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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  A-OK - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Michelle - September 21 - 7:43 pm

  Not exactly a sports car or a family car. The V4 doesnt accelerate as fast as the V6 would but the engine is more powerful when you are already at high speeds. A little too bulky compared to original Hondas

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  Pleasure To Drive - 2016 Honda Civic
  By George S. - September 21 - 6:12 am

  Software glitches galore: Random beeps from touchscreen. Navigation turns off before reaching destination. Honda Watch video doesnt always display. Keyless entry failed a few times and was locked out of car. Map data is incomplete. Voice recognition is very poor. Dealer sys Honda doesnt have software updates! Says I must leave the car overnight and they will do a reinstall. But, other than the ongoing software problems, its a great car. Handling is good. CVT is good. Peppy acceleration with 174hp engine. Suspension is good at this trim level. Very quiet. Very comfortable front seats. Honda Watch is a great help. The new audio volume strip is better than the old knob, you just need a few days to get used to it.

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  Domestics dont match it! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Garth - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Odyssey since Jan. 04 and havent had any trouble at all. One recall instead of 9 for a domestic. Smooth on the Highway and great gas milage. Could use some quieter tires, hard compound rubber Michelins last a long time, and the leather seats arent that comforatable

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  My first Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By William - September 20 - 4:20 pm

  I decided to make the leap to a Honda after all the reliabilty stories I have heard. I actually went to dealer to look at Accords, but when I saw the mpg for civic, I was sold. I love how it drives, handles, the ergonomics, design. It is not a tire burner, but it is what it is, a economy car.

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  Element Safety - 2004 Honda Element
  By Carl Lawford - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Element as soon as it was introduced last Summer, and have never regretted it. Resently another motorist pulled out in front of me and total my car. The Element took it like a tank. The enginered unibody frame and engine did just what it was suppost to do. I walked away with barely a scratch. My next car will once again be an Element. Its the most versatile SUV out there. Ive camped in it, taken it to the beach and painted watercolors from the tailgate, hulled 2x4s, plywood, furniture, a clothes dryer and taken my 2 dogs hiking. Its been a great car.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By kjwagner - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Represents my first SUV purchase. The Pilot has made it a smoother transition from years of owning sedans. So far it has proved to demanstrate the samereliability that Honda has been known for. Had an Accura TL & the Pilot has many of same comfort & performance features .

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  improvements needed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By growing on me - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a lot of trouble with my pilot when I first bought it. There was hesitation at 40 mph. After the recall work was done and the replacement of an egr valve it was better but not cured. A lot to have had done on a new car! My seats are not as comfy, like they are losing fluff. But the interior room is the best in this range. My son is 63, 266 pounds! The radio rattles and is of poor quality and there is a lot of tire noise. I wouldnt buy it again and may end up selling it for a Land Cruiser or another Toyota. At least it will keep its value for resale. It is growing on me though.

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  Personal experience - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gertrudis6 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I just love the car. All around the proformance surprises me everytime. It handles well both in city and highway. If I had gotten an automatic, I would have been disappointed.

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  The Americanized Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Tim Matthews - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Cheap materials, Americanized content, mediocre capabilities...not what Honda is known for. This is a harsh-riding little car. The door fabric has come loose from its glue, the clutch creaks at each pressing, door mats had heel holes after 4k miles, hard plastics everywhere you touch, no tint-strip at top of windshield, no lock on glovebox, thin sheet metal, poor sound insulation, pathetic engine performance, but very good fuel economy. I should have bought a used Accord instead. A Toyota is going to be my next purchase after my 4th and last Honda.

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  my honda hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jimzey - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle handles extremely well.