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:

• 

  Element Lover! - 2004 Honda Element
  By CAS - May 1 - 1:06 pm

  I am in a wheelchair. I got the Element because the backseats would hang and the back door opened like a van. I could pop my 15 pound wheelchair behind the drivers seat and go.

• 

  I love my Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Robin - May 1 - 9:40 am

  Handles great, went through snow with ease. Ive only owned my Honda for a month but it is pretty much everything I expected. I already knew that one of the cons is that you can hear road noise quite a bit through the doors. One disappoint is that it hasnt lived up to the gas mileage claim. I got 24 mpg hwy and only 20 mpg hwy/city. Im going to change gas grades and see if that makes a difference. If they want to improve this great little SUV they could add headlights that turn off and automatically. Overall I am very pleased with my Honda CRV.

• 

  Not bad - except the engine noise - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondahybrid15 - April 29 - 10:38 pm

  I have this car for 2 months now, and there are something I really like this car and something I really dont like. Pros - Great fuel mileages in a 50+ degree day, 40+ MPG is not a question. - Good looking interior and exterior. - Drive like a normal car with plenty of power. Cons - The engine noise is loud in a low speed. - Hybrid is NOT good for cold day. I only get like 15 MPG for a very cold day ( 0 degree). - I hate the noise when I stop at stop sign/red light, the car sometimes will switch from engine to EV, then will switch back to Engine. it scares me when the engine starts up again. - NO Spare tire (I ended up buying a OEM spare tire - for $100)

• 

  Okay Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Honda_Guy80 - April 28 - 7:40 pm

  Traded my V6 VW Passat GLX for this Honda. The reason I was looking for something more reliable and fuel friendly. As expected performance was much different than what I am used to. Felt light but handling was okay. after 2 weeks of driving it gives me about 29 m/g which is really nice. I went for EX-L full option trim which I kind regret since it came to 24K and the car still does not feel luxurious. For that price I think I could got better but too late and it was my fault.

• 

  Still chuggin along - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Will C - April 28 - 6:25 pm

  I bought the car new back in February 1997. Its now over 10 years old. What can I say about this car? Its been through 2 accidents, 2 AC systems (compressor locked and then a rock flew right into it), 5 windshields, blown head gasket, but its still running along. The car still looks new, since I take care of my car, except the front. I drive A LOT! The paint is peeling on the front bumper and the hood, but the rest of the car looks new. Its getting time to buy another car. But I want to see the odometer roll to over 200K, and then Im selling it off. I cant believe a lot of people are still interested in this car. Im movin on up. Im looking into buying either a TSX or Accord

• 

  the pilot experience - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By juliep - April 27 - 10:00 am

  drives very smooth. good gas economy for an suv.

• 

  My 7th and final Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By judi - April 26 - 2:00 pm

  After owning 6 Hondas (cars) we were in the market for something with more space. This is a great fit that suits our needs. The fuel mileage on mine is much better than reported for every tank I calculate, never less than 20 but as high as 25 on a long trip, no complaints there. Where the big disappointment comes in is road noise and rattles. Car has been back to dealers (2) numerous times for rattles but for some reason they continue on. Although weve been loyal Honda buyers for many years, this is beyond annoying and will have to look beyond Honda for future purchases.

• 

  Not a bad little car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pauly - April 25 - 11:46 am

  We wanted to go green. We didnt know how wed adjust coming from 2 new Audi A4 quattros (a 98 and 05). We got this and we dont regret it. It has enough zip. Its comfortable & roomy enough for 4 adults. Ive only filled the tank 5 times. The first 4 I averaged about 36/37 MPG. This last one I did about 38 MPG. (402 miles on 10.5 gallons). Not bad comparing to my Audi but not the 40/45 advertised. The car was bucking this afternoon. Dont know what it is. I have about 1,500 miles on it now and its not the first time its happened. Overall I like the car and like the economy payment and low gas cost. We must all conserve folks. Buy economical. We liked it better than the Prius.

• 

  Very Uncomfortable Leather Seats Design - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Hal - April 23 - 4:44 pm

  Overall quality car except bad front leather seats and headrests that are totally uncomfortable. Bad design! Gas miles are as good as claimed.

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Honda Accord
  By C.M. - April 22 - 4:10 am

  Pros: The 4-cylinder engine has quicker response and more pick-up than I expected (and way more than the Nissan Altima 2.5). The interior is nice, not cheap (again unlike the Nissan Altima) and very comfortable both for me (at 5 and for my husband at 64"). The ride is quiet, smooth, and hugs the road. We were in the market for a fuel- efficient mid-size car and looked at the Altima and the Toyota Camry (our other car is a Toyota 4-Runner). Honda was our last stop because we werent really interested in owning a Honda (everyone has one...), but one test drive changed our minds and we are pleasantly surprised everytime we drive somewhere!