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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  Not So Great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jaime - February 5 - 6:56 am

  The Honda Civic has great gas mileage however it shifts exceptionally hard...almost worse than a Dodge Neon. The body is cheap plastic...totally crumples in fender benders.

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  I love my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Catwoman - February 5 - 1:16 am

  I love my Element. I have had a lot of people stop me at the gas station, restaurant parking lots to admire it. It is comfortable, roomy and easy to keep clean if you spill a lot of coffee or soda. No worries about soiling carpet. It has a lot of room for moving furniture, boxes, etc. The only thing I am not thrilled with is the stereo. It is ok but nothing to write home about.

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  On the road..... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - February 5 - 12:46 am

  Only minor glitch was some chrome plating peeling on the inside of the drivers door--promptly fixed by dealer under warranty. Car is excellent in all aspects but one....with the roof rack and cross bars, there is an annoying road whistle at highway speeds. This should be redesigned.

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  Interior flexibility worth the price of admission - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Barbara Sevde - February 4 - 6:39 pm

  My last car was a 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback. I wanted a small AWD vehicle, decent mileage, with ample interior room to carry assorted riding (equine) equipment. The CR-V, RAV-4, Ford Escape were all in the running, but I didnt have any use for a car of that size. Off road was not a consideration. The reason I didnt want another Subaru was the excessive road noise. The Honda HR-V is almost perfect. The back seats fold completely flat. The seat cushions also fold up which adds enormous flexibility. The ride is very comfortable - softer than my Subaru. I drive a lot on country roads. I have been getting 26 mpg, a bit disappointing. Road noise is significantly less than my Subaru, but still a bit loud on cement freeways. However, I can still hear radio and phone conversations, which I couldnt do on my last car. One telling sign of excessive road noise is if Siri or the Honda voice recognition can hear me on those cement freeways and in that regard, the Honda flunks the test. Regarding comfort, I love the heated seats. The phone/navigation/sound controls are easy enough for a screen based system, but require that i remove my eyes from the road. The sound system is a definite step up from my Subaru. I would call it respectable. I am so short, I always need to sit on a cushion regardless of the seat controls. However, I like that the Honda seat is more flat in its raised position than most cars. The push-button start is nice. Handling is decent. I find the right turn camera very helpful. Some reviewers said it was unnecessary and distracting. You get used to it pretty quickly and learn to use it. I havent used it in the dark, but during daylight hours, it works great for lane changes and turns. My car came with all weather mats, a necessity for me. There is no real carpeting underneath the mats - its a felt - the kind you might find in your trunk. Thats not easy to clean, so Im glad I have the mats. My car did not come with a trunk cover and I dont see a place to attach one. Not sure if one is available. My dealer does all maintenance for two years, which is great for my three-year lease. Some reviewers mentioned rattles - none on my car. So far, I am very happy with my purchase. I drove it during a very harsh winter and it handled well in the snow and rain.

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  Oldie and goodie - 1990 Honda Accord
  By geoff - February 4 - 4:56 am

  This is the first car ive ever owned, and I am the third owner. I got it with about 124K miles on it and ive driven for about 1000 plus miles. I am very impressed, it doesnt look like a 15-year old car. I did have to replace the back brake pads, get it aligned and one of the CV joints needs replacing. However, that can wait...but this car was well-taken care of and with proper care can last another 15 years. It is a great car for a student or family on a budget and is a steal at the price of under $3000.

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  Great Car But! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By AJ - February 3 - 10:04 pm

  Honda did a amazing job in 2016 Civic touring Model, which i leased in February 2016. On $27000.00 Price tag and no memory seat, no seat cooling option for driver seats annoying. Cheap Tablet in the name of Infotainment system and Navigation, which is gives you a wrong directions5 out of 10 times, GPS never calibrate for the first 5 minutes. Clock never sync always stuck on previous time. Otherwise its a great car.

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  One fine automobile - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By mertcheney - February 3 - 9:51 pm

  This car is a very good value for the money. The interior is nicely finished and very comfortable to be in. The car drives very well and is very good in the snow. The realtime 4WD is seamless and allows for very good milage for the size and weight of the vehicle.

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  Great van, great price - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Radman - February 3 - 9:16 pm

  We opted for a used Odyssey over a new domestic because this van is a perfect fit for our family. Performance is great with a strong V6. Everyone is extremely comfortable in the roomy interior. The handling and ride are both terrific for a vehicle this size. The Lazy Susan is handy to have. And to top it all off, the exterior styling is far superior to the comptetition. Wrap in Hondas reputation for quality and reliability and we figured we couldnt go wrong.

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  Love the Honda - 1999 Honda Passport
  By quarterpounder - February 3 - 8:50 pm

  Owned this honda for 3yrs. bought it used and havent had ANY problems with it. Great SUV for the money. Besides....its a honda.

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  i love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By wickedhuff - February 3 - 8:07 pm

  i love my e. it handles like a dream in the snow, the first vehicle ive owned that does. the only regret that i have is that i didnt get a 2005