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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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ray Price - October 4 - 8:10 am

  Great automobile. I have 16000 miles now and have had absolutely nothing to report that has happened mechanically. I did replace one of the front panels. I scratched it severly on a bush and thought I was in for costly repair because I thought Id have to replace the entire front fender. To my great surprise all I needed to do was to order the panel that covers the fender. It just pops off and the new one pops one. The fender would have cost me some $2000 bucks where as the panel was some $40 dollars and change installed. What value.

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  Great looking car but very poor ride comfort - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mark - October 1 - 11:09 pm

  I bought the car in May with great price. The leather seat was great compared with cloth seat. The styling seemed to be more sporty than previous year model. Handling is great. However the ride comfort was not good. It was very stiff compared with my sons 2014 Sport model. I was told that because of the 19" wheel and the tires. In order to make the ride a little bit soft, I was told to lower the tire pressure and it is a little bit better but not perfect. I was told to down size the wheel to 17" or 18" and a bigger side wall types of tires. I wish I had known this before my purchase. I should have bought the LX or the EX version. Road or wind noise is louder than previous models. Overall the car is great.

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  2006 Honda CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jomilee - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  Nice mini SUV, but Rear visiblity is Hinder by the spare tire. Do not rear end anything. the bumper cost about $500 apiece w/o the paint job. Bumper are all fiberglass no foam or hard metal to protect the body. Check ATF before you leave the dealer, mine came without any. not a drop. Honda replace my tranny with a remanufactured tranny and extended my warranty. But I feel my CRV is not the original vehicle. REMANUFACTURED ??? Whats that?

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  Driver seat stinks - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dericfic - October 1 - 1:36 pm

  Everything is great except for the driver seat. Very uncomfortable. I hate how many reviewers wrote the same comments but STILL recommend buying it. I wouldnt EVER buy a Honda again. The seat is a killer on my back.

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  Great Mileage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brien - October 1 - 8:46 am

  I purchased a Civic Hybrid a few weeks ago and have put ~1880 miles on it thus far. The mileage keeps getting better as you learn to drive it. For the 1880 miles I am getting an overall of 46.3 mpg. I do a lot of highway driving, but amazingly, I usually see the mileage go up after I get off the highway. I have curbed my "need for speed" on the highway (usually travel somewhere between 62 and 68 mph - I used to drive my Audi at a steady 74 mph when I wasnt speeding)and am really into trying to get the maximum mileage. Ive totally enjoyed driving it while the gas prices keep going up. Makes you feel like you made a good decision in getting it.

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  3years 23k miles later - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Vitaliy - September 29 - 4:15 pm

  After leasing this car for three years and recently returning it I think I have a good perspective on what this car is about. Its very cheap to run basic point A to B transportation that tries to infuse a bit of fun along the way. Unfortunately engine and transmission are not up to the task at all without adding another 40hp at least. Fuel economy seemed to be getting worse throughout the years to average of 28mpg. Road noise is horrendous and getting up to speed upon entering highway is an adventure especially if you have passengers. Bottom line if you commute a long ways away and need cheap reliable car this is it.

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  Love my 05 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Michael Falls - September 29 - 11:36 am

  Shopped for an SUV to replace a Jeep GC. Looked at Merc Mountaineer and Honda Pilot EX-L. Purchase price was within a few hundered of each other. No comparison, Honda won hands down. Excellent comfort and ride. Third seat works well for small adults/children. Feels large inside. Stereo is great along with sunroof. Drives great in N.E. snowstorms. I am a little disapointed with several squeaks/rattles that have come up during 2,100 miles of ownership. Have trailer tow package and will tow 3,500 lbs this summer.

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  Sports Car? - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Mike - September 26 - 9:41 pm

  While this is my wifes car I do most of the driving. She drives for high mpg I drive to see how many people I can surprise by going faster than others. Needless to say our average mpg for 40000 miles is 48. I read in some of the reviews people calling it a good handling car. Not even close, its just a point and shoot vehicle. Gears 1, 2 & 3 for acceleration (3rd is good for 80 mph and the batteries are being charged!) 4th & 5th are strictly cruising gears, no torque at all. I had to buy a fastener for the rear spat...$17.00 for a screw!! Must be made from gold.

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  the toaster - 2004 Honda Element
  By DAS - September 26 - 12:58 pm

  This has been one of the best autos that I have ever owned. Ok youre thinking what has he owned.. (short list, (Volvo xc90, Saab (9-5, 900,99) VW Bus x2 Beetle x2. Dodge Ram). The all wheel drive is very good in Maine weather. Cargo room, stadium seating, Ipod connection. I have not had any trouble with this Element at all. Average MPG on the highway 25.8 City 20.

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  Get Honda get reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By askhan65 - September 25 - 11:13 am

  Hi This Honda is my Second Honda CAR. I had a 1988 Handa Accord and because of the nice experience, I got the secong Honda. Since I have bought it, I have enjoyed driving it. It never gave me any problems, very reliable and had a pleasure drive. Plenty of space in the trunk, in fact it amazed my LEXUS driving friend.