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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  mpg - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By chhuck - July 16 - 10:00 am

  nice car, but i did not get 17mpg, more like 14-15 mpg

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  love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sandra McMurphy - July 16 - 4:30 am

  I love my Cr-v, but I dont get the gas mileage as I thought I would. I only get around 20 miles to the gallon and that is city and highway driving. I love the way it handles, it is just fun to drive. My last car was a Ford Explorer. The honda is so much more fun to drive! Honda should have the headlights go on by themselves and have lights in the vanity mirrors.

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  A great van for the Grandparents and the grandkids - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Papa Craig - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  Traded in a 2009 Toyato Avalon with 68000 miles on it/ a totally problem free vehicle. The Honda van offers great mpg, better then the Avalon-6 speed transmission is wonderful. Love the rear entertainment center, ease of controls , back up camera, side camera and low noise whether in city or on highway! Drives like a expensive large sedan. Like the styling .

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  nice car but ugly lights - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dclolly - July 15 - 5:10 am

  I like the car, but not crazy about the color choices and the lights, specially the rear lights, they are long and look like a sad/angry face!

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  Cds for sale - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Roger - July 14 - 11:43 pm

  No CD player with the touch screen radio. Windows roll up or down slowly.

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  One owner Civic VX - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Kenneth Hausmann - July 14 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car new in 1992 knowing almost nothing about Honda. I got it because it had 92 hp instead of the paltry 70 the CX and DX had. It also had cloth seats, aluminum wheels, and about 5 more mpg. I planned to sell it when my 1969 Mustang came out of restoration shop but fell in love with the car. I added the cargo cover, cruise control, intermittent wipers, body side moldings, floor mats, rear speakers from an SI, tinted windows, factory clock, the tall console with pad, which is essential for a comfortable driving position, and AMFM CD with Sirius. The car is easy to maintain, gets about 43 city and 50 hwy. On one trip to Iowa, I filled up the 10 gallon tank in Austin, TX and drove to El Dorado Kansas, where I put 9.6 gallons in. That averaged 57.7 mpg, driving at 65 mph. I have never gotten less than 42 mpg, and that was in summer, AC blasting, in city traffic. I just brought it in to have it rebuilt at 489k. I will never sell this car. I painted it once and the interior is still very good. I wonder how many people have a one owner VX? I also wish I knew how many they made, but Honda is mum on this subject. Update, car is back, has 495k on it, and is running perfectly again. Next stop is 1,000,000 miles!

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  Ya Gotta Drive it - 2004 Honda Element
  By beach boy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I am a proud owner of the 2004 Element EX.I have been looking at this model for about 2 years since it came out. For my life style this is the "Best thing since sliced bread". For people on the go and who like the outdoors there quite possibly could not be a better fit. Some of my friends when I first got the truck said " do you wind it up before you drive it, or can we take it out of the box and drive." That was thier comments before they got in and drove it or simply just got in the back seat and enjoyed the sunroof and acres of leg room. If you are thinking of getting one ,do it. Cheers, your excited Element owner.

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  Nice, But Missing a Few Minor Items - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By RWWWW - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I made the jump from my Dodge Gr Caravan Sport to the 04 Honda. I miss a couple things,overhead display with mileage, outside temperature. I love the Leather seats and DVD player(even though the DVD is hard to operate, still learning). The dealer wanted me to spend $1,200 more for the extended warranty. I told him Im buying the Honda for the quality and durable that you brag about. He still wanted me to buy the warranty. Must be some good commisions in selling that warranty. All in all, I like the quality, the smooth running engine and trainy combination.

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  04 Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ronp003 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  very easy to drive, great seats, plenty of interior room, not too big!

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  Excellent sproty yet fuel efficient - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Justin Marinkovich - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car its quick acceleration, high fuel efficiency, and overall comfort are amazing.