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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  Great Value, Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ritche Josh - August 28 - 9:06 am

  I traded my 08 Mazda Cx7 which was a Lemon for an 08 Honda Accord Coupe EX 4cyl AT. I had my Accord for 3 weeks now and I super love it. This is my first Honda and Im amazed of the quality and value for my money. My family and friends love the car too. Its a head turner..

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  Perfect TEN - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By turbosupra18 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for a fun and reliable car and it was worth every penny. I recently sold it for a bigger car, but the Prelude drove as good on the last day as it did on the first. I did the basic maintainence plus some basic mods. I got 28mpg in the city .. not too many other cars with 200hp are gonna give you those numbers. BUT buyers be careful, there are alot of poorly maintained preludes out there. Ive seen many prelude "street racers" (<-- oxi-moron if you ask me) completely trash their car.

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  Overpriced & not economical - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Richie530 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda vehicle. I have had an ongoing problem when I have to remove my foot from the gas pedal and the rpms drop between from 2 to about 1 1/2 the vehicle acts like it is going to cut off. I have had it worked on one time and am getting ready to take it back again. The only other issue I have at this time is the poor gas mileage. Due to the high price of gas I can barely afford the gas to drive it! I drive approximately 300 miles per week mostly city and I am spending $40-60 a week in gas. In addition to the payment I am car poor!!!!

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  Odyssey Brake System - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stevenK - August 27 - 8:36 pm

  I have been driving 29500 freeway miles, The Honda dealership replaced all four wheel brake pads around 18,000 miles with upgraded pads (they said upgraded parts by Honda), now when I hit the brake, the steering wheel is shaking, The dealership said the problem is not covered on warranty, also not resolve the problem unless the front disks (rotors) are replaced. I think Honda used undersized brake disc for front wheel comparing with my other vehicle, which runs slightly more than my Odyssey. this is the my current problem. I think it needs improvement.

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  10K and still a big fan - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By newhopian - August 27 - 5:32 pm

  I just passed 10k miles with my Accord Touring Hybrid, and I remain an enthusiastic owner. Lifetime average mpg is 49, About 1500 miles coming from highway driving. Everything I wrote in my original review remains true, but I have a couple additional observations. l max charge the battery at least twice a day without any problems or new noises. I recently tried driving in "B" instead of "D" and after 300 miles am averaging 53.8mpg vs. the normal 51 I get with local (non-highway) driving. Best speeds for good mpg are 40-50mph. Worst is 35mph and >55mph. Max speed for EV mode is 70 mph. Great mpg in hilly driving, less so in flat areas. AC pulls down mpg if temp is above 85 degrees, not below.

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  Love my pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By EL - August 27 - 3:50 pm

  I traded my 06 Accord in for a Pilot because of space issues after having our first child. I love my Pilot! The space in the back is amazing (with the back seat laid down). The drive is awesome. My husband keeps saying he can not believe how well it drives. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing but we realized that it would drop drastically from my Accord. we are averaging around 17-18 mpg. One complaint is the fog light inserts. Because of the base model, the just put some plastic caps in them. Not too attractive. And the rear ac/heat controls are only in the back of the middle console, so you cant see them from the front seat to change.

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  Needed More Room! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Amanda - August 27 - 3:46 pm

  I just bought this Element a few days ago after owning my Honda Civic Hybrid since 2003. Big difference in gas mileage, but with a 4 month old daughter we needed a lot more room! We stuck with a Honda because we love the quality and we loved the price of the Element. Its cute, its practical and it gets the job done. I love the fact that when my daughters old enough to drink and eat, I dont have to worry about stained seats and carpet.

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  My First Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - August 27 - 2:03 pm

  I have been in Fords my whold life and this is my first Honda. I will be in Hondas from now on as it is going now. This is a beautiful car that drives great! It has the smoothest shifter I have even in more than 20 years of driving manuals. The car is a pleasure to drive and gets fantastic gas milege on the road and in town. A Very Comfortable Automobile. I test drove a Mazda 6 and a Nissan Altima and I have to say I am pleased I decided to go with the Honda!

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  After years of searching... - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Titan11 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, just bought an 04 Silverstone with red/black interior. Holy crap is she beautiful! After years of stupidness thinking between the Boxster, 350Z, Z4 and M3s, I made the right choice by buying this beauty. The car speaks for itself and is an amazing example of what engineering can do and how badly it is lacking in American cars. I woke up this morning, kissed my wife first, kids second and the car third. I love this thing.

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  Beyond sub compact - 2006 Honda Civic
  By michael - August 27 - 1:03 am

  This is a great automobile. I believe it will be the new standard for small cars. it is such a pleasure to drive: responsive, tight, and the interior is just phenomenal.