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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  Not usual Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BC8 - April 16 - 9:43 pm

  I am a loyal Honda owner. I currently have 3 Hondas and my past 9 vehicles have been Hondas so this is painful for me to write. the 2003 V6 suffers from 1st year engineering and quality problems. At 3 yrs my radio display went dark (a problem area) it was covered under warranty but would have been an expensive fix if it hadnt been. In Jan of 2008 my automatic transmission went out, no warning just went out (big bucks). This past week (April 2008) my oxygen sensor went bad. I have had many Hondas and never had these kind of expensive repairs. It truly is starting to shake my confidence in Honda.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By myhonda565 - April 16 - 6:56 am

  My first Honda. Great car so far, 2300 miles. 32 mpg hwy 26 in city. We bought a red one and get many possitive comments on the color. My wife really likes it.

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  Good car overall - 2007 Honda Fit
  By andy - April 15 - 11:01 pm

  Nice car overall, esp for the price. Amount of storage for a small car is amazing - can almost fit 8.5 kayak in completely. Almost handles very well. A few cons: Front seat room is a little tight for the taller folks. Gas mileages has been low for such a small engine - approx 30 - 31 MPG (quite a bit under EPA guidelines for when I purchased).

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  Love thecar...but it is noisy above 55 mph. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jerry Rowan - April 15 - 4:09 pm

  Test drive the Accord at speeds above 55 mph to be certain you can live with the noise. Other wise it is a good car. I am tall and on the fat side and find it comfortable. Two months now with the car and in mixed driving it is getting just over 30 mpg.

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  Best buy ever! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jenmarc221 - April 14 - 1:49 pm

  i just bought a used civic cx hatch i was amazed how fast it went on the highway! i was going 140 km and didnt even notice, it just flies! and it is so EASY to shift gears in a civic?! I love it! and it has good gas mileage! and they are a great size for finding parking and the hatch has more space than i thought. i like too that i is nice and basic, doesnt have unnecessary gadgets. Excellent car!

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  Goodby Cadillac! Hello Honda Pilot! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ed Karlander - April 14 - 12:45 pm

  I read plenty of reviews. So I will talk about the three negatives I read the most. Radio flat screen. I found easy to get use too operating. I have and android phone. So didnt take long to get used to using. Fingers prints I hate, so I will need cloth and light spray every few days. 2nd was power , Im not a bunch the gas and go sort of driver so I found the smooth acceralaration just great. Plus I keep on econo button. Looks like 20miles per gallon around town. Only owned a week. 3Rd is the arm rest. It is not bad. Does get in the way slightly when doing sharp turns. Im 6 3". Gets my elbow. Otherwise Im getting used to arm rest. The sensing feature seems good. Im too new to have an opinion one way or another about lane assist, automatic braking system and the cruise control feature. I did add back up sensors to vehicle. I wanted to hear as well as having a camera in case I came to close to an object. So far extremely pleased with vehicle and like sitting up high. Leather seats are great and. of space.

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  Honda Civic DX Hatchback - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mjlong30 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve put 73,000 miles on it. No major problems. Havent even had to change brake pads yet. Weve pretty much changed the oil every 4 or 5,000 miles, and recently did a coolant and trans flush. Minor problems are that it seems to get small dings in the body easily (we have three), either that or we have especially vicious people in our parking lots. Windshield wipers are poor design. They have never worked well. We may try replacing the whole wiper arms (front and back) It also sometimes takes a couple seconds to turn over, but it has never not started.

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By is95aus - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Love it! This is honestly the first vehicle that both my wife and I can agree upon! She likes it so much she wants me to get her one when my other car comes off its lease. Imagine that, matching his and her Pilots! Anyways I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Good to Go - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chelsea - April 13 - 11:43 pm

  I began by leasing my Honda in 2002. When the lease was up, I decided to purchase it. Ive been very satisfied with my Honda. I traded a 1995 Aurora for it and although I LOVED my Aurora, the Honda has most of the same features. Its great on gas mileage and roomy enough for four people to travel comfortably. The stereo system really rocks and its very easy to handle. Ive only had to have routine maintenance and so far have had no major problems.

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  Good reliable car - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ross - April 13 - 8:28 pm

  I bought this car initially b/c of its roominess. I am 64 and I dont think there is any other small SUV with this much room. I would also put it to the test even with the large SUVs. Easy to get in and out of. Gas mileage is better than most SUVs. Easy to keep clean. And, its the perfect car for city driving and parking. Just enough performance on the road to keep up with everyone. I will own this car likely until it dies. 40,000+ miles in two years and no problems whatsoever (except for chipped windshield).