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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  Great vehicle - 2006 Honda Insight
  By L Howe - November 2 - 10:11 pm

  Totally satisfied with what we intended this vehicle to be. We get the EPA 55-56 on the highway staying at or under 70 mph without the A/C on. With a/c and a heavier foot it drops to 48-49 MPG. No problems so far and have had no reported battery drain. Is great in traffic and a joy to park. The hard tires give great mileage but add noise - Ill take the trade off. This is a second car for us but gets most of the use because of the fuel issues and the around town convenience. We also use it for occasional longer excursion drives and plan to leave our other car home for road trips. Highly recommend this great vehicle.

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  Keep shopping - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Cynthia - November 2 - 9:46 pm

  I bought a 99 Honda Accord EX V6 Engine, three months ago. When I bought the car it had 64,000 miles. Less than 2 months later the transmission went on me...what a headache when you are 200 miles from home. There has also been several recalls on the vehicles ignition switch. Even after having the ignition completely replaced, my key would get stuck in the ignition...another headache. I brought it back to the dealership 4x for the same problem. Finally, or so I hope, they have pin-pointed that when the tranny was replaced, the gear shifter was not aligned properly (???) which caused the key to get stuck. Lets see what happens. In any event, I am frustrated with all the problems I have.

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  Purchased new in 2001 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bob Welsh - November 2 - 9:35 pm

  I like everything about the car except for the fact that for me, too low to the ground. Reliability has been fine thus far, had brake job at 60,000 miles and other than routine maintenance, no problems. Tires need to be replaced in about 1000 miles (630,,,). I do wish the sound /stereo was better but I like the 6 CD in dash.The V6 gives it enough power but I wish it had more. Fuel economy is around 22MPG with most of driving done on hiway

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  my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - November 2 - 7:06 pm

  My 2005 CRV is a reasonably economical car and a pleasure to drive. Having a family, I place safety and reliability ahead of looks and comfort, but the CRV is, for its price, excellent in all these areas.

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  Great car at low price - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BigRed - November 2 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car to replace my truck due to gas prices. I did not even test drive it, just got into after I signed the paperwork and I dont regret it. I just drove about 10 hours in the car, only had to fill up once from MS to SC about 37 MPG. The only things I found wrong is if you smoke like I do when it is raining the water will come in the front window and there is no ash tray in the car. Also there is not any cup holders in the rear.

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - November 2 - 11:34 am

  We bought our Odyssey with 61K on it and I am very happy with it. It gets great gas mileage, Honda stands behind their work and its a great ride, especially on highway trips. Did have a problem with the EGR valve at 81K, had it fixed and am appealing to American Honda to reimburse me as theyd extended the EGR warranty to 80K! My goal is to keep it for years to come, Im hoping to put another 125K on the vehicle. Its my vehicle of choice anytime I go out driving. Only minor glitch is sometimes the automatic sliding doors freeze up, but thats usually due to human error! Bought new tires, have replaced front headlight bulbs and other routine maintenance, thats it!

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  a very balanced SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By path - November 2 - 4:16 am

  Suspension is tighter than TrailBlazer and Ford 150 and also less body roll, which make it quite accord like and easier to drive than my old acord. 3rd row seats are not bad at all for asians. But, there is not much space left when all up. Low-end performance could be improved, but highway passing is a breeze. The auto5 trans responds quickly for normal driving. It shifts between 5k-6k rpm if you floor it. Its not as quiet as camery and there is a lot of wind noise at 80+ mph. But, that is the same with TrailBlazer. F150 is quieter though. My pilot had a "winnnnn..." sound at 60-70mph at the neginning, which went away after breaking-in at 1K miles.

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  18,000 mile report - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tardis001 - November 1 - 10:43 pm

  After 18,000 miles on my Fit purchased in May 2006, Im happy to say the car drives as well, looks as good, and feels as good as it did when brand new. No problems at all - no squeaks, rattles, troubles of any sort. Its very solid on the highway, even at 80 mph and heavy traffic. Gas mileage overall, 70% suburban commute and 30% Interstate, is right at 31 mpg. Thats about 28-29 in town and 37 highway - I have a rather heavy foot. Lots of room inside - my coworkers always want to go to lunch in my car because it seats 4 large adults quite comfortably. The fit and finish is terrific, dashboard is well laid out, and the stereo is really nice. Im very happy with the car.

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  Great car with some qalifications - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Corey Isenberg - November 1 - 3:04 am

  First if all entertainment system sounds great, DD player is essentially useless other than to play CDs, will not save anything. Playing with flash drive is cumbersome, I bought an iPod Nano and it is infinitely easier. Honda needs some new engineers, this is unacceptable. Dealer shrugged his shoulders so Ill try once more then contact Honda directly. Car handles great, reasonably quiet when not accelerating (pronounced whine). Mileage very temperature dependent, heater is electric, heater warming cab, no EV.

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  Great Versatile Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By kitrock - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This Suv is perhaps the most thought out and versatile vehicle I have own. The engine is a little weak and excelleration is moderate. Fuel economy is average for Honda, but excellent when compared to other SUVs. The drive takes a while to get used to because of the long space between the driver and A-Pillar, but it drives very nice and responsive. The turning radius of the element is excellent, turns on a dime. Alot more interior room than anything in its class, especially for rear passengers. I do hear alot of road noise, mostly from the wind, because of the square non- aerodynamic shape.