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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  Drive before you buy! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By FunDriver - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought the car after just a short drive. After 3500 miles, I cant get comfortable and driving is miserable! I have never had this problem with any other car Ive owned. No matter what I do, the accelerator pedal causes sore leg muscles. Also, the console, by your right leg, has a seam that sticks out and causes further leg pain if you lean your leg against it. I am very disappointed with this car and dislike driving it. Due to the shape of car and pillars, it is hard to see outside the car when checking for traffic. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Honda Rocks - 2003 Honda Accord
  By johninct - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my accord for 3 weeks and have already put almos 1700 miles on it, due to taking a long trip, and car runs great on the highway, but the car feels loose wet surfaces, I was used to an SUV before this and wanted somethin with better gas milage.

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  I LOVE IT MORE - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hiyar - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I am just checking back. I bought it 7 months ago and put 6000 miles on it. Loved it then, love it more now. Some changes since my initial report: Bumpiness got better. Now it feels just right. Not too soft, not too bumpy. MPG improved. I get 35 MPG (75 % HWY). On my last trip with AC on and 80 MPH all the way I got 30 MPG. Pick up is better. It has better pick up on HWY speeds (ex. from 55-80). Very comfortable at highway speeds. Had 1 recall: simple stuff (weak hose clamp). I am considering a second one.

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  thanks for the fond memories - 2000 Honda Civic
  By t4kinase - January 20 - 9:08 am

  The 2000 Si is a wonderful car to own repairs are inexpensive and infrequent, maintenance is a snap, and driving this car is a pure joy. If you want to upgrade and modify, there probably isnt a more versatile car out there. I owned my Si for 6 years, and sadly, it was stolen from me just before Christmas! To whomever did this...Karma is coming, and she wont be kind!

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By nathaniel larrabee - January 20 - 6:43 am

  The dealer was very helpful at every stage. We have only driven it for 900 miles, but it is more than I expected. It got 44 m.p.g. on the road and has averaged about forty over all using economy settings.

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  Bobs Review - 2005 Honda Element
  By Robert Wickens - January 20 - 12:03 am

  This car has been both fun and extremely reliable to operate. It in well-built, and has needed no repairs or servicing since I acquired it. Our family had previously owned a Honda CRV, and this car is just as well-made as the CRV.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By jjcraigo@gmail.com - January 19 - 4:01 pm

  Ive had LOTS of cars because I quickly get bored of them. I came across a deal on my 2007 Pilot EXL used in July 2015. It was a one owner and had been hit in the rear but repaired so I got it for $4000. I have taken long road trips, and its my daily commuter, about 50 miles a day stop and go city and highway driving. This SUV does everything I need it to do. Its got speed on the highway even at 70 I can punch it to pass and it reacts quickly. Mine has leather and the seats are very comfortable and I am a big guy (6 and 250) I have plenty of head/leg room. Nice big armrest. Lots of storage. I have AWD and this thing will NOT get stuck, but I have all terrain tires. Ive only had it 9 months but I love it just as much as the day I bought it. Has 240,000 miles and drives like new because the previous owner kept timing belt and all maintenance up to date. I plan on getting a good 300k easy. I wrote my novella here hope it helps! :)

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  I love my Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Nancy - January 19 - 3:17 pm

  The only problem Ive had with my Honda Civic is the cruise control and the air bag sensor light. My cruise control has worked intermittently for the last 2 years, and the air bag sensor has been an issue since before my warranty expired. I just never got it fixed. I have had it checked and their is truly something wrong with the sensor. But I have A LOT of miles on my Honda so overall I would never complain. I dont know very many cars that can stand up to what my car has.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By SL - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  This car is great...I wish there were more cubbyholes in the car to put change, DL, etc. The car is tiny but it performs extremely well. Drives like a normal car but half the price at the station.

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  From dislike to admiration - 2005 Honda Element
  By D - January 19 - 2:15 pm

  My wife was due for a new vehicle and really liked the idea of an Element. She test drove one and loved it. I thought it was the ugliest vehicle made since the Gremlin and shuddered at the thought of having to see it in the driveway everyday. As a result, I tried relentlessly to talk her out of it and we test drove 6 other make and models of compact SUV / wagons before I drove the Element. To her credit she looked at the other vehicles with an open mind, asked plenty of questions, but in the end was still focused on the Element. So, it was finally time for me to get over my prejudice and test drive none. Although the appearance is still growing on me it is without a doubt the most functional