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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  jeremysquest - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By princejeremy - July 15 - 2:00 am

  the suv has been everything it says it is. we can see much better out all the windows than the others we test drove.the suv has a very solid feel.we made the right choice by purchasing the pilot.

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  MPG and Styling - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mike-in-DC - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car since 12/03 and am averaging 36.3 mpg per tank. I see that many of you tell of your 40+ MPG tanks and I am wondering why mine is not performing anywhere near that. Whats the deal??? Any suggestions? As for the styling, I wanted the dealer to install fog lights and a rear deck spoiler (as offered as an option in the non-hybrid Civics) but they could not do it per instruction from Honda. I purchased the spoiler myself from the dealership and installed it myself - and it looks GREAT! I will soon be looking for other Honda wheels to replace the standard wheels.

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  Black Box - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ratbert - July 14 - 7:39 am

  Have had Element for several months - used primarily for vacation in South Carolina from New Jersey. Since Im doing a renovation in SC, I need to haul a lot of stuff. Fits my needs perfectly. Last time, instead of stuff, we took our 3 75 lb. dogs, and it worked out great. Plenty of room for them and our gear. Being able to remove rear seats is a big plus. Wish it had more guts, and gas mileage is so-so, but I knew that going in. For the price I dont think you can beat it.

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  03 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mark - July 13 - 12:54 pm

  My CRV has been free of any problems at 75000 miles. My only complaints about it are poor sound insulation, such that its hard to listen to the radio on many highways, and a rough ride in the rear seat.

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  WS Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By babc - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has had excellent care, has leather interior,compact disc player,automatic windows, door and dual airbags. Anti lock brakes,brand new tires all around.

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  Best Van, but... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Desert_Hawk - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Found a used 2001 with 13000 miles (stellar condition) and was able to get a good deal on the vehicle. Love the interior space. Engine is good (transmission shifts are fair -- the 2002 tranny is better). Solid build quality and handles great, but I took a rock off the windshield the 2nd day I owned the vehicle and the windshield cracked. Took many hits in my old car and never had the the windshield crack -- dont know if it is an issue with the huge Odyssey windshield or just bad luck.

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  Great car just wish it had better seats - 2006 Honda Element
  By carguy96 - July 12 - 1:19 pm

  We had an 03 model and it was great, but I question the quality of the 06 I just purchased in May. We are currently experiencing problems with the drivers seat. The Seat back has been replaced and now the seat bottom and height adjuster makes all kinds of noise while you drive. The dealership said there is nothing wrong with it and that I had a lot of warranty on the vehicle.

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  Brakes at 21K??? Cmon!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ConnecticutJoe - July 11 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my Accord for almost 18 months. I have had no problems to speak of and the 4 cyl is incredible for a 4 cyl. My only complaint is I had to get brakes at 21,000 miles. Honda service said this was normal and because my town is pretty hilly I believed them. But after reading here, Im a little ticked off. Honda definitely needs to do something as people who read these reviews might rule these cars out in their purchasing decision.

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  Good Car so Far - 2007 Honda Accord
  By nycarguy - July 11 - 7:13 pm

  Car rides tightly, smoothly, great on winding roads. Good engine power, AT transmission a bit abrupt at stop and go slower speeds trying to find comfortable gearing. Great rear seat room!

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  08 Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RHJ - July 10 - 8:43 pm

  This is the first Accord that I have owned. I currently have not had any problems other than the vibration in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. i did not notice it until I was on a smooth road. Lucas was able to duplicate but not isolate the problem. Honda suggested to put 3k miles and bring it back. The vibration is still present. I only wish my wife would let me drive it more often