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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  90 Accord EX High Miles - 1990 Honda Accord
  By New2Honda - July 12 - 8:56 pm

  I bought a 90 Accord EX Sedan from a private party. This has to be the most dependable car I have ever owned! It has 210,000 miles and runs like its brand new. I use this car in a 140 mile daily commute and I trust it 110%!

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  Major Transmission Issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By TGal - July 12 - 2:55 pm

  This is my third Honda Pilot and Im very disappointed in the quality when it comes to its performance. The transmission is all over the place! I noticed when the car is cold it has problems shifting gears for the first few minutes at various speeds. The freakiest thing is when youre driving downhill and hit your brakes the car lunges forward jerking everyone in the car. This can be reproduced almost every single time. Very noticeable lag time in acceleration between 20-40 miles an hour seems to try and find the correct gear. Called my Honda dealer and they say theyre unaware of these issues (of course) but said maybe they would have a software update that can fix it in the future. Thank God for the internet --glad to hear Im not the only one experiencing these same exact issues. Opening a report with Honda to submit my complaint and hopefully speed up the software update.

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  Great car just wish it had better seats - 2006 Honda Element
  By carguy96 - July 12 - 1:19 pm

  We had an 03 model and it was great, but I question the quality of the 06 I just purchased in May. We are currently experiencing problems with the drivers seat. The Seat back has been replaced and now the seat bottom and height adjuster makes all kinds of noise while you drive. The dealership said there is nothing wrong with it and that I had a lot of warranty on the vehicle.

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  Cant Go Wrong with a Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Coleen - July 12 - 11:19 am

  I purchased my Pilot in Jan of 2006, and its the best decision Ive made. Prior to purchasing, I researched every SUV out there, and test drove a few. This vehicle drives and rides like a luxury car! It doesnt feel like youre driving an 8-passenger vehicle, has more than sufficient power, very roomy in front and middle rows for large adults, great cargo space, and looks quite stylish. I have the EX-L model loaded with everything. Kids LOVE the DVD player. I love that they can listen with wireless headphones and I can play my CD or Radio! Leather seats remain beautiful and are easy to clean up! Not a single hint of mechanical problems! Drives great--everyday!

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Coach Leathrum - July 12 - 12:04 am

  I love my cute new car. Ive only owed it for a week, but its been great. Easy to drive, comfortable, plenty of storage despite its small size. Easy to park and maneuver in small spaces. Feels fine on a highway but clearly it isnt a luxury car. My biggest complaint is the small capacity of the fuel tank. It is cheap to fill, but is required every 350 miles. Given its great mpg its disappointing how often it need to be refueled.

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  Brakes at 21K??? Cmon!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ConnecticutJoe - July 11 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my Accord for almost 18 months. I have had no problems to speak of and the 4 cyl is incredible for a 4 cyl. My only complaint is I had to get brakes at 21,000 miles. Honda service said this was normal and because my town is pretty hilly I believed them. But after reading here, Im a little ticked off. Honda definitely needs to do something as people who read these reviews might rule these cars out in their purchasing decision.

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  Good Car so Far - 2007 Honda Accord
  By nycarguy - July 11 - 7:13 pm

  Car rides tightly, smoothly, great on winding roads. Good engine power, AT transmission a bit abrupt at stop and go slower speeds trying to find comfortable gearing. Great rear seat room!

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  08 Accord EX-L best car fot the money - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jibnayman - July 11 - 5:36 pm

  This car I would well recommend to any one. It feels like you are driving a quality computer on wheels. If you are looking for a car that is affordable and well built this is the car for you bad gas mileage

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  S2000 Outstanding - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Bob - July 11 - 1:51 pm

  This car is exactly what it is supposed to be, a performance roadster to the utmost. Honda didnt try to appeal to everybody with this car, just the serious minded drivers. The seats are perfect, the sound of the engine perfect, V-Tech perfect. I tested a Boxster S, and a new MX-5 before I drove the S2000, and I dont know who would pay twice the price to get a Boxster when you could have a better car with the S2000. The Mazda just cant touch it, and I used to own a Miata. Rigidity, is amazing for a rag top. This car is just flat out fun to drive. I had to buy one before they stop making them. This is the most fun since I had my Triumph Spitfire back in the sixties. Thank you Honda.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Steve - July 11 - 1:16 pm

  This car accelerates better than I expected. I thought itd be a dog, but its much quicker than I thought it would be. The only problem Ive had is with the odometer. Its stuck on the current trip mileage and wont return to overall mileage, so Ill need to get this repaired so Ill know when to change the oil. Ive been cross country with this car half a dozen times or so, I wish it had cruise control, but thats not an option. The ride is a little more harsh than most cars, but Im used to it, and going long distance is no problem. I can get the advertised 65 mpg highway IF I drive 55mph, but I just drive it the normal hwy speed and get about 50 mpg hwy. Overall I get 47 mpg.