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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  Have driven for almost two years now. - 2014 Honda Civic
  By landonj09 - October 18 - 1:09 am

  Ive put about 21,000 miles on her and Im averaging 30-32 mpg with a lot of city driving. Nice car, I love how fuel efficient and reliable it is. Also the coupe is a very sporty stylish little car. The rims especially stand out. The EX and up come with some really nice features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, a backup and right-side camera, touchscreen info/entertainment, a separate driver info screen, etc. The driving dynamics are good once you get up to speed. The steering is nice and responsive and the braking is excellent. Unfortunately, the acceleration is underwhelming, especially on busy freeways. For the coupe the headroom is pretty bad. Im 58" and the front is fine but my head touches the ceiling in the back. Anyone taller than 62" would not have enough headroom in the front.

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  Best car with great price - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Deepak Mooga - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  This is Car is 2016 North American Car of the Year. so what can i say. nice touch panel, sunroof with nice audio system and excellent safety features.

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  The perfect surf vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By bryan - October 16 - 7:10 pm

  While the element certainly is not for everyone, the decidedly non-SUV/minivan shape and the waterproof interior make it the perfect car to take to the beach with your surfboards strapped on. Not only is the floor made of rubber, but the seats are made of a waterproof material. Upon returning home, just open the doors, hose out the sand and let it drip dry.The 2WD EX 5-speed has excellent acceleration and plenty of power in all gears. Fuel consumption is OK.100s of satellite radio channels and a way-above-par radio for a honda product make choosing the EX trim line a no-brainer.In short, you certainly wont see (nor expect to) five kids in soccer uniforms come pouring out.

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  Hondas Best - 1996 Honda Civic
  By cvilla - October 16 - 2:38 pm

  I love this car! I bought it in 1999 used with over 60K miles. People laughed and thought I got ripped off! $8000 for a car with high mileage then. The years of gas at $3.75 came and those same people could not afford to go to the beach like I could because their BIG trucks used too much gas. Now 2009, the car has 221000 miles and still shows no signs of quitting. I didnt do all those scheduled maintenance. I havent even changed the timing chain/belt. Just oil/ air filters, breaks and fluids! Oh and I had to replace CV boots. Thats all. BEST car Ive owned, and Ive owned plenty. Audi,BMW, Mustang, Chevys, VW, Renault, Bronco etc. Honda could take a lesson from its past and redo it!

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  HONDA - a love/hate relationship - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cvilla - October 16 - 1:37 pm

  I have owned 2 other hondas prior to this one and I am sad to say it is the black sheep of the bunch. As my family grew so did our need to move into a larger car than my 1996 civic. My old civics have been as reliable as nothing else Ive owned. The CRV seemed like a sure bet. My first year was trouble free as expected from a Honda. On our second summer the ac blew out! I thought I just had one of those RARE little problems and would probably never happen again. Just this Sept. my AC started to make those same sounds again before it blew up! My other civics 220000+ miles and no problems yet! I should have bought another civic! Honda made the best and worst cars Ive owned. I love/hate Hondas.

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  Practical and reliable - not bad looking - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Madison - October 16 - 12:10 pm

  Thinking of giving it to my daughter now, but this car has been "bullet proof". Did a lot of commuting the first few years and had no problems. Ride a bit stiff and noisy with Firestone tires, but very sure footed. Fit-and-finish from the factory was outstanding, much better than my Toyota. I agree with others that the brakes could have been made a bit better. If you can find a clean one - not necessarily mine - it would be a great used car!

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  Nice but could be better - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tullander - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I like the Pilot very much, but it suffers from "un-Honda-like" interior fit/finish problems. Door sills dont seat properly, rear AC vents easily fall out of position, edge of rear headcover is exposed and not covered by its trim moulding, front drivers door window seal makes annoying noise.

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  bad fm reception - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gould - October 16 - 10:00 am

  one major defect is that the antenna is buried in the pillar at the rear thus making for poor fm reception. The car is otherwise a wonderful vehicle.

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  Transitioning from Car to SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CandiceB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  My last car was a 2000 Acura TL and it was big transition going from a sporty car to an SUV. The Pilot has the same engine as the TL (V-6 V-tech), so the handling is about the same. Nothing exciting about the exterior, but it is deceiving. The interior is surprisingly big and 3rd row is actually comfortable. The seats all fold with ease. On average Im getting 14mpg, the suggested mpg was listed at 17. Great family truck, my husband has a Suburban and he now prefers driving the Pilot. The stereo system is actually great for an SUV also.

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  Great buy! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JJMOBILE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love it! I didnt know if I could handle an SUV, but it is easy to drive, handles great and has enough room for all the extra guests!