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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  Love my S2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Goldenca - August 7 - 2:00 am

  An all around fun car to drive.

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  Pure Junk - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By larck - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Warning!! Do not buy a Honda Odyssey of any year after 1998. I own a 2000 LX. Transmission failure at 38,000 mile and A/C failure at 40,000 miles. Glad I purchased the Honda Care warranty when I purchased this lemon.

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  Very nimble safe to drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By albert sterlini - August 7 - 1:00 am

  Superior quality. It safe and fun to drive. Is alwasy a renewed experience every time I start her up

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  Great value, well rounded, spacious - 2009 Honda Accord
  By i_vtec_i4 - August 7 - 12:03 am

  This is my 3rd Accord. Had an 04 & 07, both leases that had navi. I went without navi to save money this time. Definitely miss the leather but got such a good deal, I dont mind because its another lease. Love the upgraded engine and more room. The seats are a little wider and boxier. But not uncomfortable as others have said. The road noise is the same as the 07. Ive test driven the Altima, Camry and Malibu. No car in this class blows me away but the Accord has the most pros than cons. If I could afford to, I would buy an Acura or Infiniti. On highway driving I get about 29 mpg. This car gives you the most for your dollar.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mgraze - August 6 - 2:51 pm

  First let me say that I am a lifelong Honda fan. Ive owned 6 cars and a motorcycle by Honda from 1978 to 2008. However, Honda really dropped the ball on the 8th generation Accord, at least the 2008 V6 EX-L that I owned. I bought it used 3 three years old with only 14700 miles on it. But after the first week I noticed that the drivers seat was unacceptably uncomfortable and had to use a butt pad as for the entire 5 1/2 years that I owned it. Also, they really cheaped out on the interior materials. The center armrest and outside arm rests were made of the thinnest vinyl I have ever seen and would shred if you looked at it funny. I had to replace the center rest before I sold it in mid 2017 but left the ripped drivers side as it was. Interior materials were much cheaper than our 2005 EX-L 4 cyl which is still going strong and has not signs of wear inside. Additionally, I had serious mechanical problems that I should not have had on ANY car let alone an Accord. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 55000 mi. Steering rack had to be replaced at 85000 mi. The one thing my car excelled at was brake wear. I didnt have to do the brakes until 90000 miles(!) and then only the fronts. The rears had plenty of meat left on pads and rotors. I have seen others complain about their brakes so go figure. Im not completely soured on Honda and would not hesitate buying another one down the line but this particular specimen was something of a lemon. Fortunately, I was able to get a fair price for the car and I replaced it with a near-pristine 2006 Infiniti M35 with approximately the same milage. Needless to say, it is a vastly superior car in every conceivable way AND I got it for less than I sold the Accord for. Accords hold their value pretty well, Infinitis dont so good for me.

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  Great Car for under $20K - 2003 Honda Element
  By laizer - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have the EX AWD 5 speed model. This is a very fun, high "utility" SUV. It accomplishes everything I need. It has plenty of room for cargo, gives me AWD when the bad weather comes, has kid friendly floors and seats, and is very affordable. This unique car fits my needs better than any other car on the road. The automatic is under-whelming, however the 5 speed makes a world of difference. This car is not as plush as my girlfriends Lexus RX300, but then again the price is 1/2 that of the Lexus and these 2 cars are not really comparable to each other, but you really cannot find another car even close to the price range that will do what the Element does.

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  who let the dogs out - 2003 Honda Element
  By crazygirl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Element and I love it. It is the best Suv I have ever had. It has a great sound system, comfrotable seats, passengers have plenty of room. It is charming in a funny way.. Its so ugly its cute.. I debated buying it for about 7 months and couldnt resist the urge. Im glad I did, I couldnt be any happier. I love the fact that not too many people have them. Man! are they missing out... It is a joke in my family to call it the Dork mobile.. whatever to that. It is the best, and I love it,

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  My first SUV and love it. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PatrickC1026 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and Im still driving my 92 Honda Prelude. Although there is no comparison with Prelude, the Pilot handling and power is awsome. Ive driven my Pilot to Mexico/San Diego, San Francisco bay area and Las Vegas and it never complained even with the full load to Mexico.

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  UNRELIABLE! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Nostrodx - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive been stranded too many times with my kids. This is the 3rd transmission they are putting in it. The doors have to be slammed for them to close. It has many rattles when the seats are stored. I have talked to other owners of Hondas, and they have had many service problems also. My question is this, WHY HASNT HONDA RECALLED THESE THINGS YET?

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  My new car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Shortykins - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for only a month now and so far I love it. For the price I got it for, I was very satisfied with the standard features it came with, such as CD player, sunroof, and VTEC engine. However, I do not like the fact that the seats constantly have lint on them, the car gets shaky once you hit around 70 mph, and that leather wasnt an option. Also, being short, I find that the headrests in the backseat do obstruct view somewhat. Aside from this, this car has exceeded my expectations!