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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  Solid car, but doesnt live up to rep. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Steffel - December 13 - 8:20 am

  Great looking car inside and out.My gas mileage is very poor.Started out averaging 24-25 in city, now getting only 21-22 at 2000 miles on odometer.I hope there is something wrong to explain this. Where is remote key fob trunk release on LX model? Guess Honda cheaped out.Stupid power window lock on driver control. Besides locking passengers from operating windows, the driver is locked out from operating all except his window.So many small features left out that are on cheaper Chevys and Saturns.I am rather disappointed in this car for the price.Glad they have a history of good resale, hope this model doesnt ruin that.A/C Fizzles out when step on gas and even fizzles when at idle.

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  Right off the truck! - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Bill from Easton - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  Compared the 2017 and 2017 Honda Accords and went with the 2018 based on a few things. First was MPG, the 2018 is rated at 35 Highway vs 27 for the 2017. Sure, dropping to a 4-cylinder helped, but performance is just fine. 2018 has a LOT more leg room and storage since they expanded the wheelbase. Trim is nicer and technology is better. Gone are the rightside video cams - replaced with the blindspot warning signals. Radio/Navigation controls are much larger and more visible and easier to view. Overall, the 2018 won out over the 2017. My disappointment was I now have to buy PREMIUM gasoline so the MPG savings is eaten up by gas price increase. A bit disappointed with the connectivity to my iphone and the console. Some functions connect via bluetooth while others need a physical hard wire USB connection. Thats just annoying. I like the lane departure function as well as the Adaptive Cruise Control which lets me set a speed and distance to the car in front of me - VERY nice on a highway full of cars. The radio/navigation display, though VERY large can be a distraction when youre trying to go from one thing (navigation) to another (radio). Lots of buttons to discern and takes your eyes off the road. Thank goodness for that lane departure safety feature! The auto climate control never seems to be happy. I set it at a temperature (70) and I feel cold air blowing at times and warm at others. Riding comfort is fantastic with the heated and COOLED leather seats! I run hot, so I REALLY wanted the cooling seats which pushed me over the top to go with the touring package. Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase and hope I get the 9+ years that I got out of my Honda Civic!

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  Unpleasant Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By veryslowdriver - December 12 - 2:13 pm

  Bought this for commuting and city use. Seats seemed comfortable in test drive but real back achers in day-to-day-use. Miserable. Powertrain was so so. It could rev up but it was just business. Terrible shifter. Avg 30mpg. Hugely annoying interior rattles that dealer said were normal and would not fix. Handling was only average - a compromise of compromises, not comfortable, not precise, even w/good Michelin tires. My third new Honda and my very last. This seems like an excellent chassis, but not correctly exploited. Toyota Corolla a better choice for a commuter compact, quieter and better mannered. All in all, the car made me miserable. Sold at 6700 mi

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  Only issue has been clutch - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mdewind - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Clutch has been replaced 4 times due to installing the wrong way by Honda dealerships after finding a defective flywheel. Besides that the car was chosen after extensive test drives of like cars (including a Dodge Viper) and I am 100% sure that I picked the right car for me.

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  Love It - 2003 Honda Element
  By Hardwarem - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room, very good sound system,wild looks realy turns heads. Traded a Jeep Grand cherokee, honds has better ride ,more room, a fun car, Love it!

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  Revolutionary Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By William Ruffin - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The perfect answer to owning a mini-van without acutally having to! The same features and comfort that you would expect from a mini-van plus the added bonus of being a truck makes the Honda Element a truly revolutionary vehicle. This car is the benchmark for things to come.

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  No Regrets - 1999 Honda Accord
  By kjandersen98 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Accord EX with 35,000 miles on it from a dealer. Never have I ever second guessed this decision. It was like I bought a new car. I drive 150 miles a day to and from work, and this is the prefect car for anyone who is looking for a car that is sporty (I got the 5-Speed) and comfortible. This Accord is as comfortible on the highway as it is on the backroads. The engine does not scream at all at high speeds, it just provides a great ride, and good gas mileage for its class. I plan to keep this car as long as I can becuase I have yet to see or hear of anything better out there. You will not regret buying this car.

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  Great Value!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Happy consumer - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Shopped every possible SUV out there, Pilot wipes out them all for overall value & quality. I recommend this to anyone needing the functions of a minivan, but yet still want the fun SUV look & drive. This one can be bargained as well, got it for $1,600 under MSRP.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DaveA - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car last year for my newborn. Very reliable and comfy. I look forward to keeping it for a while. In typical Honda/Acura fashion, it has given me ZERO problems.

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  LX Impressions at 1Kmi - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By user777 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Every time I drive the vehicle, theres more to appreciate and enjoy. We were looking for an uncomplicated vehicle without (and contrary to most people) power slider doors. We own another Honda and appreciate the build quality and reliability, but also design and function of both vehicles. They appeal to the engineering side of the driver/owner.