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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  Awesome - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Andrew - June 9 - 12:03 pm

  I recently got rid of a 2004 Mazda 3 sport and I like the Civic much better. I am very impressed with the smooth ride for a car less than $20,000. The cabin is quiet radio is create, manual shifter is very smooth. I drive mostly highway and have been getting around 34 mpg.

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  Lies.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Saiyan - June 9 - 9:40 am

  Quieter cabin, better fuel economy... ALL LIES!! After only 18k miles, Im selling it. The road noise is unbearable. Apparently, the ECO thing doesnt work, causes a major droning noise at 65 mph. Fuel economy is 16/24 at best. I will never buy another honda van. The navigation doesnt give accurate travel times, all of which are based on an avg. speed of 60 mph!!! Then, one day, the A/C stopped working. I bring it to the dealer. Before even looking at it, the mechanic says "I hope it is not a rock in the condenser." When on the lift, it was the condenser. Extremely poor design. The gaps in the grill are so big, it is insane. Look at German cars, even the economy ones like jettas.

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  This is a great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Miguel - June 9 - 5:20 am

  The re-designed exterior is great- looking. I see older Accords on the road and they look boxy and nondescript. The 08 is a beauty, especially in the deep burgundy. The interior is fantastic. Big and spacious, with a ton of high-end features (on the model I got) like Navigation, heated seats, XM, dual climate control (automatic too), auto- dimming rear view mirror, 6-CD stereo, nice leather, etc. Riding in this car feels very similar to riding in cars that cost $15k more. The ride is great too. I dont know why some folks bemoan the VCM shifting between 6, 4, and 3 cylinders. I dont notice a thing. It is very smooth and seamless. I really like this car a lot.

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  All That!!!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Doug - June 8 - 10:56 pm

  This has been an amazing experience. I owned a 91 Civic three door and have driven a few different cars between. This car gives you more than you moneys worth. I decided on the DX-G but the SI was hard to leave in the showroom. Its no wonder this car was best in its class last year. Driving this car is the most fun Ive had behind a wheel in a long time.

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  Dissapointed Overall - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Got Poor MPG? - June 8 - 8:46 pm

  14,000 miles so far & MPG is crap, all highway driving, no matter how fast or type of terrain no better than 21, far cry from 28 on sticker. Going in tomorrow for power steering issues & transmission that is slow to respond when starting out. Had problems several problems with an 05 so traded it for an 07, should have traded for a Domestic. Honda should be held responsible for the misrepresentation of the gas mileage!

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  The Honda Elite is my XT5 - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By C. Alan - June 8 - 10:38 am

  I love this vehicle! I have owned 12+/- Hondas, with all of which I have been very pleased. I was going to buy a Cadillac XT5, but then I saw the Pilot Elite. Wow! My past experience with Honda and the fact a comparably equipped XT5 would have cost me $15,000 more than the Elite, made my purchase a no-brainer. The ride, quietness,and safety features are superb!

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  A good mid-size SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tws - June 8 - 5:26 am

  Have owned the vehicle for 2 months. Overall, a very good value in terms of form, function, and economy. Have had no problems pulling 4300 lb. boat & trailer although I would not tow a heavy load over mountains.

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  1999 Honda Accord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sherry Kendall - June 7 - 10:13 pm

  I have not had any problems out of my Honda Accord since I bought it 3 years ago. I have had to replace the breaks almost every year and have already replaced the rotors and I am not hard on breaks.???

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  11 Years Later...Good as New! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Allison - June 7 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my 2005 Honda Accord EX-L brand new in 2005. 11 years later she is still going strong with 180,000 miles! I have replaced only the brakes, battery, and tires over the life of this car. The car has a great ride and my mechanic says I can take it another 180,000. This is just simply a fantastic car!

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  Good choice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RichK - June 7 - 4:16 am

  I commute 160 miles round trip to work every day and have 48,000 miles on this one year old LX 4 door. Reliability has been great. I have gotten up to 42 miles per gallon on the interstate and its not a hybrid. Cruise control is used and speed is usually around 70 mph. Visibility is good. The car is a quiet rider. Passing power is adequate but there are some strange transmission noises which Im told is normal. The OEM Goodyear Eagle tires are not wearing well, 40,000 mile are getting noisy and not holding up too well and will be replaced. Overall the car is great and looks good too.