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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  Amazing - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bucfan47 - February 27 - 10:36 pm

  I have only 400 miles so far, but cant be any happier. This is my 9th Honda since 1988, and this car is amazing. The style, gas mileage, functionality. I traded a 201 Civic EX with 228,000 miles. What a difference

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  Lumbar Support - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Yonkers Girl - February 27 - 8:10 pm

  I love my CR-V, drives like a dream; fun to handle. only problem is that I sit up straight when driving, not enough lumbar support for upper back. Would be needed for long drives/traveling. I purchased a lumbar support item to accommodate the lack of. Not getting rid of my car. I love it!

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  "Perfect CRV"! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By KD - February 27 - 5:29 pm

  I bought this SUV about three years ago.Traded in our honda civic for this suv.One of the best cars i have ever had. We have 45,000 miles on it right now, and no trouble whatsoever!But,its too small, and need something a little bigger.

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  Run away - 2010 Honda Accord
  By goodtymz - February 27 - 10:56 am

  Run as fast as you can from this jalopy! This is the 2nd Accord I bought and hated both of them and both dealers. Build quality is garbage! Sold this junker after 1 month because of shaking in front end transmission jerking, wind/road noise, dashboard does not even touch windshield (check any of them) this car is another joke from a company milking past quality! Gm did the same thing and look at them now--- buy an infiniti you will be treated as you should be any time you go to a dealer and that will only be for oil changes! Trust me spend the extra and be happy --life is too short to deal with this garbage company and their garbage products/dealerships! Run and run fast

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  safety defect - 2003 Honda Element
  By big defect - February 26 - 4:26 pm

  Be forwarned the element has a safty defect. The front windshield breaks due to a design fault in the front pillers. Honda needs to recall these and fix this problem. Several web sites are now dedicated to this. Just search element windshield cracks or failures. this car deserves a zero rating until this is corrected. Our element has had 2 failures in less than 6 months. This appears to now be the norm with this car. Edmunds should tell it like it is and not allow cars with defects to be listed on thier site unless the problem is fixed. Honda wont own up to it and it is now time to trade this defect in.

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  CRV Interior Poorly Built - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BEWARE CRV INTERIOR - February 26 - 4:03 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new in July, 2005. It was in the shop 3 times for the first month for an alignement problem. In addition, the interior of the car seems to be poorly built. I hear noises from the panel and the door, like there is something loose, or the whole thing is just made of cheap plastic. I took it to the dealership and first I was told there was something loose in the transmission. The noise remained. Then Honda told me there was something loose inside the door. The noise remained. Now I hear another rattling noise coming from the other side. Where are they building these cars???

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  windows - 2005 Honda Insight
  By robert c. schulze - February 26 - 3:11 pm

  you need to get side vents that let you have the window down and not let rain in.The builds up alot of heat when parked in sun the vents would allow the heat to escape. Something like shade vent makes for other cars. My car is a 2002 Insight. Your 2005 doesn,t look much different.I am afraid the heat might cause windows to popout. thanks

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  Homda Insight - 2005 Honda Insight
  By WVBoogieman - February 26 - 1:01 pm

  Its fun to drive, feels safe, gets great gas milage, is a little cramped in the back seat, but most small cars are, seats are a little uncomfortable on very long trips

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  2016 Honda Pilot software updates - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rog - February 26 - 7:42 am

  Fyi: took mine to a Houston dealer and all of the problems with transmission and radio have been addressed. Honda came out with software updates to correct the problems. Believe me I was ready to trade it in but the Pilot runs like a champ now!

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  2016 Honda Pilot software updates - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rog - February 26 - 7:42 am

  Fyi: took mine to a Houston dealer and all of the problems with transmission and radio have been addressed. Honda came out with software updates to correct the problems. Believe me I was ready to trade it in but the Pilot runs like a champ now!