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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  Frnt Disc Brake Rotor - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Julito Labor - April 30 - 7:08 am

  I love the car but the only problems that I have now is, I have a hard time changing the front disc rotor. Gonna cost you a little more, the design are not so common like two screws hold the disc. The old disc needs to be pressed and the new one needs to be press too. If you dont have the right tools let the shop do the job. Well, the ac is gone too but overall performance I think I already got my money back. Four thumbs up, I love it, love it.

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  I Like My Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dlbuck - April 29 - 8:07 am

  I have the manual trans. If Honda offered the man trans in new hybrid, Id buy one. When I drive at speed limit (55 mph), I ave 55-60 mpg. New hybrid cant approach this. Freeway traveling (60-65 mph) ave is 50 mpg. Headwind kills mpg. Snow tires kills mpg. To me, mpg is more important than getting there early. Two recalls for engine computer stuff. Never any problems. Havent replaced brakes yet. I have them checked at every oil change (3k miles) & so far not worn out. Im getting nervous. Compared to previous vehicle(Jeep Gr Cher, 20mpg) I paid for hybrid August 2003. Honda should offer man trans for Civic hybrid, same as regular Civic.

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  Gorgeous car, wish for better seats - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steve - April 28 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this car cert. 7 mo old with 13.5K miles, under $20K. For that price this is a fantastic luxurious coupe.There are trade offs that I have no problems with, my mileage after two tanks with mostly city driving is 21 but acceleration is very good, smooth, ride a little firm but enjoy the handling. I rode two hours home from the dealer and my back was sore for days. Have an old back injury. My thighs are lifted too high in the air. Feels like I am sitting in a bucket. A memory foam wedge pillow has made a world of difference. Compared to my Infiniti G20, this car feels huge. Comes with normal coupe blind spots. It is 6" wider and 13" longer than G20.

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  its ok - 2004 Honda Element
  By wood - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The only small suv I could fit in. I am 65. Good Honda quality, fairly cheap utility vehicle. Can carry lots of tools. Fairly harsh bumpy ride on back roads. Disappointing gas mileage for a 4 cyl. My old audi A6 got about the same 22mpg. I know 5 people that bought one and they are all over 50, so much for the youth appeal. Overall good transportation for New England winter roads. Probably not a family car.

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  Quality car at a reasonable price - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bictexman - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My honda has 35000 miles. So far so good but then thats exactly what I expected from a Honda this is my 4th Honda and am quite satisfied. A quality car at a very affordable price without the frills. I am 6ft 3 in and fit quite comfortably in it. Runs smooth and I just love it, Thanx honda

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  Mixed feelings about the Element.... - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element_Owner - April 27 - 5:19 pm

  The Element handles nicely through curvy mountain roads. The AWD performs well in Winter conditions, but the undercarriage is low-slung, allowing little clearance. Predictable braking. Minimalist interior is quite functional, nicely ergodynamic, and easy to care for. Seats are firm, yet comfortable. At 22-24mpg, fuel economy is average at best. My girlfriends Element shifts smoothly - mine does not- her Element brakes responsively -mine does not. Loud, squeaky rear suspension. DRL headlights remain "on" during engine starts, making cold weather starts a challenge - or even impossible. Reliability has been abysmal. Radiator self-destruction. Heater trouble. Charging system problem.

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  A love, hate relationship - 1998 Honda Accord
  By MidwestAccord - April 27 - 3:20 pm

  Has been extremely reliable up until recently, but it has 193,000+ miles on it so I cant be too harsh. Before the clutch slave cylinder went out about 5,000 miles ago, it had never broken down. Still a pretty fast car for its size and still surprises many people that have never been in one. I wish Honda had kept the sportier looking Japanese design for the exterior, but the front still looks great.I added a different intake, which I highly recommend doing for the great sound and surprising performance gain.

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  Odyssey MPG - Very Poor - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - April 27 - 3:53 am

  The 2007 Odyssey with the variable cylinder engine, sacrifices city mpg for hwy mpg. As we use our vehicle predominately for city driving the average mileage of 14 mpg is significantly worse than our 2003 Odyssey average of 19 mpg. If we had known, we wouldnt have bought the vehicle. Sorry in CT with 2 1/2 years to go.

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  Odyssey - Positive and Negatives - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Deborah - April 26 - 11:59 pm

  The Odyssey was a wonderful touring van when I traveled over 8500 miles during the first summer I had it. The gas mileage was good on the trip and it performed perfectly. Ive always felt very secure on the highway while passing trucks and in inclement weather. My only complaint is with one of the sliding doors. In Florida, it wouldnt open and on a trip to Kentucky, it failed to open. Its frightening especially if there was an accident. I definitely feel I got a lemon on the door. This is the only problem Ive had with the van and when it happens, it is very annoying.

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  Zips - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dununt - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car all around