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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  Honda has a lemon in the Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Element - Bad News - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car has so much wind noise & my dealership has not been able to locate my wind noise problem. The panels on the roof are help together with plastic clips & every time the dealership works on it they break another plastic clip or do not get the thing put back together properly. I had a 97 CRV before this one & loved it so much & had no problems so I decided to try another Honda. My mistake was not going back with another CRV. If you want a quiet ride this is not the car to own.

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  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dustan - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our new Odyssey 03 EX minivan just over a week ago (2500 below MSRP) which I was pleasantly surprised since I wasnt expecting them to dicker. Love the powerful V6, and smooth ride. Interior quality of the fabric seems a bit cheap, But I can live with it. Fuel economy remains to be seen. Power doors work flawlessly. Great van! so far.

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  WHAT HAPPENED HONDA? - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Robert chase - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Being a loyal Honda buyer for several years and having a short experience with an unreliable European sedan I decided to come back to Honda. I bought a 2002 Accord with all the options including leather interior and spoiler. The car has been nothing more than a complete dissapointment. The fuel economy very dissapointing as well as the ride and comfort of this car. The car is noisy and the interior appears to be put together VERY cheaply with tons of squeeks and rattles to visit the dealership over. I owned 5 Hondas before my Volvo and they were high quality cars that were comfortable and drove well. Honda what are you doing to your cars?

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SamSkaff2003 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Got the car for 1.5K below sticker. San Marino Red with light badge interior. Test drove every car under the sun that was less then 30k, and kept coming back to this car. Everyone laughs when they hear I got an Accord becuase they know I am a huge auto enthuisist with two racing camaros, but once they see the car inside and out the general response is always..what is that?...that is an accord! Get the Nav system, it is AWESOME.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hdexplorer - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I brought my honda LX right off the truck in dec. In 5 months my new accord has 15,000 miles on it. Though I have a few miles more than others on my new car the milage is still good and it is still fun to drive. The only thing was when I had the air on full blast and drove above 65 I would hear a humming noise on the passenger side. I dont hear it anymore and neither did the dealer..Overall GREAT car I love it!

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  Window Issues - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hondaman - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is excellent in every respect except with the windows. The driver and passenger window has poorly designed seal making for air wooshing sounds. The back windows, when opened on the freeway, shound like someone is running a jack hammer in the back seat. That the only thing I can call a problem. The car is a charmer and I think Ill keep this one for a few awhile.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By A - January 18 - 2:36 am

  This is my first SUV and I must say I am really impressed. The CR-V is really roomy, has a comfortable ride and is easy to maneuver! Great gas mileage compared to other SRVs in its class. So far it costs me $50 to fill up for the entire week. I look forward to driving my SUV for a long time.

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  Reliable and durable - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Frank Avalon - January 17 - 6:18 pm

  The Honda Passport has been extremely reliable. It has also performed very well in the snow, more some than some of the more car-like SUVs of recent years. Everything I would expect of a vehicle with the Honda name and more. Ive owned it for 6 years w/o major issues.

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  Honda Element EX AWD 2003 - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jimmy - January 17 - 11:01 am

  The 2003 Element EX AWD is a very verastile Element in all ways, you can use it as a suv, car, van, milti purpose vehicle!

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  Awesomecar for the price - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Sridhar Gudimella - January 17 - 8:54 am

  I bought 2017 lx honda accord in ending May. Its really good for the price and with no maintenance. Beautiful car with safety. I recommend this car in Sedan family.