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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  February 06 - 2005 Honda Element
  By Spike - February 12 - 4:02 pm

  When driving this vehicle, you get a sense of driving a much larger vehicle. There is a lot of room inside and ample headroom for taller passengers. I love the sound when you close the doors. Sounds solid. Handles extremely well. Great turning radius. Could use more power but all the positives outweigh the minuses.

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  mm - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mg005 - February 12 - 4:02 pm

  Ive owned my Accord for nearly 10 years. It is by far the most reliable and problem free car I have ever owned. It is not the most exciting car to drive however, I bought the car for reliability and gas mileage and have gotten my monies worth. Currently, I have 165K miles and hope to get 250K.

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  Ole reliable - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sean - February 12 - 3:06 pm

  My parents bought me my old accord coupe when I got my license. At the time she had 170 thousand miles on her and ,As it says in the title shes reliable. I was never left stranded while I owned the car. just keep the oil changed and she got me where ever I wanted to go. The interior was comfortable and easy to see out of. My Honda had the v6 engine In it and it was an amazing engine. It had the best pick up go. But one draw back which was a big one, it was very rough shifting from first to second gear. But other than that it ran smoothly. I had the vehicle for three years. I drove her in rain and shine. And she did great in Both conditions. Also I drove her through a few light snows and she had great traction for an old fwd car. Besides oil changes, repairs were very minimal. I had to replace a window motor and the motor mounts. July 2015 was the end on my three years with black Betty. That when she was passed to my brother, with 212000 on her at the time. thats when I got my 2010 Ford Explorer. I love my new car but at times I miss the sporty little Honda.

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  Impressed - 2002 Honda Accord
  By First Accord - February 12 - 2:50 pm

  After much research, I recently purchased a used 02 Accord. I am a diehard supporter of American cars, but after getting two lemons in a row from GM I was convinced to try Honda. So far, I am really impressed after 1,000 miles. There is one rattle in the dash, but should be an easy fix. Many complaints I have read about are nitpicks to the car - minus some tranmission issues. The tranny issues appear to be fixed. The V6 doesnt get the best gas mileage...but is one of the best engines Ive driven. I now understand "silky smooth". For those that complain about gas mileage - get the 4 cylinder. For those that want to have a little fun scooting the family around - get the V6! Great car!

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  Acura pick up truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AndyR - February 12 - 2:01 pm

  I have to say, being in the car business and working for another brand that pick up isnt available, took me a long time to decide which one would be the best hands down mid size pick up truck out there, if you are in the market for a midsize pick up truck take 20 minutes of your time and go to the nearest Honda dealer and test drive the new 2017 Ridgeline and you will understand what Im talking about, you basically getting a Acura Pick up truck, a step a head of Tacoma, Frontier, Colorado etc! You will not be disappointed!!! Good luck!

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  review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Becky Martin - February 12 - 10:48 am

  Very pleasant drive. Exteriors shape is smooth and somewhat sporty. Gas mileage could be better, but not too expensive considering that it is a sport utility vehicle. The all-wheel- drive features have proven to be an asset during inclement weather.

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  04 pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Amber - February 12 - 9:45 am

  I have never been the "soccer mom" type but I was forced to get a car with more room. I must admit though the pilot is a great buy its got the most room for the money, and ofcourse my kids love the dvd player. I am very happy with my purchace.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - February 12 - 9:38 am

  Im approaching 100,000 miles on this car, which I brought new. Am very pleased with its performance. Have only had it serviced at Honda dealer using Hondas maintenance schedule. Still on first set of brakes.

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  Super 92 AccEX Coupe - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Lin Red - February 12 - 2:53 am

  I purchased my 92 Honda Accord EX coupe with Manual transmission 13 years ago. Ive been tremendously satisfied with my great car. During the first decade I did not have any significant problems. In the last couple of years Ive finally had to replace the clutch and replace the timing belt for the second time. Aside for a few rattles and squeaks, this car still gets me to work every day. I bought an Acura TL but I cannot bring myself to sell this car.

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  Love my car! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Angie - February 11 - 6:02 pm

  I was shocked when I realized that Ive been driving my car more than four years! I think this is the longest Ive ever driven a car, and I have no desire to part with it. I have had more maintenance troubles than other reviewers. Im on my third set of tires, my second tail-pipe, and have had to have the odometer replaced. Other than that, its just been routine maintenance. About the cup-holders when I bought my car, I thought the cupholders were useless, too. I purchased an insert from the dealer for just a few dollars and its made all the difference. I hope this is helpful.