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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  LOVE MY SE! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By krm - February 15 - 6:30 am

  My sister had leased this car for 3 yrs and I snatched it up the day she went SUV. 135K miles on it now w/numerous 2K mile road trips under her belt. You can not destroy this car! I drive on possibly the worst tires in a winter snow zone without chains or studs and as long as the front bumper isnt pushing snow, I get wherever I need to go. My fuel mileage has drops to about 20-21 MPG with the winter ethanol mix were forced to use, but she runs like a champ! Great car!

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  Great value! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Rice - February 15 - 5:27 am

  Bought a 2008 in 2011 and have been pleased as punch! Now driving Leaf, but still drive cRV on trips!

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  The Future Is Here.... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MikeT - February 15 - 3:10 am

  I purchased an Atomic Blue Civic coupe a week ago, and its been a fantastic ride--very smooth, well equipped for the price, roomy, great mileage, and a pleasure to drive. Some reviews complain about the dash design, but it feels very natural, like a heads-up- display on a fighter. Hopefully this style catches on. Ive gotten nothing but complements on this vehicle. It looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, and Im looking forward to many good years with this vehicle.

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  Nicest SUV for the money I have ever owned - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Lepisto - February 15 - 1:42 am

  I have had Tahoes (3) Escalades Blazers and traded a 2009 pilot in for the 2016. I cannot believe how much a leap forward the new pilot is. It checks all of my boxes, main thing is the ability to carry up to 8 in comfort (including the rear seats). The ride and road manners are great seems much more spacious than the 2009 and the fuel economy is aces. We average around 30 MPG on the road per the trip computer. A++++++++

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  Side bar door rails saved my life - 2017 Honda Accord
  By George - February 15 - 12:17 am

  Coming through Mississippi an 18 wheeler cut in and hit the left rear panel. This turned the front toward the truck. The truck number hooks left front door at the f fender and the truck pushed us at 60 mph at a 45 degree angle. Because Honda took the time to do it right. My wife and I are still alive and well.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Chad - February 14 - 2:57 pm

  We have had our Odyssey for two months and have 0 problems and love it. We had our second child in January and the Odyssey is wonderful for our boys. Overall quality has been excellent. Wouldnt own anything else after driving every mini-van available. Wish fuel economy would be better, but not a reason, not to drive it.

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  Used 03 EX I-4 115.5k miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By scott M. - February 13 - 9:46 pm

  First Honda Ive ever owned. This was the first year of this model so it had two design problems. The front motor mount had to be replaced and corrected with a stabilizer bar and windshield wiper motor had a new cover put over it because of water corrosion. I just replaced my front brake pads after 60k got tired of the new pads sitting in the trunk. I found I get better highway gas mileage with 5-30w 25cty/30hwy oil then using the 5-20w 26cty/28hwy. The only parts replaced because of failure was an O2 sensor at 63k and A/C ON/OFF switch. I do change oil at 3.2k to 3.5k and transmission fluid once a year.

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  I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Broncopam - February 13 - 9:08 pm

  I bought "Ellie" brand new and havent regretted it one day, in fact the closer I get to pay off the more excited I am to see how many miles and years I can keep her on the road, were only at 116,000 so far. I see us well into 250,000+. It is the most all around usable vehicle I have ever owned. It is transportation, out of the weather hauling, car camping,and a quick nap at lunchtime. She handles the snow and ice, the mountains and loves being loaded with camping gear. I see no reason to ever have any other vehicle.

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  Best Value Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wvu_phillies - February 13 - 8:53 pm

  Being a new graduate and starting my new job, my primary goal was to get a new car. Initially, I was planning to get a luxury sedan, however the payments are way too high. I decided to go with a Honda Accord Coupe LX-S because I got an amazing deal, reliability, and looks. I couldnt have asked for a better car. Although it lacks the power and acceleration that luxury cars offer, it is still an amazing vehicle. The handling is real tight and going from 50 MPH to 70 MPH is where the fun begins. When stopping at a red light, other motorist stare at the car probably trying to guess what kind of car it is. IMO the front looks similar to the Lexus IS250 and the side of the car looks like a G37.

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  Pure Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Hilferty - February 13 - 4:06 pm

  I really didnt drive it enought to really rate it, never had it in snow yet, so so far is pure honda, no rattles everything works. Not one item found not working since new.