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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  Think before you buy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - February 2 - 1:13 am

  Overall a very good SUV. My major complaint is the poor legroom. Honda put a 3rd seat in the back, and the front legroom was shortened. I am tall, and cant come close to stretching out my legs on either the drivers or passenger side. A long trip would be a strain. This car is for my Wife, and she fits fine. There are also air leaks around the doors, and the inside is noisy. It will go back to the dealer soon for repair.

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  Not completely satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By lumbmas - February 1 - 1:13 pm

  -Good: a powerful 4cyl engine makes for a fun drive. Great mileage for such a heavy vehicle. Very spacious trunk and interior seating. Comfortable for a long drive, although lumbar support is a tad too excessive. Aggressive exterior styling (specifically the front). -Bad: rear brakes gave out at 30,000km, and, as I near 60k, another change seems imminent - very disappointing. Sunroof and windows open all on their own when car is PARKED and OFF - Honda couldnt diagnose the problem. Batteries in the remote entry died within the first few months of ownership. Overall a good vehicle, but does not live up to the legendary Honda reputation for quality and reliability.

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  nicest car i have ever owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By jacquelyn konchak - February 1 - 9:06 am

  love the sporty style of the car and nice wheels. interior is comfortable and well laid out. nice size trunk. very appealing car

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  the little car that could - 2001 Honda Insight
  By bruce mcgrew - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I was getting 75 M.P.G. when I owned this car .I also completed 961 miles on one tank.

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  2003 Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By BacchusGodofwine - February 1 - 2:00 am

  2003 Honda Element EX AWD w/ manual transmission. This vehicle is fun to drive, handles great and drives very good in the snow. The short wheel base allows some amazingly tight turns. You need to get the fog lights and side crash bars for asthetics. Getting in and out with the side step is much easier too. The optional arm rest/cargo box is mostly useless, I keep it up all of the time. The sun roof is is in the wrong place and not electric. American versions cannot get heated seats and mirrors even though the hardware in the seats is there. I love this vehicle. Its very practical and versatile. Fuel milage varies with driving style. My girlfriend gets 26MPG I get 22MPG.

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  All-Around Awesome Automible - 1999 Honda Accord
  By akid87 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I must conclude that this automobile is the most incredible thing Ive ever driven. It is fun to drive, quite quick, and yet- because of the 4- is incredibly economic on feul. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody who enjoys a fun, fast, exciting ride.

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  Still room for improvement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By twilight901 - February 1 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my new CR-V for a week and unfortunately its already in for service with a noise when turning. Other than that its a decent vehicle. On the open highway I made about 26 mpg whereas 18 mpg on in the city which is well believe what they are saying as an estimation. hopefully it will improve in the future with different driving habits. The interior is decent although it would be nice to have a middle console. The display with mpg and oil remaining is very useful. All in alll its a nice vehicle to drive and is very sporty.

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  Better than Prius - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lcohen3152 - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  Less complicated and no PHD required to operate. Just drove a Prius and the instrumentation was not only confusing but distracting. HH gauges simple. Mileage and interior room good. Trunk bigger than Prius and enclosed. Better for the person who likes to drive without bothering with glitz. Radio only fair. I have the upgraded model and did not switch to an added cost radio.

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  Great Sedan! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jay L. - January 31 - 10:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord. I had looked for a good car/SUV for two years and had test-driven many. At last, after running a cycle and came back to the starting point. It is not a luxury car but it gives you a feeling of luxury. V-6 is quite and smooth. The reliability is needless to mention - rock-solid! The first tank of gas is giving me 25 mpg (local only). Ill see how the 2nd tank goes. So far so great!

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  Drifting to the Right - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bafoley - January 31 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my first Honda after doing much research on the fuel economy of cars. I bought it new with six miles on it and have had problems with it drifting to the right. I have had it in four times already. First time they did a front end alignment which had failed. It still pulled to the right. Returned that day and they switched tires from rear to front and said it was a radial pull and they put all new tires on it. It continues to drift and now they are telling me it is the road and all Hondas drift to the right. It never pulls left. They also scratched my paint up on the visit with their complimentary wash. Very unhappy!!!