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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  Needs some changes - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Arun - April 8 - 7:20 pm

  The 2010 Pilot is an excellent choice for large sized SUV. It provides great comfort and rideability, and has ample room for 8 people. The interior design is excellent except for usage of cheap looking plastic on the dashboard. One thing I missed from my CRV was the conversation mirror, which was great for checking on your kids, without turning your head. Performance wise, the Pilot is no slouch, but its probably the first guzzler from Honda. All over the internet people are complaining of poor mileage. I am hard pressed to get their EPA 17 mpg in city. Braking distance is another valid complaint, it takes more distance to stop when braking at 60mph and above.

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  Just purchased - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rgw - April 8 - 11:36 am

  Hard riding on all but smooth roads especially back seat. Front seats well adjustable.

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  Great MPG but hate the seat! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cms - April 8 - 1:06 am

  We were forced into purchasing another car. We were coming out of a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE which is billed as the "family sports car" and it is. We had all the bells and whistles and we loved that car. New Maxima was out of our price range. Previously had a Honda Accord back in 1986 which we loved, kept it until 212,000 miles so thats why we went back to a Honda. Did lots of research on this purchase and for the money it seemed like we should have been thrilled; we got $6K off the sticker and have had it 5 weeks and put 5200 miles on it. We are getting 36MPG which is fantastic BUT the drivers seat and steering wheel are horribly uncomfortable. Very tough getting used to this car.

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  Cant Beat It! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By LuvMyHonda - April 7 - 7:13 pm

  Absolutely terrific family vehicle, especially with 2 young boys who are only growing. We finally took it on a longer trip this past weekend with the grandparents as well, and all 6 of us were very comfortable during the trip. Hard to beat the value when compared to other mini vans and some SUVs. We compared it to our friends LX470, which is 2x as expensive. Only things that vehicle had on our Odyssey - 4 wheel drive, the DVD system, and silly wood grain accents.

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  Happy with my Civic :) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Step-Mom - April 7 - 3:26 pm

  Bought this car to replace my 03 Accord that was totaled in an accident. Was considering a new Accord, but the price of Accords have gone up from when I purchased my 03. And I was looking for a car with better gas mileage than the current Accord. I decided to give the Civic a chance. Im glad I did! I loved this car from my first test drive. It is surprisingly roomy and has a peppy engine---acceleration is more than adequate. I have only owned this car for 1 month. 3 tanks of gas with gas mileage slowly improving from 28 to 29, to 30. This is with my A/C on ALL the time (in 100+ degrees) and with mixed highway/city driving. I am sure gas mileage will improve.

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  2001 Honda Accord VP - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ronald panaccione - April 7 - 11:25 am

  Has provided superior performance from day one. No problems whatsoever. Minimal maintenance required in all areas. Original tires lasted 60m - brakes 50,000. Still has original muffler at 107,000 miles.

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  This is Elementary dear Watson - 2007 Honda Element
  By Ted - April 7 - 11:22 am

  The Element has most beautiful interior (extreme?). I like especially the heavy-duty flooring, removable back seats and the fabric . Element is a very agile little SUV, it has an excellent transmission. I really appreciate Honda for placing polymer panels in places where Hondas notoriously rust and get bumped - the fenders, front and back over bumpers and thresholds. Element is very roomy car, it handles very nicely and I love its boxy Lego-like looks. My element likes to sip the gas though, I wonder why. But since it has 75 cubic feet cargo room it is not a tragic situation. All things considered, the Element offers excellent value for the dollar and I am extremely happy.

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  My 1st car in 40 years - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Greg West - April 7 - 10:22 am

  I should have bought a Honda along time ago.

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  I feel for who I sell this to. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By MNMan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Accord when I bought it. I paid cash after saving throughout college. Then I had to replace the transmission, Desert Honda in Las Vegas where I bought it failed to replace the fluid when the scheduled maintenance said it was due. At 65,000 miles the transmission was shot and American Honda did not help nor did Desert Honda. I have gone through a catalytic converter, rack and pinion, new steering column and a new starter. None of it with the help of Honda. I will never buy another.

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  9 years old and still running great - 1993 Honda Accord
  By MD Tran - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car! The exterior is still in great shape, the design itself is holding up pretty well although the front seems to be aging better than the back of the car. Interior is well- thought out with plenty of places to place your things and easy to use controls. Even though the engine is a 4 cylinder, it has good pickup and handling is simple and nice.