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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  Picked the Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ZAX - January 1 - 11:46 am

  The Accord is kinda boring looking IMHO, both inside and out, but its quality is outstanding, it drives great, the 4 cyl. with auto is VERY responsive and a great performer, and there is no question that the Accords last 150,000 to over 250,000 miles with no problems - and thats what is most important to me.

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  2002 Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By JOE - January 1 - 11:23 am

  I like the car but many squeaks and rattles i had a 1991 accord with 215,000 miles and it was a more solid car what happened honda?This car has 160,000 miles on it

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  disappointing - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Joe - January 1 - 9:49 am

  I bought this car from private party who had leased it new and decided to sell it instead of turning it in at the end of the lease. Not long after I had it the Throttle sensor went out. You have to replace the whole throttle body. $750 at the dealership (parts only) I got one at a salvage yard for $300 plus $200 to replace. Next the AC compressor blew. $700 to fix. Next the TPS went out again. A new one this time. $900 to fix. Now the O2 sensor is bad at least another 3-$400. The tape player just went out. Two days ago my wife had it overheat while driving. It was out of coolant. I have no idea why. I refilled it and am holding my breath hoping it holds out long enough for me to sell it.

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  my sweet toy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By lut-jud - January 1 - 3:23 am

  Test drive it then I told myself.... gotta have it! My first SUV..... Fun to drive with lots of standard features

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  Great car, almost the perfect value - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By dashriprocket - January 1 - 2:59 am

  Well, I really love this car. Two things I dont like are the hard plastic dashboard which sounds very hollow when you top on it. There could have been some sound dampening material put there. Also, the road noise for what youre paying for .... honda could have easily made the cabin more quiet from road noise, in city and highway. Sport mode is pretty fun and the care is just very attractive and practical. However, I think the Subaru XV Crosstrek is the better value. Im 6 feet tall and when I sit in the back my head literally almost touches the ceiling, so Im a little bummed about that.

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  All Around Great Car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Zero Gravity - January 1 - 12:33 am

  Fuel economy is great. The car gets about 33-35mpg in spirited driving and can do up to 42mpg if driven economically. I would prefer a manual transmission but the automatic performs very well for a commuter car. I always use 87-octane gas, Royal Purple synthetic motor oil and a K&N reusable air filter in the stock intake. I have a sub in the trunk and heavier speakers upfront that probably cancel out the mpg gains from the oil/filter. Worth it to me. Undoubtedly the carÂ’s aerodynamic car- forward design contributes to its fuel economy as well, but the thick pillars front and rear cause large blind spots making lane changes a bit more risky than IÂ’d like.

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  in love with my car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By meredith - December 31 - 9:52 pm

  OVER 200,000 miles ...this car owes me nothing ... Just add oil/tires/and brakes.....After 150,000 miles i started repairing more than that.. CV- boots, struts, all belts, muffler, radiator, and 2 ball joints. A wonderful car until this year when my mechanic bills started to rise above the actual value of the vehicle. It will still keep kicking for another 100,000 miles guaranteed but i just cannot risk investing more into it as of this point.THIS car has made me feel nothing but good looking in it. Supersporty especially with an open moon roof.As for safety, i feel safer in this vehicle than i do in any SUV or Sedan..the only vehicle i recall feeling this safe in was a ford f250 truck cab with a roll bar

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  Loving It - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By marisa - December 31 - 9:16 pm

  I have had my Pilot for 4months And love it. There is so much storage in the front. You get a huge arm console. Inside contains a cell phone charger and a 12v outlet. Under the radio dash there is a sliding door to put more nick-nacks like pens, hair clips and anything else. We have 2 car seats on the sides and I am 55 150lb and sit comfy bw them. For your info, We have the Graco Safe seat behind the passenger b/c At 55 I can not put the drivers seat in a comfortable position, and the seat can not be reclined. We have the dvd system with the car and it works like your dvd player at home. I did not read the directions or watch the dvd movie it comes with. Very easy. It drives like a car.

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  2006 Honda CRV #2 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By kaplanm@cox.net - December 31 - 9:13 pm

  This is the second CRV in a row Ive owned. They are nice small utility vehicles. Quick, gas efficient, not large, but holds lots of stuff. No problems. Sturdy. Reliable

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  Its a good fit! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Lisa - December 31 - 8:29 pm

  Traded in a 03 Accord EX V6 for the 07 Element SC. I really bought it for function and convenience (I have 3 dogs), but found theres a lot more I like about it. The SC model was much more stylish and handled a little better because of the bigger rims and tires and lowered base. Its fun to drive. You feel like youre in an SUV but driving a car. I was worried Id feel the change going from a V6 to a 4 cyl and not like the car as much, but it hasnt bothered me at all... its pretty good off the start and once you get going, no problem passing others or getting on the freeway. I like it more and more each day.