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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  Hoping 2017 more reliable than 2013 - love the car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Chick - March 27 - 8:54 pm

  I traded my 2013 Accord V6 for a 2017 V6 Touring after replacing 2013 starter twice in 4 months. Loved the car, but couldnt stand the starter problem endemic to 2013-1015 V6s. Giving Honda another chance, since Ive had them since 1978. Didnt need all the Touring extras, but it came in the colors we both agreed on. Love the V6 power and open road economy [32-34/gal.]; mileage is only about 17+ in our local very short trips. Love the comfortable seats - 12 hour drive to Florida no problem. Love the backup camera, and the camera in right side mirror, which I use to monitor any open lanes to my right. Smooth and quiet, but enough feedback from suspension to remember youre still alive and awake. Great visibility/glass, which is what first sold me on an Accord back in 78. Touring 40-series tires are expensive to replace-have lost two to road hazards in 6000 miles. Top safety rating in 2013 also drew me to this model. A genuine bargain for the power and features this car packs... paid about $4000 under sticker on this last model year, and could have done better if didnt need car deal that day.

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  Honda Can Sure Build Cars! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dan - March 27 - 8:20 pm

  Considered Volswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Mazda 3. Honda Civic was always my number one choice and it easily was the winner! Have had the vehicle for a month. Averaging about 33-34 MPG for a combination of city/highway driving. Highly recommend spending a little extra money and get the EX trim line. Great to have the moonroof, alloy wheels, extra speakers and audio/cruise controls on steering wheel.

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  Fun Plus Economy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 27 - 11:56 am

  This car does get the advertised economy. We have averaged 46.7 MPG for 21k miles. Trips often are 50+. The car is comfortable, agile, and peppy, assuming you are in the right gear. Manual shifts well, clutch is great. Instruments are clear and the MPG bars give you something extra to watch in boring traffic. I have only two complaints. First the back seat wont fold down. Second, they should have a hatchback version for versitility plus economy. All in all, a great car.

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  Looks good but.... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By RC - March 26 - 10:03 pm

  A sharp looking car that turns heads. To be a 4 cylinder, I like the pickup. I drive 180 miles a day to and from work which is all interstate, so keeping up with traffic is no problem. But.. the drivers seat is very uncomfortable, the radio cuts out when using a gps unit plugged into the power port, passenger seat when pushed up to let passenger into back seat does not return to its original setting, always has to be reset, road noise is bad, headlights dim down when compressor kicks in, gas cap will scratch side of car so be sure to put it in the cap rest in the gas door. Ive always been a Pontiac man, and I sure do miss my Bonneville. This is the first and last Honda I will ever own.

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  The most practical vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By scubajack - March 26 - 10:00 am

  My favorite vehicle so far! Researched vehicles on line for about 2 weeks (edmunds.com comparator is a great place to start). I started out looking for a pickup (for scuba diving, paintball, boating etc); the Element kept popping up..so I wound up taking one for a test drive and was nothing but impressed by this well designed "cool box". The Element is a great UTE (utility vehicle). Fun to drive, tons of room, very easy to clean, good gas mileage. The lack of center pillars and the way the doors open are a plus too. Im very happy with my Honda Element and Id buy one again, no buyers remorse with this one!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Honda Element
  By Glider - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Great, innovative, SUV. Excellent leg room for back seat passengers. Smooth, efficient engine. Traded a Grand Cherokee in for my Element and have no regrets. Quite the contrary.

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  bumper honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By todo - March 26 - 10:00 am

  although the car is very reliable the corners of the bumpers are extremly weak,any slight bump and the bumpers colapse and it is very costly to be replacing the bumpers ive complained to the company i hope they re-design the bumpers all together.

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  Pass on Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By HondaDriver - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for functionality - max passengers & cargo space. Little did we realize how it handles so poorly on the freeway. Anything over 70mph and it rattles & shakes uncontrollably.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Greenie - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, comfortable ride with both room to haul my stuff and room to fit my whole family (including the dog) with conversion by folding seats in less then ten seconds. Very reliable so far at my 15,000 mi/yr pace. Good fuel efficiency for SUV. Good safety ratings. If I had to buy a new car today, I would buy the same car. Love it.

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  Great Choice for First Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By FrankG - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car I ever bought myself and Ive been VERY happy with it for the past year, racking up almsot 20K miles. The engine is powerful enough for a 60 mile round-trip daily commute on the DC Beltway & I-95, but not so powerful that it gives you poor gas milage (I get 26/27 mpg). There is no need for a V6 with this car, despite what other reviews say. Its a nice size, handles well, and is easy to park -- no problems getting into a space in any lot, garage, or street location. Its a great commuter car and road trip car rolled into one. Safety features are great, and it was certainly worth upgrading to the EX to get them.