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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  9000 RPM in 3rd gear 100 MPH and 3 to go! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Alan - October 21 - 5:33 am

  I loved my S2000! You have to look at what it is you are purchasing. a 2 door sports car. The car rides harsh, has a lot of road noise, and is not much fun with the top up. That being said, put the top down on a nice day, rev the heck out of the engine and put a wide grin on your face. For this car to require no more then fluid changes and tires it is amazing. I purchased the Honda extended warranty thinking that something had to give. 5 years later and 25,000 summer miles I never had a need to use it! If this is the car you desire I prefer the 2002, and 2003 model years with the 2.0 engine and glass back window with interior improvements over the 2000 and 2001. Later years had the 2.2 engine

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  LOVE MY CAR - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Casey - October 20 - 10:49 am

  We bought this car new. That means Ive been driving this car for 17 years now and Im not ready to give it up. Other than needing a new muffler every couple years or so it hasnt need major money output to maintain. I am only just now having the brakes done for the second time. Mileage is wonderful, I still get between 32 and 36 mpg. The head gasket has a tiny crack but leak is all but unnoticeable. I just check my oil level and keep it up. Its a manual and I live in Michigan, I have never had major problems driving in winter conditions. The road clearance is very low so I do have to be careful about bottoming out in some situations (it usually gets the muffler.)

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  Not too bad - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Thomas - October 17 - 8:05 pm

  So far ive put 5k miles on the car in the last 4 months. The gas mileage is awsome, ive been averaging 29-30mpg and im an aggressive driver. I"m more interested in performance and sportyness ratehr than comfort but this car does a little of both. I drove it on a 6hr trip and I was fine. There is quite a bit of road noise that could be delt with by adding some more insulation to the car, theres only a couple squares of foam in the floor. The car is light and handles very well. The engine is kinda sad but Honda has managed to get well within the 100hp/L, something most american cars never achieve. The stereo isnt all that great and the quality of the interior components arent very good.

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  Buy one, theyre fun! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Diana Abel - October 14 - 10:07 pm

  I LOVE my Element. Not only is it fun to drive, but there is not a time I go out when someone doesnt go nuts over it! We even got the tent. COOL! It has been the funnest vehicle Ive ever had and Im 45!

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  Love it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By LL - October 14 - 7:48 am

  Great ride and lots of cargo space. Went from a Tahoe to this and I was worried about size with two kids but this has been great! The accessibility to the third row is great with the technology they used. I also enjoy being able to adjust the back seats. Well designed inside and out!

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  accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kurpal123 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall my experience with the 03 accord has been kinda bad. Ive had to take my car back to the dealership many times. First, my window moldings were bubbling up and then my brakes were gridding the first month. Then when i start driving my car in the morning my car has a loud thump sound.

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  My third Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Hondarella - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had 2 Preludes and thought I would upgrade to an Accord. I was much happier with the Preludes. The leather seats in the Accord are so thin and unsupportive. The engine is slow on the uptake, but once you get it out on the interstate that is where it shines. Overall, I wouldnt buy another Accord, maybe if they add cushioning to the seats and make the interior and exterior a little more interesting. It is very reliable, I have had it over three years and no repair bills yet.

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  A good vehicle, a tad pricey - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Numba1Stunna - October 12 - 11:06 pm

  So far, it has been a good car (had it for a month so far), but its still just a civic. It lacks power, bold design, etc. But its an econo car, so I wont make those negatives. The gas mileage is great and I still havent worked the car in yet. The interior design is good, but the layout is sort of poor for certain things. The outside is kind of boring... looks like a big bubble. The gauges are very cool though, always excites people. Underneath the hood is cramped. The inside trunk release is HORRID. I personalyl tested it, it barely glows, and there are other things glowing inside so its confusing. I knew it was there and barely got it. Imagine a little kid who has no idea trying to get out.

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  Audio is not great - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Harris - October 12 - 8:39 pm

  Sound system is weak

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  Chick Truck - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Chaingang - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  Wifee wanted it, I did the research, price was right, I got it. Pilot had a few non-mechanical problems on delivery that the dealer quickly fix. This is our first Honda and first "truck" and we are concerned about the number of internal squeaks. Considered the MDX and Toureag but could not justify the additional $10K that these vechicles would have cost. For now, she likes it, I can live with it.