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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  What a waste of money!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Frankie - June 21 - 11:36 am

  I hate this car. There is hardly any room in the car. I hate the big oversized knobs for the radio and the a/c. It eats gas like there is no tomorrow.

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  From one Civic to another! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By gant77 - June 21 - 4:46 am

  Today was a great day! I left the house at 10am and by 11am I was the owner of another Civic LX and was ecstatic! I was sad a bit, as I am retiring a 1998 Civic LX that has been with me through thick and thin and is a great car! I got the Urban Titanium Metallic and am loving it. The ride is so smooth and the new warranty is AMAZING!!! It covers virtually EVERYTHING!

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  Sweet Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By preludeman92 - June 20 - 6:19 pm

  I love how everything looks and feels. It still looks almost new (stupid rust). I get lots of comments on how new it looks(despite being almost 15 years old). The accord engine is a little down on power when combined with the auto tranny. It will still keep up though, especially in corners. Ive never really had any big issues with the car, just normal wear then the known issues with hondas of that age (brake master cylinder, master relay, valve cover seal and cam seal). Im looking for a new car now and cant find anything that looks and drives as good as my prelude. I think Im getting a newer one. Im glad that it has back seats, keeps insurance down despite them being useless.

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  Honda CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Gardengirlie - June 20 - 3:51 pm

  We put a lot of miles on our Honda. Its got over 130,000 and still running like a dream. Its never failed us, gets pretty reasonable gas milage, and is comfortable to drive. We have used the included table more times than you could imagine, camping, grilling out, tailgating, you name it. Its easy to fold down the seats for extra corgo room. We have used the cargo space a lot when landscaping or working on our home projects. We plan to buy nothing but Hondas from now on!

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  Excessive Wind Noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By PG - June 20 - 10:14 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month now. This fluttering noise from the drivers side window is very annoying. This issue is still there after multiple visits to the dealership wasting a lot of time to get a BRAND NEW car fixed. Each time they are able to acknowledge the problem, but are unable to fix it. Honda told me that they did not promise to sell me a defect free car and will not even offer a loaner while a brand new car is in the shop at least once in a week. After owning three Accords before this one, I am very disappointed in Honda. This car is great on mileage and there hasnt been any major mechanical issues.

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  Excessive Wind Noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By PG - June 20 - 10:14 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month now. This fluttering noise from the drivers side window is very annoying. This issue is still there after multiple visits to the dealership wasting a lot of time to get a BRAND NEW car fixed. Each time they are able to acknowledge the problem, but are unable to fix it. Honda told me that they did not promise to sell me a defect free car and will not even offer a loaner while a brand new car is in the shop at least once in a week. After owning three Accords before this one, I am very disappointed in Honda. This car is great on mileage and there hasnt been any major mechanical issues.

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  Excellent Family SUV Alternative - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By JCGray - June 20 - 5:50 am

  After owning 2 Ford Expeditions, Vans, etc., our family is truly impressed with our 2006 Honda Pilot w/Navi. Eight passenger capability is great for carrying our sons and daughters high school friends safely. We have had no problems to date. The car drives and rides extremely well. Very quiet inside with no problems described in other posts. Great safety ratings for front, side, and rear collisions really make this vehicle a comfort to own. I trust my wife and children are safe in this vehicle. We looked at the Acura MDX, Toyota 4 Runner, Highlander, Explorer, Subaru B9 Tribeca, the Durango, and the Trailblazer. Dollar for Dollar considering our needs, none of these cars compared.

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  Very very versatile vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mike - June 20 - 4:22 am

  Powerfull enough, great fuel economy, lots of leg room front and back, rear seats easily removable, lots and lots of cargo space for a vehicle this size, excellent sound system (EX), plastic bumper covers are easily replaceable, whoever thought of replaceable bumper covers should be given an award. excellent on snowy roads (with AWD), very very practical car

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  Best Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Super Fry - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought my Accord. This is my second Honda and I cannot think about buying any other kind. Mine is a 1998 with 72k miles but it runs wonderful. I have not had any problems with the car. It is so comfortable for long drives and is very fast for a 4 cyclinder. I am thoroughly impressed. The wind noise is more than I expected.

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  So ugly it was cool ! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gagnon - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Came time to trade in the 94 Accord and being a young active couple we needed something we could really get some use out of.We test drove the automatic and love it! The usability was great and the layout was fun. The only thing we were a little dissapointed with was the power,but we wanted the manual and they didnt have one to test drive at the time. When we did get to drive it,well we signed the papers.Just wanted to thank Vic and all the people at Manchester Honda in CT. that helped us. Theres nothing like getting in to your vehicle every day and it makes you smile,by the way ours is green and friends and family have already nickname it SHREK !