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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  Bad Choice! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bad Choice - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Honda to get away from some of the problems I had encountered when driving GM vehicles. This car has been to the dealer so much it shoud be kept there!! I cant believe the high ratings this vehicle has received. Does every publication assume because it is a Honda that the quality/design is great? 1). Weld Spash- Front Strut area 2). Loud Popping noises out of rear 3). Air Bag Recall 4). Transmission Recall- Design Problem 5). Rear Differential to be replaced- Currently on Back order cant receive? Common Problem with other Pilots????

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2001 Honda Accord
  By allen2h - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Honda VTEC engine with manual transmission = highly refined drivetrain. Just put it in second gear and rip it all the way up to 6,000 rpm. This is not abusing the engine - this is giving this Honda engine the exercise that it yearns for. Very smooth manual shifter - I can shift to any given gear at any time with a precision that takes my breath away. High quality interior materials - nothing looks or is cheap. No rattles, only one minor squeak from the seat when I do hard cornering. Plenty of storage bins. Mileage: 1398 divided by 42.366 = 33.0 mpg when driving easy, 27 - 28 mpg when driving hard. Drawback: Hard cabin air filters replacement.

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  Most fun car we have driven in years - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Beatricec - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Honda Civic hatchback and we love it. The white dials are easy to see in daylight and and night and the clutch and shift are a delight. A winner.

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  Couldnt think of a better first car. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Wayne - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Display stopped working at 2000 miles; dealer had to get a new chip which reset my odometer. Besides that I have not encountered any mechanical or electrical problems. People working at the dealer were sleazy, didnt listen to me and werent in a rush to help. Gas needle has a mind of its own. Panels and doors fit together very well and obvious care taken toward fit and finish but doors still dont close with a confident thump. For the cars size the trunks massive. Drivers seat uncomfortable but not unbearable to be in for long trips. Back seat is nice and fairly roomy. Yawn inspiring acceleration. Ride is smooth, cabin noise minimal on highways.

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  honda element - 2005 Honda Element
  By dan hernandez - July 15 - 8:26 am

  suprising legroom and comfortability. Actually has much more storage area than I thought at first glance. Pick-up can be iffy but holds its own in traffic w/good handling.

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  Review of Civic Coupe Ex 2006 with Navi. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By grishma - July 15 - 7:46 am

  Value for money... Sleek looks...however not the most comfortable car especially for pillion riders. Great road grip and acceleration. Big people should test drive before making decision.

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  2005 odessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By phil - July 14 - 10:13 pm

  wonderful van i have not enjoyed driving a family car in such a long time.I acutually do most of the driving and dont get mad in traffic.

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  A Great Car - Horrible Comfort - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Renay Rodriguez - July 14 - 6:07 pm

  I will never buy another CRV again unless Honda decides to fix the interior car seat design. After owning the car for 6 months I now have a permanent shoulder and neck injury from driving this vehicle. The headrest is so far forward that it causes curvature right at the base of the neck into the mid spine area. As a result of being constantly curved you begin to develop next train with creates muscle tightness in the neck which is now resulted in tingling and numbness in two my hands. I tried turning the headrest around and felt infinitely more comfortable but its not safe because theres no support in case of an accident. An additional problem is the bottom part of the seats themselves even at 5 to the seats are too short. As a result you dont get any support behind your legs. And this creates neck and back strain as well as you are required to support your own legs throughout the drive with just your bottom on the seat. I drive a car to drive and go places and this car has been miserable. Another reason not to ever buy this car again is the road noise. You can barely talk on your cell phone in this car when youre on the highway because the road and wind noise is so loud. You cannot listen to music comfortably in this car because you have to blast it so loud in order to be able to hear the music over the wind and road noise. When I bought this car I was thinking great gas mileage reliability and safety. But I didnt think about Comfort because I assumed a car company like Honda as reputable as they are would have created seats that would have been comfortable.

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  As has been advertised - 2017 Honda CR V
  By EdK - July 14 - 11:41 am

  After a test drive, we were sold. Compared to Mazda, Toyota, and Nissan, the Honda blew the competition out of the water. Excellent room in the cockpit. Good handling. Comfortable seats. After 1400 miles, average fuel economy is 35 mpg (half highway and half city driving). The best part is my wife (50) and myself (60) both can adjust the seats/mirrors for good comfort.

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  Awesome Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Don Parker - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We are the original owners and after 128,000 miles this is by far the best car we have ever owned. We just sold it to a family member and bought a new 2003 Accord. Imagine that!! Being an engineer (read car nut) I have done all preventive maintenance myself and frankly that is all we have needed to do. The car has been extremely reliable. Feels as tight and responsive as when new. Use Mobil1 synthetic, car uses no oil at all.