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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  1 Yr Honda Element Ownership - 2006 Honda Element
  By lightcollector - January 8 - 12:44 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Element in Jan. 2006. I traded it in at the end of Dec. 2006. I bought it for big interior space and good fuel economy. How these folks can give this suv a 9-10 rating is beyond me. They must have great stereos. Engine: Fine on flat roads, uphill a struggle. Trans: Shifts smooth except uphill. Windnoise: Moderate. Roadnoise: High. Fuel Economy (Note: 2WD Auto): When I got the car average 24-25, City 23 Freeway 21. By the time I unloaded it 20-21 average, City 17-18, Hwy 19-20. Rattles: Lots. As I fixed 1 another one arrived. Body Panels: Horrible seam alignment. Ride Quality: Civic grade. Cheap. Body Sway: Enough to want to barf. Honda Service: Utter GARBAGE. Overpriced.

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  Great minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By asc - January 8 - 8:08 am

  What a great minivan! Smooth, quiet, powerful. Extraordinary reliability! Nicely designed. Chrysler/Dodge cant compare!

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  Great Car- Poor Electronic Design! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dimone - January 8 - 5:16 am

  This is my first Honda since the 90s, and I am satisfied with it so far. The only issue I have is due to a poor design in the charging system that causes the headlights to dim when the A/C cycles on. Its only for a split second, but happens about every 20 seconds in the summer-time. This is simply annoying, and makes me have some doubt as to Honda engineerings quality. The dealerships service depts are well aware of the issue, and so far Honda has not posted a resolution. The dealers are anxious to get a bulletin for repair because it is a profit generator for the service departments! I filed this complaint with the NTHSA, so for now well "wait and see" if Honda makes it right.

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  Going through Edmund created competition - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Tony P - January 7 - 5:02 pm

  Satisfied with my purchase at Honda of Rockwall. All sales reps were very professional.

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  Good Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By FlyGuyRyUCI - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car. Gets great gas mileage and and keep up in traffic. And Civics have a reputaion of being very reliable. I do wish that it had a little more power and handled a little better in the turns but this car is not a sports car. I just sometimes wish it were. I would have gotten an RSX if i could afford it at the time because I want a little more performance out of my daily commute

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  Great SUV but LOUSY mileage - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Faye - January 6 - 5:59 pm

  I love my Pilot but the mileage is the PITS (thank God, I dont drive far to work). Also, when driving you hear a lot of road noise-this was disappointing as I thought it would have been more sound proof. The doors slam solid shut, but if the window is down and you close the door, it almost rattles. One other thing I dont like is when you wind the window down in the am, the dew drips into the car and onto the handle where the window controls are. Makes me concerned that there will eventually be water damage there. I bought a window guard. Other than these gripes, I love driving this vehicle. It feels very solid on the road.

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  gutless roadnoise - 1999 Honda Accord
  By r. louder - January 6 - 10:00 am

  interior functionality wonderful, exterior appearance fine, driveability deplorable. Extremely underpowered, intense road noise, you have to scream to talk and turn the radio full volume to hear anything AM. I have already replaced the battery which was not warranty-every other car has a 3-36,000 includes batteries? I had to buy mine!

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  loved honda before this vehicle! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Deb - January 6 - 7:12 am

  I bought this van expecting my usual honda experience, lots of miles, low maintenance needs..the upfront expense was always worth it in the end because I didnt lose time with my vehicle in the shop. We have had to replace the transmission (yes, they covered it, but I was still in a rental for almost a week). The check engine light is on more than off to the point even the dealers in two states said ignore it unless something else is going wrong. The slider doors have had multiple problems, everything from replacing the door sensors to the door "deprogramming" itself. The door will close on you hard before it catches that theres something in the way, always a worry with toddlers.

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  Sound system and Honda sensing - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By S-Cha - January 6 - 3:05 am

  Overall performance and ride comfort is great, sound system not good as expected. Honda sensing a waste of money

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  Not made in Japan save your money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By R Williams - January 5 - 12:40 pm

  After looking at cars for about one year we have now purchased a 2005 Civic EX. After a few days of ownership I noticed the paint overspray where the fog lights go on the front air dam. The gas milage is a joke from what the window and government say 31 city and 38 highway. Try about 31 and my 1997 Lincoln towncar gets 23 average? I really like the car but not worth the extra money. I wanted a Japan car not a Canada made car or I would have bought another UAW made car. The Quality is not there like the old days. We have five Honda ATV,s and Two off road motorcyles and they are built good. Brand name means nothing now days, I do like it still.