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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  4 DR LX Sedan - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Jim - May 10 - 9:44 am

  I bought the car for the gas mileage and the reliability I thought Honda had. the car is easy to drive around town and is fairlly comfortable on long trips. The trunk lid kept coming open while you were driving down the road. You would have to stop on the side of the road and close it again. The biggest problem with the Civic is cost of repair. At 84,000 miles the transmission went out and put us on the side of the road. I had it towed in and repaired it for a cost of $3602.35. If you have anything break on a Honda Civic it is very expensive to repair.

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  On par with my s2000 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Wil - May 10 - 2:30 am

  Wonderful daily driver to replace my S2000 that is now the garage queen. 10X better than an EX that I test drove.

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  Comfy Cozy - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob SMITH - May 9 - 2:23 pm

  This is our third Honda Odyssey and it doesnt disappoint. We just took our first road trip and it was a joy.

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  Digital Displays - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By R. Komatz - May 9 - 7:53 am

  One big complaint about the 2005 Honda CRV. The digital display on the radio is way too small. You can not see the digits for time from the rear seat. Also, when the radio is on to AM setting, the display makes it look like the time is always "AM". Very bad design. Additionally, the outside temp display uses very tiny digits -- too small to read while driving! Otherwise, this is a GREAT car!!

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  All I wanted n a minvan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By David Exley - May 9 - 5:52 am

  Have had this car for 8 years and have had no problems. Would buy again without hesitation. Only down side was mileage, but dont know what similar vans do. Can haul 4 adults plus 2 smaller people on backseat with no problem. Runs great with same acceleration. Easy to get in and out which becomes more and more difficult as you get older and joints dont not move like they did when younger. Van is a 2008 Honda Odyssey bought new.

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  Best Chioce - 1994 Honda Accord
  By PSU student - May 9 - 5:49 am

  11 years old and still strong! This is my first car and Ive owned it for nearly six years. Ive been beating the hell out of this car since high school and it never breaks. Got it with 60K and now with 140K it still runs 100%. With a 5-sp manual and the EXs V-Tec system you can really get exciting performance from this car however, if youre looking for a fun/fast performer dont get an automatic. I still get 30+ MPG on the highway at 80+ MPH. Other than replacing the master clutch cylender at 70K, only routine maintenance.

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  my review - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BluePearl - May 9 - 2:43 am

  Purchased the FIT April 22, Vivid Blue Pearl. MT-base model. Went on a road trip a few weeks back, about 2hrs 45 mins on back country roads, to camp for the weekend. One tank last the trip there/back and then some. Fuel light came on @ 398 miles! Its fun to drive handles well on all driving conditions. I love this car!

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Wm. Randar - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a work vehicle,the Honda Element&the Nissan Ex- terra were my two choices. After test driving each manual transmission vehicles my choice was clear. I had a trailer hitch installed last week,will be hauling two Harley Davidson motorcycles soon behind the Element.

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  This Is A Honda? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jaxson5 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I so wanted to love this car! But what a disappointment. Much of the blame goes to the service dept. at the dealership who scratched the ENTIRE side of my car when it was in for running board installation. This led to a trip to their body shop, which tore my car apart to repaint. Voila! I was left with a whistling windshield, ill-fitting moldings and clanky suspension noises. Back to the service dept.---> windshield still whistles, & the clanking has been replaced with a bucket-of-bolts-style clicking noise from the brakes. "Pilots are known for this" says the service guy. Lovely. To make a long story short, my Pilots for sale. Im getting a BMW.

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  The Best New Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By AskReeves - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The reliability cannot be beaten because it is a Honda but the exterior styling is extremely bland. The interior provides a very high comfort level and it gets good mileage. The lack of an arm rest in the rear seat takes away some relaxation for passengers back there.