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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  Fun Car ! - 2003 Honda Element
  By shanman - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Brought the EX with a bunch of add-ons last week after 6 weeks of research. Paid MSRP of $19900. Attracts a lot of attention were ever it goes. Deceptivly quite on the road- just a whisper of road noise- engine performs well on acceleration. My first tank of gas averaged 24.2 mpg on mostly highway driving--not bad considering it has the areodynamics of a box of crackers! Comfortable -high seating position, although Im not a big fan of the seats- could use a bit more of thigh support. Overall, a fun car with an extremly verstile interior....Glad I got it!!

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  Very Practical - 2003 Honda Element
  By Craig Horlacher - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I like Mt. Biking and Kayaking. The Element is the perfect vehicle for that. I got an aftermarket roof-rack from Thule for the Kayak and the Mt. Bike fits in the Element standing up if I just put up one of the back seats! I love not having to mess with a bike rack or take off the front tire. I just roll it in! The water proof seats and wipe out floor mean I dont need to worry about throwing in my wet and dirty paddling gear.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By K-vill - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Over all pleased with the Honda. The customer support has been better than any other dealer I have worked with in the past. I do have an issue with the brake noise and the small arm rest. We have also replaced the windshield for the third time in less than 18 months. It seems that the aero dynamics pulls rocks into the windshield not over it. We are going to try a bug shield.

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  Hard to find - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jsarson - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I tested in native Pa. fall of 2002 and liked but not ready for new car. After retiring in Florida I spent many hours on web researching and test drove Hyundai, Toyota and Masda. Almost bought the Hyundai but decided Toyota made more sense. Went to Orlando, Fla and on a lark swung by the Honda dealer. They unloaded a Pilot and we jumped on it. Had been my first choice but being scarce I ruled it out. Beautiful to drive and I am in love with it. Its well built and handles very well. Love the color and gas mileage.l

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  Not A Hylander - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MickeyP - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Initially I wanted to purcase a 6 cyl. Hylander, my wife talked me out of it because of the poor gas mileage. Instead we went with the CR-V, because not only did we get better gas mileage, but, we got a car that has as much horsepower as a family of 3 will need. In addition, we took it on vacation in July, packed it to the top, and included five people. Needless to say, even packed full, we had more than enough power, and we ever got about 26- mpg on the highway. Wow!!!

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  Build Quality Unsatisfactory - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kpe218dwv902 - December 29 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased the car earlier this month. I noticed an oil leak a few days ago. The car is leaking oil from the main seal and the oil filter. Also, the passenger restraint light stayed on this morning until I turned the car off and started it again. I have taken the car to a Honda dealer in an effort to correct these problems. Therefore, I am very concerned regarding the build quality and reliability of this car.

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  awsome supersized super vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By shivaji sanap - December 29 - 12:44 pm

  Purchased exl with honda sensing on 7/22 , currently have 3800 miles, super powerful, steady, responsive vehicle, no issues whatsoever, I do not care m6ch about finger marks on infitainment tab as indicated by some of the respected owners. This vehicle could be compared with some of the best on road, I would not say it will beat cayene or x5 but I have seen that it responds and keeps going on the highways effortlessly with excellent command and agility. By the way , with all due respect to other brands which I reserched and some test driven, i am m very happy to come across few artcles on pilot 2016 and choosing to visit honda dealership with family for test drive, my family and myself were so impressed with external and internal looks so finalized on pilot. Had to struggle to get color & model for few weeks, no discounts from msrp as of 7/22 but extremely happy to have this big beast, lots of space, power, ease to operate...

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  Simply The Best Minvan - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Mit Trawets - December 29 - 9:54 am

  This car purchase has been by far the best one we have ever made. Seriously, once you are a Honda Odyssey owner, you are one for life. We purchased our 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite new for our growing family. We had a 9 year old, a Labrador, and newly born twins and needed a large vehicle. Our intention was to purchase an SUV but after test driving them and comparing them to a minivan, there was no other sensible choice. After trying multiple other minivans, the clear winner was the Odyssey. The build quality was far more superior than any other make. Too many other vans had really cheap "chrome" - why? Our van is now 5 years old and we have never had any trouble other than replacing tires that probably wore out too soon. We chose the Touring Elite because it was the top of the line and had all of the features we wanted. Now for what we dont like- Navigation is dated and was so in 2012, USB is in the glove compartment and Bluetooth has a built-in delay which is totally annoying. The front drivers seat could extend a bit further back too. Our next vehicle will be a new Odyssey in for near future.

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  Best value for money - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Indolawson - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car 6 1/2 years ago hoping it would last 2 or 3 years. The thing is amazing--it does what it was designed to do. Provides reliable, economic transportation and offers more comfort than expected. This one has standard transmission adding to the feel of control over ones driving. Great in our Colorado winters though I had to change to tires with a higher profile than stock. Weve newer cars but this is my wifes favorite.

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  1995 Honda Civic Review - 1995 Honda Civic
  By D D - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability, fuel economy. Would highly recommend as a used car.