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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  A Great Trade from a Sedan to a SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Joan S - December 2 - 1:58 am

  I purchased my HRV EX-L a month ago. I knew it did not have power seats with lumbar support which I really think is a mistake that Hinda made as well as the short length of the telescopic steering wheel. Aside from that I love the handling and lane watch features. There are many features that are attractive like great speakers, climate control, mirrors with blinkers" the leather seats are classy and wheel made but not as comfortable due to lack of adjustments with power seats. I have owned a 1988 Honda Prelude and 2004 Acura TL which were my favorite and most fun cars to drive surpassing my Lexus. Honda needs to add power driver seats, lengthen the steering wheel stem and add two inches of leg room in the front. I am 57" 150 Lbs but all legs and arms so a little more leg room which be perfect. As far as back pain, I bought a pillow which seems to help. I have had to adjust to all if my cars and I will have to do the same for this. It is a perfect crooover for a single or couple with small children. I recommend the HRV with the above changes to rate it an overall 5

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  Very Solid Vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By OoltewahBoy - December 1 - 6:27 pm

  I love my Accord. I have a big V-8 truck and this is a nice change from it. It has 130,000 mile on it and it starts, runs, performs like it has 50,000 miles on it. The only complaint that I have is a bit of a strange shifting, driver window glass seems loose, and a slightly squeaky drivers seat. Otherwise excellent! I would buy another one.

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  Early problem with rear brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Asif - December 1 - 7:20 am

  I have owned Accord for close to 2 years now and it runs beautifully and I am very happy with my purchase. But there are 2 things, I would like to bring to other buyers notice. First, when it had about 20,000 miles, there was a cranky noise when you start it cold. Took to dealer and they changed the alternator for free. The other issue was noise from rear brakes and I had to finally replace them, with my own money. Feel it was too early for brakes to wear out and make noises (I am not an adventurous driver).

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  Honda Converts! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RolTra - November 29 - 2:03 pm

  Having ownen 8 cars with the time span of 10 years, I feel a bit experienced on what the middle class car lover would want in their next investment. Toyota always one step ahead, be it in styling, or toys, this year I was I was attracted to the Honda products and after test driving the Accord, was convinced the 2dr, roomy, sport yet elegant design was ALL me! This car has bought me over, and depending on long term performance and quality, I belive I am now a loyal consumer of Honda.

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  Civic Commuter - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jay - November 29 - 1:29 pm

  I bought my Civic with 21000 miles. I now have over 109000 miles with no major issues. The manual transmission hasnt given me any of the issues that other people describe with their automatics. I replaced the exhaust within the last year, but if you live in the salt belt this is to be expected. I also replaced the original battery last winter, it was 8 years old. The car handles well, but is no BMW.

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  Element is an Excellent Family Car - 2007 Honda Element
  By William Grandy - November 28 - 11:09 pm

  Excellent interior features. Great leg room for children. XM Radio is a huge upgrade over basic auto radio. This a great choice for familys with 2 small children. Functional with personality. A better city car than FJ Cruiser. Visibility takes getting used to. Definitely needs upgrades like fog lights and roof rack to complete the package.

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  Good truck-van-SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Elemental - November 28 - 9:05 am

  I got a great deal. This is really multipurpose. I thought it was somewhat homely but its grown on me quickly. The AWD does great in the snow. I was actually shocked how well the AWD worked. The OEM top of the line stereo is typical blah but other than that this is one heck of a SUV, truck, van or car LOL for the money!

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  03 LX sedan - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dalaw - November 28 - 7:26 am

  Bought the car new in Oct 2002. I was looking for the clearance 2002 but liked the 03 a lot more. I get plenty of compliments for the cool-blue LED gauges; even a guard at a security check point gave compliments. I get about 32 mpg average in mixed driving but highway mileage easily gets close to 40 mpg if you drive around the speed limit. Low-speed ride can get harsh and the stock suspension is tuned all wrong. The front suspension is soft but the rear is stiff and bouncy, especially going over speed bumps. I am going to have to change out the shocks ASAP. Highway ride is stable and the car feels solid at speeds, however. Oil filter is located in the worst place, ever.

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  01 coupe w/ bad trans - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kat - November 27 - 8:32 pm

  I bought this car with approx. 52K miles on it. The transmission went out around 60K and although it was under warranty, I am very disappointed that it needed a new one. It is having similar problems now with the new trans and a friend of mine with an 02 model had her trans replaced also. I think the car interior etc is of good quality (no squeaks or rattles) and the exterior is nice looking. The stereo is just "ok". All in all, I am ready to trade for fear of needing a new trans after the extended warranty runs out.

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  One sweet ride - 2007 Honda Element
  By Wyatt - November 27 - 7:17 pm

  I test drove it, I bought it. Drove it home the same day. I traded in a Nissan 4x4 and wanted something different and looked cool on the road. Meets my expectations. The reviews posted here, are accurate. Good value for the $$ and I would expect Honda reliability.