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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  my si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By brandon - May 4 - 11:10 am

  this car is great! it is the best civic yet and #3 for me. I was looking for a 4 door safe car for my family and me yet I wanted something fun to drive . I started looking at a number of cars A4, mazdaspeed6, legacy GT,and camry SE v6, the a4 was overpriced with little power. mazda6 was pretty much a ford and resale was bad but was fun to drive.I wanted the legacy GT it was fun to drive the fastest family car under 30k but the back seats are tight and the shifter is clunky with a terrible jerk into 2nd gear. (with a manual) handling was not all that good either and the resale is not all that good. than I found the civic si 4dr. it was smaller then what I wanted but in contrast it was not a bad

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Satans helper - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle

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  The best for your money. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie C. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We have owned many cars, most of which have been Hondas. We always come back for the value and reliability. Our CRV is no exception. Though we have only owned this one a short time, it is our second CRV. We purchased a new one only because we discovered we needed a 4 wheel drive.

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  Fun Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By funkyb - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Some might think I stepped down from my box of a Jeep to a Honda Civic HX, I think I stepped into a reliable, sleek, just plain fun to drive car. I cannot agree with some who say it lacks power in the upper gears, I find it quite tenacious at high speeds on little-traveled highways in Montana. However, in the lower gears Im not as impressed. With its slow acceleration from stop, left turns across lanes of traffic are sometimes hair-raising experiences. Quiet, dependable, long gaps between gas stops make this a great car, especially for those who are just breaking out of college and living on their own.

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  Economical (but slow and noisy) Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By V-10PowerBaby - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Lets get one thing straight. I love Hondas. Not because Im "on the bandwagon", but because Ive owned five of them. Accords, Civics, and even a DOHC Del Sol. I have always been treated with the utmost respect by all of Hondas personnel, and the darn cars just refuse to break, no matter how hard Ive pushed them (did I mention the 160+hp DOHC VTEC Del Sol?) My work commute suddenly grew to 35+mi. each way last Nov., so I had to trade the V-10 4X4 in on something, shall we say, more practical...and a whole lot more reliable.

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  LOVE my new E!! - 2008 Honda Element
  By juxtin - May 3 - 11:14 pm

  I drove several different vehicles including the tiny Fit and a luxurious CRV, but as soon as I got into the Element I knew it was the right one. The kiwi-metallic color puts a smile on my face every time I see it and it is so much fun to drive. The factory stereo BUMPS! Accelerates well enough... I dont drive too aggressively... kid seat fits with tons of room left over. I wish the rear windows rolled down. They pop open but that can be a hassle while driving. The seats are fairly comfortable. A little stiff but that helps a bad back on a long drive... good support. TONS of interior room. Feels like a real sturdy vehicle. Drove WAY better than the Pilot. Never loved a car like I love my Element!!

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  no catch here! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By dawn - May 3 - 6:41 pm

  I bought a 2017 Honda Accord Sedan in the beginning of 2017. I have had to bring the car back to dealership 4 times since my purchase and its been 8 weeks. The drivers side window has wind noise in the upper left corner of the window. It sounds like the door is ajar the noise is so prominent. You can only hear this noise when you accelerate at speeds of 55 mph or above. When I test drive the vehicle I did not get on the interstate so I never heard the noise. Although the dealership has been helpful, they have never resolved my issue. This noise is really LOUD and ANNOYING... I did drive another 2017 and heard the same noise, but I do not hear the noise when sitting in the passenger seat. These leads me to believe this can be corrected. The dealership has said their is nothing else they can do. I also found a TSB (technician service bulletin) for the accords for 2013-2016 with the same issue. I printed the bulletin brought the car in and they did attempt to correct the problem according to instructions on the bulletin. As of today, March 6, 2016 I still hear the noise and am so very disappointed in this issue. I love everything else about the car. I would get rid of it tomorrow if I wouldnt loose money.

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  I love my Honda - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bmmcc - May 3 - 8:00 am

  The car is very reliable. The only downfalls are that it doesnt have much pick-up going up hills. Also, the back door opens a little awkwardly. Have to lift the glass window, and then open the lower part like a passenger seat door, to the side. Gas mileage is supposedly 19 mpg city, 23 highway, but I AVERAGE 26 to 30 mpg by driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden acceleration and deceleration. Car has 180,000, and the only thing wrong is ball bearings or something in the wheels, it makes grinding noises when I turn. We havent had any major work done on the car.

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  Replacement parts questionable quality - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Rich - May 2 - 1:14 pm

  This car has been a disappointment due to the inferior quality of replacement electrical system parts... three main relays have failed (replacement approximately $700 each) and three ignition switches failed (replacement approximately $200 each). Honda Prelude replacement electrical parts are garbage IMHO. I will likely never purchase another Honda. However, the best car I ever owned was a 1990 Acura Integra.

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  Honda is only company making deals - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - May 2 - 11:08 am

  This is our 2nd Honda Odyssey. First had 105k miles, 6 years and we paid sticker no discounts. This time we looked at Toyota, Nissan, and Ford. Ford, Toyota, and Nissan were basically offering invoice pricing which is what they did last time, not great deals... Honda was 28% off sticker and way below invoice listed on websites. Way different than last time we bought from Honda. This van was thousands less expensive than what Nissan or Toyota would do. Ford was not that great either. Now I know why Honda has the best year over year sales figures. They know what market they are dealing in... I have a 2000 Acura RL with 115k, but cant get Acura to do a deal... strange.