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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  CRV 2015 is not a safe car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By paj4 - December 5 - 5:01 pm

  Brand new CRV on the third trip from home. The hesitation/vibration problem is noticeable (intermittent shuddering as if a wheel is out of alignment and/or the vehicle has just hit a patch of black ice, but related to the newly designed CRV transmission, a problem common to all CRV 2015 that does not yet have a fix) but what really stunned me was a sudden EXTREMELY HIGH REV when going down a small hill. I was braking lightly at the time. It happened again a week later going up a small hill without brake. It didnt last very long, but the engine raced so completely out of control that the vehicle did not feel safe. The noise was incredible. I returned the car to the dealership.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Diana - December 5 - 1:46 pm

  I really didnt believe the MPG promises made by the dealership, but I wasnt concerned because I knew it would be better than my trade in. In econo mode, Im getting about 46 MPG on surface streets! That is mind boggling! I routinely get about 50 on my commute which is a mix of freeway and surface streets. I do turn the econo mode off during the hot AZ summers and the mileage is still really good, probably about 45 MPG on my commute. The performance is great. I can pass when I need to pass, accelerate to get on the freeway. I also store a surprising amount of cargo in the back, with the seats folded down.

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  Not exactly a sports car, but a Grand Coupe withV6 - 2011 Honda Accord
  By louspag@msn.com - December 5 - 1:31 pm

  With the V6, the EX-L Coupe is more Acura than Honda. Ive owned 2 BMWs, and Im used to a "drivers car". Handling-wise, this is no BMW, but power-wise, the V^ certainly does not disappoint. This car is tops for reliability and reasonable dealer service fees. It is also a super safe vehicle. I bought this one after being rear ended and run over by a Mack truck in a 2008 Honda EX-L V6. No, its not as fun as a BMW, but if you want a nice looking vehicle that is somewhat fun to drive, go for the V6.

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  Highly recommed - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ppetrey - December 5 - 7:10 am

  Honda has a winner with the "Pilot"! Extremely good handling, hugs the road, good acceleration. Wonderful for travel. Fuel efficient, however as with any other vehicle, could be better. Interior is comfortable and very versatile. Both rear seats are 60/40 seats and completely fold down, cup holders, outlet plugs(for all the kids gizmos)and reading lights through out the vehicle. And last but certainly not least the great safety features! I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Sport Utility Van - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rowzell - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is with out a doubt the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. Add the great look and Hondas "Quality and Reliability" and the Element becomes the perfect vehicle for Gen. "Y" and anyone that does not need to haul a kid transport.

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  I feel good in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RobSeb - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I just heard from co-workers about the versatility of the interior, I was sold before I saw the vehicle. Ive been looking for a car that would combine the fun driving of my 93 Miata with the cargo space of my 90 Trooper,... I think Ive found it, now I can sell the other two. I carry musical instruments on the weekend and a black lab, I love the way the rear doors open when I carry 2 guitars and a bag. The leg room in the back is much much larger than average, the 2 guitars fit on the floor in front of the rear seats. I love it.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kong Wang - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Honda Pilot is the best family SUV. Its a 4wd SUV for 30k.

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  Very good everyday car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Grand Rapids driver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a car to get me (and my family) to and from work and around town for the next ten years. Of the cars I researched, the Civic seemed best able to do that. I also found it nice to drive. When I got into the Civic and drove it, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. It handled very well and the manual transmission shifted almost effortlessly. The interior is very roomy for a compact and the flat back floor makes the back seat seem even bigger. All in all, this was exactly what I was looking for.

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  It turned me! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Phoenix - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a longtime diehard V8 lover. That being said I had it up to my eyeballs with replacing parts for my Firebird and finally broke down and bought a Honda for its reliability as a daily driver. To my amazement this is an incredibly fun to drive little car and its got enough power to play around on the freeways (Ive gotten it up to 135mph). In addition to that the handling is the best you could imagine on any car under $40K. I still take my TransAm to the track on the weekend, but the Si really changed my mind about I-4s.

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  4-Door Accord EX 6speed manual -Part II - 2013 Honda Accord
  By beanctr - December 5 - 12:46 am

  With 4,000 miles on my Accord, heres an update to my original post. Continue to be impressed with the power and fuel economy this 4 cylinder puts out; although, at times I do miss my prior 6 cyclinder car that had an additional 75 hp. The manual transmission is a joy to operate with short throws and well defined gates. Noticed a few quality issues such as the front defroster vent at the base of the windshield pulling up. Cost cutting is evident on the OE carpeted floor mats. They have a REALLY cheap feel to them.