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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  Accord Loyalist - 2016 Honda Accord
  By ArnoldF - November 12 - 1:01 pm

  This is our 5th leased Honda Accord. We always get the base EX model. The car is stylish, solid, and contains a number of useful options. The car is very peppy and has a sensitive gas pedal, although you do hear the engine when you are getting up to speed. I even find it peppier than a lot of bigger 6 cylinder cars. The 4 cylinder engine provides excellent mileage. It is fairly maintenance free. I honestly dont remember anything major happening on any vehicle we leased. Pretty much oil changes and the like. The 2016 comes standard with a remote starter which is a nice feature. The only thing I would like to see standard is the mirror indicator when a car is along side. They do have a visual field monitor when you make a right turn which shows the road in an extended view, but the mirror indicator would be nicer. In fact, I would rather have that other than the remote starter. All around this is an excellent, reliable vehicle at a great price point.

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  Should be better - 2009 Honda Accord
  By life - November 12 - 12:46 am

  I have had my new Honda accord for 3 months. Everything is Ok, but not as good as I expected. The worse thing is it gives so much noise, especially on the local road. I have visited the service twice already. I had read some reviews, it seems the noise is a common issue for this model of car. The seats are a little too hard for those who do not weigh so much.

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  Overall Love it but ...... - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Shellie - November 11 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my Honda in April 2015 so I have driven it for a year now. Overall I love the car. I drive a 100 miles per day for work so I spend a lot of time in the drivers seat. The seat is room and comfortable, I have plenty of leg room (Im 59"). The head room is ok I would prefer a little more. The controls and displays are in good areas that I can easily reach them or see them. The gas mileage is excellent, I average 27-28 with SoCal freeway/surface street driving. The leather of the seats shows little to no wear tear after a year. I often have issues with the Bluetooth especially when using Pandora. The ride is mostly smooth and quiet but if the road is rough at all you will feel it and hear it. When I step on the gas the car picks up and goes really well, I have the V6. What I dont care for is the trunk feels cheap, like there is no substance to it. The reverse camera has already had to be replaced because the clip was somehow broken when the car was washed and the camera was "hit". My picky self does not like the fact that I cannot lock the doors if I have the drivers door open, I cannot lock the doors if I have the key fob in my hand and leave the car on or running. I do not like that ALL of the doors unlock when the drivers door is opened. These things are a safety issue in my mind. One thing I was very surprised by and I am definitely not pleased with; the brakes are ceramic from what I was told and I had to replace them all after only 6 months and 15,000 miles which costs $300 or so at the dealer. I will be doing some research on this because spending $300 or so for brakes every 6 months is not going to be good. Bottom line; the good outweighs the bad ...... at the moment.

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  Overall you get a better value for your money plus - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jose Poblete - November 11 - 12:22 pm

  Compare it to the other crossovers SUVs test drive them and you will be surprised this is the better one hands down!!

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  What happened Honda?!? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By cpc - November 11 - 11:06 am

  I had some pretty high expectations after happily owning two prior Hondas. And let me tell you, I have been pretty disappointed with my Pilot purchase. We placed both Honda and Toyota on top of our list for cars to look at, due to their good designs and quality ratings. We have worked with the dealership to TRY to fix several issues: 1-Known alignment issue with no fix. 2-Interior parts not installed correctly. 3-Rattles in the interior. 4-Steering vibration. 5- Temperature gauge stuck at reading 56 degrees. 6-AC display does not show on or off when running unless you press the button twice. Again, deeply disappointed with all the problems so far, and there is only 2500 miles on it!

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  07 Civic LX 4dr Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Megan - November 10 - 9:50 pm

  Purchased on 6/30/2007. Was looking for a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle since my husband and I carpool together most days and drive about 80 miles a day. Priced all others in class, and the Civic seemed to be the best bang for the buck. We both have fun driving it, and I enjoy the body style. The back end looks similar to that of a BMW or Volvo especially in black or silver. We live in AZ, and it doesnÂ’t seem as if the A/C blows as cold as other vehicles that we have owned (maybe it is just because it is 115 degrees!). Other than that, I think we will have fun enjoying the car for years to come.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2016 Honda Accord
  By J J - November 10 - 10:05 am

  The front seat design is hideous. Good luck if u have a bad back and if you dont you will by the time u drive it more than 30 minutes. I can see why they give such short test drives and no interstate access. Lumbar adjustment a joke. Turned car into to another brand because they Honda wouldnt work with me to put in a different vehicle. Returned car with 300 miles and the fearless hip where purchased offered an insulting amount to trade in. At least $7000 less after less than 6 days of ownership. WILL NEVER BUY OR REFER ANYONE TO HONDA AGAIN...

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  My Orange Box! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Andy H - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV, that is if you can classify it as such. It reminds me of a baby hummer, a London taxi, a 1950s milk truck all rolled into one fun ride. After looking at several other SUVs I came to the conclusion they all sort of looked the same in a ho-hum style. Element has its very own identity anbd is unlike any other on the market. I do not fall into the target market Honda is aiming for but still find its logical, funtional qualities very satisfactory. Has anyone else noticed that fellow Element owners wave and or toot the horn when eye contact is made on the road?

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  Watch out for rocks - 2003 Honda Element
  By eric777 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  There is no front panel to gaurd the radiator. Watch out for rocks flying up. One went right throuh mine and insurance dosent cover road hazards. Could have been a freak accident, but I already noticed were more rocks have hit, just not gone through yet.

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  Enjoy driving every day - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jmdchien - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle while it was raining which was perfect for the test drive. Fell in love with it in 1.5 miles. Now 1700 miles later, still loving it. A good choice.