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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  VCM ruins it - 2008 Honda Accord
  By merlion0821 - February 26 - 4:16 pm

  I am so disappointed in this car. The VCM system has basically ruined what would otherwise be an exceptional car. Contrary to what Honda says, the VCM transitions are NOT seamless, and IS noticeable to the passengers. I am not optimistic about Honda fixing this, and am ready to take a loss intrading the vehicle in on something different with only a few hundred miles on it. My 07 Accord V-6 is a vastly superior vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Honda Element
  By sbodi4d - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Will buy another one when my truck needs replacing. Maybe Honda will add more horsepower later in the production. Power is actually good, but it would be even more fun with more horses.

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  Better than a MiniVan - 2003 Honda Element
  By JKrajovan - February 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted a minivan because she kept hitting her head or the babys head while getting into a Civic sedan. She saw how convenient the sliding doors are on them. I didnt want a minivan, so I showed her the Element. Perfect! Its easy to get in and out of with a baby. Its child proof! Its roomy! It looks great in black! Its also very stable and picks it nose up in the twisties, instead of diving its nose. Great trucklet!

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  Rocks and Shakes - 2003 Honda Civic
  By saint louis - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Honda and was expecting another gem. The drivers manual seat adjustment has an annoying amount of "play". Also steering vibration at 70 Mph. Dealer had no offer for correcting either problem. Honda national customer service had the same resspone - no help. My last Honda.

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  Solid performer. Distractive, woeful electronics - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By J. Lawrence - February 25 - 12:51 am

  If your a looking for a large, roomy family-orientated SUV that handles well, looks good, is comfortable to travel in and gets surprisingly good mileage for its size, look no further. However, if electronics are your big thing then let me tell you they were designed by people who probably did not have to ever use them- so they let "concept" get ahead of "usefulness" and the result is an electronics package that is distractive to the driver to use, and frankly plain dangerous on the road for that reason. Simply put, you have to look at the large and gorgeous display a few extra seconds (too long) to find anything, taking your eyes off the road for an extra 2-3-4 seconds which is sure to produce some bad accidents. They stuffed everything but the kitchen sink on that display. Too much information crammed in one place. Considering that these geniuses for some ethereal reason put Apple Carplay in their other cheaper vehicles, but not the high end Pilot is beyond bad decision-making, it is just plain dumb. I love the car (ITS A GREAT VEHICLE), I say that having owned it nearly a year, and it replaced my recent model LEXUS RX which was smaller, got worse mileage, had no 3rd row seats, and cost about $12k more, with a front end that looks like it just sucked on a lemon (the Lexus, not the Honda)-- everything about this SUV is GOOD NEWS- except- this distractive and poorly designed entertainment center.

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  2001 civic ex coupe - 2001 Honda Civic
  By blackthree4me - February 24 - 10:00 am

  good car a litle pricy but fun to drive and keeps up good in trafic

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  2002 Accord LX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Accord - February 23 - 2:05 pm

  We bought this car in 2004 with 30K miles. It is moderately equipped (all pwr, auto, 4cyl.). Three years later, it has only needed gas, oil, some new rubber, and a brake switch. The seats are a touch firm for my taste, but I only drive it on road trips (wifes car). Great gas mileage. Acceptably quick (typical 4cyl sluggishness off the line, but great passing power). This has been a fantastic car for us. Few complaints.

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  Civic VP - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Nate - February 22 - 10:53 pm

  this "family" car looks and feels more like a sports car. Although, the 6600 rpm redlines and 106 hp doesnt appeal much to the street racers, with a few mods, this has the potential to be a speed demon. the comfort is exquisite for a sedan priced just under 16000. With smooth suspension, and great handeling, the civic vp is a perfect choice for those who seek comfort, looks, and safety.

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  pulling to the right - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By roberts - February 20 - 7:26 pm

  My CRV pulls to the right and sometimes the left. It is not consistent so the dealership says it will be "hard to find". They also said Hondas are built to pull to the right in case you fall asleep at the wheel! I find it very annoying. I also dont like that you cant lock the doors before you get out and shut the door. And as a minor irritant, the door locks situated so that my husband and I always think its the window control. I think it should also have daytime running lights. I intend to trade this vehicle in next fall. I owned a CRX for 8 years and totally loved it. Again, these are just my complaints Hondas overall, I believe, are great vehicles.

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  Going great at 120K miles! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By V_R - February 20 - 1:42 am

  This car used to have some alignment problems in the first 3 years after I bought it new . After that , no repairs except for scheduled maintenance. Recently put in new drive belt and hoses (recommended after 100k). Runs great. planning to keep it forever !