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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  2016 Accord Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Lee Phan - June 27 - 12:09 am

  Accord Sport

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  Does what its supposed to - 2000 Honda Accord
  By T Kirwin - June 25 - 10:00 am

  With regular maintanence, I have had zero problems. What it lacks in power and racing qualities, it makes up for in ease of driving and quality workmanship. Honda has made an extremely dependable and enjoyable car.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jason - June 25 - 12:11 am

  My LX gets 25 in town and up to 31 sometimes on the freeway driving about 5 miles above the speed limit usually. Cruise control really helps w/ the gas too. I really enjoy the car. It is not like driving a Mercedes or something but most of us dont anyway so big deal. It has great room and the seats are comfortable. Totally worth what I paid and reliable. Some people may just not be satisfied or dont tell the whole truth.

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  Must have been built at 4pm on a Friday - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By No2Honda - June 24 - 11:18 pm

  Cant believe this is a Honda! I have the same issue other owners have complained about: pulls to the right. This alignment issue may also contribute to the various steering wheel vibration issue at high speeds. Also many squeaks and rattles throughout the car. I even have interior panels coming loose already! I am so disappointed in my 3rd Honda. Not what I was expecting, at all. Should have bought a Toyota/Lexus... Honda, you just lost a future customer!

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Somewhat Disappointe - June 24 - 4:37 pm

  Before buying the 09 CRV, I owned a 2000 CRV EX-L, a 1996 Honda EX, and a 1990 Civic (Honda owner for 19 years). I really loved those cars, but not this one. It averages about 18mpg (inc. hwy), the temperature controls have to be reset each time, I wish it had an analog dashboard, and there is a serious hesitation right before acceleration. The mirrors are skewed in some way which makes it difficult to park--I have no problem like this in any other car. The steering is a bit stiff, and Ive developed tendinitis from gripping it, and the ride is bumpy like it has sports suspension. The floor of the cargo area is flimsy cardboard. Am thinking of trading it in for a Forester or RAV4. Sigh.

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  Nice Honda SUV. Practical and Powerful. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Techmine - June 24 - 4:17 pm

  Last month I bought my new Pilot and am impressed with the practicality and overall design of the vehicle. Interior shows excellent space management. Leather seats are big and comfortable. All the controls on the dash are good except the A/C buttons. I love the backup camera. It makes life very easy (especially while parallel parking). Turning radius beats most cars including my 02 Maxima! RES comes with upgraded sound system which is also wonderful. Storage options in the cargo area are also good. Like the tire pressure monitoring too. The drawbacks are mileage (even with VCM), road noise and vibrations (only sometimes) due to VCM. Still waiting for first long drive. In city MPG - 16-18.

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  Happy Pilot Owner - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By amypf - June 24 - 10:22 am

  Ive owned my Pilot for about a month now and I love it more every time I put it in drive. It is really smooth and comfortable. I love the the ipod control through the radio, bluetooth capability and great turning radius. For me it is the perfect size. I often drive with 7 passengers (+13 year olds) and it holds them perfectly. I had read previous reviews complaining about the glove box, now I understand - even the manual doesnt fit in it. Its only good for McDonalds napkins.

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  VP 2.4 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Enrique - June 24 - 8:47 am

  2006 has noticeable road noise. After new tires (Michelin), doesnt start as well. Its like Honda wanted to save money by building a lighter and cheaper car. Well it is made in America...

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  The Perfect All Around Car for Me! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Lizzie - June 22 - 9:00 pm

  I am a manufacturers rep and drive many miles - Ive logged 67K miles in 15 months. My Element is reliable, roomy, has plenty of power on the highway, tons of room for me to carry my samples headroom to accommodate the tallest of passengers - legroom to spare this cute little SUV has it all...plus, the lack of carpet makes it so easy to keep clean - after a visit to the beach sweeping out the sand is a breeze. The best part, for me, is that its ultra easy for my two 80 lb Labradors to jump in and out of - The rear seats come out and give them a huge area. Also, the seats are washable - this is a plus when you have dogs with muddy feet or when you spill your coffee... the Element has it all!

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  Not in love with it - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RockyRaccoon - June 22 - 8:52 pm

  This car is fun to drive (in good weather) and gets great mileage, but beware of driving it in the rain or snow. It just doesnt handle snow and ice like all the other Hondas that Ive owned since 1974. I actually had to have it towed once and the snow wasnt really that deep. Tires are expensive and hard to find. A big part of the money you save in gas goes towards maintenance and tires. $$$ I should have purchased a Civic.