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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  X-gens move over...this ones an adult! - 2003 Honda Element
  By EdCT-NY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I do 600 miles weekly. We own a 2003 Odessey and love it, so I gave Hondas a look. The Element or CRV was an imediate consideration for my needs: AWD for northeast driving, flexibility, utility, and comfort. The Element came up convincing and for a change, a Honda with competative pricing due initial soft sales! I bought the EX AWD for $300 over invoice. At 7000 miles and everyday variable use, the car is working out really well! Gas mileage is right on the estimates.

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  I ABSOLUTELY love this truck!!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By heathers CR-V - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The look of this truck brought me into test it out, the Honda reliability is what stood out. I absolutely love this truck.....it was definitely a good decision. I couldnt be happier.

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  Its a great family van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Afan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The odyssey is a real quality vehicle that affords all the options you can imagine.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Pirsch - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving an SUV, we werent sure if we wanted a car. We know now. Its great! No, the exterior styling isnt as impressive as the G35 or the Altima, but the interior is top notch, and after all, you ride inside the car, not outside. We went with the silver with black leather. The brushed aluminum trim inside is so much nicer than fake wood. Im 62", and theres plenty of room for me to sit in the back seat. Much more headroom than the Altima and G35. The V-6 has plenty of pick up, and the ride is great. We paid 25,200 through the fleet department. The G35 equally equipped is over 40,000 and the Altima is over 32,000.

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  Pleasantly surprised w/ performance - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sensibledriver - March 25 - 2:28 am

  I purchased a white accord sport because I absolutely love the color. I was on the fence on whether to get a 4cyl. vs. 6cyl accord. I almost purchased V6 coupe but felt it wasnt practical for a family. I have owned 04 and 07 V6 accords and was satisfied overall with the quality and performance of them. The quality, appearance and handling of the 2013 sport is far superior to them all. The power isnt quite as pronounced as the V6 but still pulls well. The CVT transmission is the smoothest and quickest one that I have driven out of all competitor 4 cyl. sedans. Fuel mileage has been exceptional (over 30 mpg) and the factory stereo is excellent with controls that are simple to use.

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  1st New Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By The Rangers - March 24 - 10:13 pm

  We bought our Pilot EX w/leather, DVD in June 05 and immediately took it on a 5000 mile trip back East. Having the DVD kept 4 kids completely quiet. The Pilots shifting is unnoticeable. I saw the RPMs drop, but the vehicle did not jump when shifting. The passing power is perfect even in the mountains of Utah. The 2nd and 3rd rows recline slightly so passengers arent sitting straight up the entire trip. The 2nd row is able of adjust forward approximately 6" much like front seats allowing even more legroom for the 3rd row. I sit in the 3rd row and am quite comfortable being 58". I researched SUVs for 6 months and this beat the Highlander hands down. Im so happy with the Pilot

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  Eye catching - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Efrain - March 24 - 11:35 am

  Buying a great designed reliable car.

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  Great Buy / Value / Long Term investment - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Catlanta - March 24 - 11:30 am

  I love this car. My last car was a 1999 BMW 323i & I had a maintenance problem with the car about 2x a year (at least). So when I started looking I wanted something that was affordable, yet reliable & looked good as well. I thought there was no way I would be able to find a car like that. I looked at the Toyota Camry, but it didnt have the acceleration or the exterior look I wanted. Then I found a manual 2008 Civic & took it for a test drive. I fell in love. It had great acceleration, I loved the interior / dash, & the outside looked good as well. I was sold. I bought a fully loaded 2008 Civic & still happy

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  Terrific - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tepozteco - March 23 - 5:36 pm

  15,000 miles and hasnt needed any warranty work whatsoever! Terrific drive and very comfortable; decent visibility helped by height off ground. Enough oomph to not be frustrating. Up to 34 MPG at 55 - 60 MPH. In town I can average as low as 22 MPG when it involves very short trips (1 - 2 miles at a time) and you would think 25 MPG would be more the norm. However, when my in-town driving goes over 3 - 5 miles at a time, my average does go up to between. Too bad Honda does offer this wonderful car with a manual transmission. I test drove the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander. Honda is more comfortable and maintenance-free car.

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  Fun, wonderful car to live with - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ivan - March 23 - 11:00 am

  Have this one since Nov-2007. Went to LA three times, able to drive 95 mph on tight corner for speed limit 55mph. Wish to upgrade to 19" wheels. Gas mileage is disappointed, avg 20 mpg so far. Noise level is too high for $30K car. Honda engineers must solve this problem ASAP. Get rid of cylinder deactivation on coupe, it actually slows down when try to accelerate. Driving and handling are top of the class (Altima is very close competitor). No live traffic on its navi (Altima has that feature, but resale value is horrible for Nissan products). Fit and Finish are excellent