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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  Better Than Expected - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Joe - August 11 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 06 Honda Accord mostly for the fuel economy. This car has turned out to be more than I expected. The ride is smooth and the 4 cylinder engine has more get up and go than I would have believed. I have gotten nothing but compliments on my purchace. This is my first Honda but I will be buying Honda again in the future.

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  This vehicle is fun to drive! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sotexphan - August 11 - 2:59 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 6 years. I just trader my 3rd Accord for my Green CRV. Now, dont get me wrong, the Accord is the Grand-daddy for sure but I just love my CRV! It is fun to drive, I can fit a lot of stuff in there (especially my bike). We recently went on a trip and could fit everything in the back w/o any problems. It rides great and has a smooth transmission. I like the driving position and there is a lot of interior room especially in the back seat.

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  Fun but.... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Si dave - August 11 - 8:00 am

  My honda civic is fun, fast and can handle the road like it was on railroad tracks! The only complaints i have with the car is rattling in the engine above 6,000 rpms in which i was told was the heat sheild. Also, on the inside of the car the two panels that run parallel with the windshield vibrate. Although the car is everything i wanted and expected i wish the dealer could fix these two minor problems( but they drive me insane). If anyone could give me an alternate reason to the rattling in the engine it would greatly appreciated.

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  Loved our first, but this one was a mistake - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By David Sharkey - August 11 - 7:01 am

  There is less room up front on these newer models both passenger side and driver side. Removing the rear seats is still extremely frustrating, but the technology on the van is what is most frustrating. I generally give up any anything I want to do that involves the electronics including adjusting heating and cooling, music, radio, video etc. I can normally figure these things out quickly, not on this vehicle. Also, you get wireless earphones for the video play. They have never worked right. The plugs for earphones are on one side of the car in the back. So my boys need to share earbuds and one has to sit in the middle seat in order for them to reach. Our first Odessey was great, I really regret buying this car. It makes my blood boil every time I get into it.

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  Dont Buy if you want to pull the 5,000lb limit - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie - August 11 - 6:11 am

  We bought the 2016 Pilot Touring thinking it would be a good upgrade from our 2013. However, even though they advertise that it will pull 5000lbs, all the towing equipment is extra, unlike our 2013. (We only had to put a electric harness on it.) First our salesman told us that the hitch, and harness are all separate add-ons now. Then we get a call telling us that the radiator has to have a special cooler installed for another $500. Guess what folks, they havent made the cooler yet. We have been waiting since July for our new Pilot. It finally came on Sept. 3, but we are still waiting for Honda to develop a cooler for it. Of course the warranty would be void if you pulled without it. We love our Hondas but this ridiculous. Very disappointed with Honda this time around

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  First Honda but Honda for life - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jonathan - August 11 - 1:30 am

  Have had car for about 6 weeks now - put on 2500 miles so far.Had an Olds Alero and was junk,bought this accord with 5400 miles on it.No real complaints but I have found some wind noise on both driver and passenger doors.Stereo is ok,takes getting use to.Dont like the auto-off lights,should just be automatic with no dinging when you get out.Decreased power with AC,but its the 4 cyl but still good once you get up on the highway and going.Really good highway power, goes 80 naturally without a heavy foot.Plenty of room,front and back.Fuel econ is sluggish in town,but picks up on the highway.Nice trunk size,and cup holders.

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  Nice upgrade! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By chanchu1 - August 11 - 12:48 am

  Owned a 2009 Camry and was extremely happy with the car. Drove it 200 miles to and from work daily without a flaw. Car had 178,000 miles and drove like new. Decided to trade in search of better MPG. considered the 2013 Nissan Altima, Ford fusion & Toyota Camry. Glanced at the Kia and Hyundai but just cant get passed the silly looking logo on both korean vehicles. Bottom line, the honda Accord comes with more standard features than all mentioned for about the same price. The Accord handles a bit sportier than the Camry and is not as plush but way out performs the Camry in handling. Only small complaint is a bit of wind and road noise which was similar to the Camry a coworker of mine ownes.

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  Excellent 5-speed auto on 2005 SE!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2005 CR-V SE man! - August 10 - 11:53 pm

  My first test drive was one year ago with 2004 EX. It was a nightmare with 4- speed auto. I was not even considered anymore to buy a CR-V after that, but somehow salesman got me back to dealership. He remembered my negative comments about transmission. He enforced me to drive 2005 model, with same engine but new 5-speed automatic transmission. Car acceleration was changed, also functionality was much better. Car shifts smoothly and still keeping firmness. I bought the car and still happy with my SE!

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  2 FAST - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HONDALVR - August 10 - 4:20 pm

  Its fun. Its fast. It almost drives its self. Shifting is effortless. It can do 80mph at 2,500 RPM. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By cherubrocky - August 10 - 11:32 am

  So Ive had my element a year now, and have been pleasently pleased with this vehicle. Ive put nearly 30k miles on it in one year driving cross country. I am completely content with it! Easy to clean, works well taking it up to hood to snowboard!