runs great and I love the savings on the gas - especially now that prices have gone up.