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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  Very Pleased - 2009 Honda Accord
  By SUC to Sedan Convert - August 10 - 5:20 am

  So far, so good. I purchased my 09 Accord EX V-6 in March of 2009. So far I have put 4000 miles on the car and have been very happy with it. This was the first "car" I have purchased in over 10 years. I have been driving gas guzzling SUVs for the last 11 years, and this car reminded me how fun it is to drive again. It is a visually stunning car and has been turning heads since the day I got it. The interior controls are laid out well, but they definitely took a little getting used to. It handles beautifully and the transmission is very smooth. Im 62 & 205 lbs, and I think the car is very comfortable, the seats are average, but not a reason to pass over this car.

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  S-2000 - Theres nothing else like it! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By flhdhunter - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The S-2000 is one of the sexiest, fastest, smoothest shifting sports cars on the planet. A car with a 9,000RPM redline coupled with blinding speed, awesome handling, and a banshee like howl abouve 6,500RPM, yet still giving you 20MPG city - 30MPG highway....how can you go wrong? It is a BMW Z-4 and Porsche Boxster killer for about 15-20K less than the German autos. Add 6K worth of toys - a supercharger, Brembo brakes, shock tower supports, and an upgraded clutch, and you have almost 400HP in a 2,800lb car - this combo will definitely eat 911s and Ferraris with aplomb.

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  Not Happy - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TaB - August 10 - 2:00 am

  When we bought what we thought would be our dream van with 27k on it we were expecting at least 250k -300k before any major problems,well not so.I drive about 60k a year and and need dependability so I bought a honda knowing about there good name.I now have to spend 1500+ to repair the AC which blew apart.The van is serviced every 6k and this should never have happened.I am looking elsewhere for my next van/truck.I had a plymoth van that was still going strong after 300k maybe luck maybe not.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ann - August 9 - 3:53 pm

  Ive had my Accord Hybrid about a month and I love it. I am amazed at how quiet it is, how smooth the ride is and the great pickup. I always think there is room for improvement for the fuel economy but for the size car I need right now I think this is the best. My new bumper sticker, "My other car is not a Hummer". :)

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  Elite Model was a Lemon for us - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - August 9 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased a 2016 Pilot Elite and loved it at first! Then the maintanance lights started popping up (Emissions system problem) at around 20,000 miles. Catalytic converter was replaced. Lights came back on like a Christmas tree shortly after. Fuel injectors were replaced. Lights back again and this time they said we had bad fuel. We had a lot of delayed acceleration problems. The air conditioner started going out. The dealer always helped us, but they couldnt make the vehicle more reliable. We ended up with 30,000 miles on this vehicle before we sold it and took the loss. Please research this trim model.

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  The Little Engine That Could - 2004 Honda Element
  By johnsonmfg - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I was a Honda Prelude driver nearly eight years before purchasing my new Element. No one had to sell me on Honda quality, but I never realized what a difference a little "styling" would make. For one thing, I dont ever speed any more. Now I obey all the traffic signals, indeed, I have never been a more courteous driver. Ill never go back to my former self, rushing around, slamming into corners, drifting the eases. Rather, I like who I have become and its all because of my funny little car that reminds me of a childrens book I once read. Im over 65, so it was time for me to slow down anyway. I agree, but a lot of other seniors must feel the same way.

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  Good car - 2004 Honda Element
  By jfrye2390 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car. Buy this car. Fast. Very Fast.

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  I Love my Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By LyE - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Theres NOTHING like it on the road and people are constantly asking to check out the interior. Complete strangers will say they were initially turned off by the xterior but then love it so much, many state theyll be buying one as soon as they can find their way to a Honda dealer.

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  A nice ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chaim - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This SUV rides more like a car than a truck. Quite a nice vehicle over all.

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  ShHY Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By shyquestor - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Went to the Pilot over the Toyo Highlander after 2 Subie Forestors. Pilot is a major size upgrade from the Subie, which we loved, but outgrew. Goodyear OEM tires suck and will be replaced soon, after 28k miles, in preparation for winter 2004-05. Great ride on local and highway roads, but hate the tires after about 15K miles...they feel soft and squeal when they should not, noisy on concrete and quit on asphalt, although pressure is checked and maintained. Tough to clean floor at sides of front seats..narrow area prevents insertion of standard vac tools. Paint is good and cleans well. Love the delayed smart wipers that slow down when at stop and speed