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:

• 

  Very happy with the Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bmondoman - December 1 - 7:39 pm

  Fun to drive with the stick shift. I drive 65 to 70 mph hwy & get 34 to 36mpg-70% hwy. Door lock froze & broke. Noisy bushings in front steering when parking-too expensive to replace. 1st set of tires wore away in 10 to 20 thousand miles. Loud cabin on the hwy. Plastic cover over dash gauges cracked twice. Car is good in the snow. Very reliable. Nice steering. Interior detail very nice. Trunk holds golf clubs and more. Quality detailing. No shoddy moldings. Nice map lights. Stereo sounds good w/good controls. Power to pass people on Hwy. Accelerates easily to enter freeway. This is my 4th Honda.

• 

  Nice Car for the Price - 2010 Honda Element
  By Linda - December 1 - 1:55 pm

  Drove the car from N.C. to N.Y. 16 hours and over 900 miles. Had no problem keeping up with the traffic, plus going up and down the hills with no problem. Gas mileage average 28mpg. Traded my 2007 V-6 Nissan Murano for the Element. It does not have all the bells and whistles as my Murano but the price is right. Love the gas mileage, fun car to drive. Love how you can change the seats around. Very dog friendly. So much room, it has more cargo space then the murano. Also loved listening to the XM radio. Handles well and like how the doors open up for easy access.

• 

  So glad I bought - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By thollis - December 1 - 1:09 pm

  I bought this vehicle with the intent that it would be my daughters first vehicle after she turned 16 this year and I would upgrade. This past week my daughter had her first accident which was a roll over. I cannot tell you how glad I am I bought this vehicle. It did everything it should have to protect her. Everyone including the insurance adjuster has commented on what a great job the support system in this truck did in protecting my child. Thank you Honda.

• 

  Excellent suv, good on gas, and too cute - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rosita Catahan-Smith - December 1 - 10:50 am

  Love my honda-crv. It is perfect to drive my kids around, fits perfectly in any parking space, and oh, yes, good on gas. Very pretty to look at too. Reliable... knowing that is enough to bring peace of mind.

• 

  Brake Dust - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kadija - December 1 - 10:37 am

  We have owned several Hondas. This is the first to have brake dust! We traded in a CRV that did not do this. The 09 model does w/ less than 1300 miles.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Justin - December 1 - 4:30 am

  Love this car. After 76000 miles, only had three minor problems. (Dont know if these are limited to models built in Mexico) At 38000 miles, strangely, Instrument cluster stopped working. Harness had come loose. Also, headliner drooped in rear of car. After one attempt to glue it back, Honda replaced headliner. Also, Honda had to turn rotors, as they warped at 20000 miles. Overall, has been very reliable.

• 

  Fabulous Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By terrapax - December 1 - 3:46 am

  Ive had my Si for nearly a month. I also test drove the normal Civic, and that was fine, but the Si is a fab little car. For both tooling around town and for road trips, its a whole lotta fun to drive. The trunk space is great, and the backseats are spacious. I love the shifting and the dashboard design. I dont love the spoiler, but Im getting used to it. I wish the Si got better gas mileage, but with this kind of power, I get what Id expect. There are a lot of little design features--details--that are classy and practical. I absolutely love this car.

• 

  Super reliability & gas mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Robert - November 30 - 5:58 pm

  The perfect commuter & fun to drive. No problems and minimal maintenance (oil & filter, tires, brakes) in 70 K miles. Very reliable, great gas mileage: I average 30-32 MPG, 70% highway at 80 MPH. Decent performance with the 4 cylinder 5 speed combo, and fun to drive. Could not be happier!

• 

  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By SallyV - November 29 - 10:03 pm

  When my husband first suggested it I said, "you mean that ugly box looking thing?" But when I saw it and drove it, I started to change my mind. I guess my favorite feature is the vinyl floor. If anything spills, you can clean it up and it looks as good as new. I love the interior, gas mileage and believe it will be a reliable car since it is a Honda. You can take the head rests off the front seat and lower it to be a recliner/foot rest for the back seat rider. It is like a recliner for the back seat rider. Kids are grown now and it is Wonderful for traveling for us and also roomy when we have others in the car. We love it the most of any car weve owned. :)

• 

  Beats the Jeep! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Gregg - November 29 - 8:00 pm

  Ive had the Pilot for about month and so far Im satisfied with my purchase. On the plus side, smart instrumentation, room for eight, smooth cruising vehicle and good looking. On the down side, acceleration a bit sluggish, engine a tad noisy around town, the "information center" isnt the most intuitive. (cant display odometer and outside temperature simultaneously). I drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee for 10 years, but its no "Honda". The gas mileage on the Pilot is comparable and the quality build of the Honda far exceeds that of the Jeep.