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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  Decent Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RHtremblay - March 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car back in 02 Since then i have put about 102k miles on it. The car has been very reliable. However, the car is lacking in the performance department with only 126hp. The ride is also a little bumppy. Replaced the stock stereo system as soon as I bought it. Brakes lock up way to much and this car has ABS so i dont know the reason for that one. Car gets good gas mileage. Interior is breaking down a lot (faded, cracking, tears, etc.) I love the size of the back very roomy for a coupe. The moonroof is great on sunny days. Perfect car for roadtrips. Most reliable car ever!!!

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  Very Good Midsized Option - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Moulton - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It was a hard choice between the Pilot and the Pathfinder. The Pathfinders ride was more supple, the interior was of a higher grade material, it had more traditional SUV rugged yet svelt styling and the standard equipment list was much better. Pathfinder also has a better choice of exterior and interior colors and allows buyers to negatiate price, I was ready to buy 1 at 1K below invoice with rebate! In the end though, i chose the the Pilot for its much better gas milage, more room, and far superior expected resale value. I also had some concerns about a pending complete redesign of the Pathfider.

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  Happy CR-V owner - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tapgypsy - March 6 - 11:34 am

  My CR-V is now 6 years old and I have been very satisfied with its performance. Routine maintenance is all that has been required, except when I was rear-ended. Thankfully, after a rear bumper and the crumpled exhaust system was replaced, it was fine.

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  My Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dss7758 - March 6 - 6:36 am

  The Accord drives great. I dont think its any better than the Acura. As it gets broke in more, it seems to get better and better. The V-6 is powerful but if youre not looking for performance, the 4 banger has plenty of power and better MPGs.

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  smooth with some bumps... - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By jeff smith - March 4 - 6:26 pm

  though this "rare" (few produced) car runs well after acceleration. offers a comfortable ride, has decent mph around town on on the road and sports a good array of technology ..I think honda shortchanged consumers with some design shortcomings which cheapened the car .. i,e. no built in compass on the mirror and no spare ..admittedly these "features" may have cost the company a few dollars but really is it worth it not to be competitive . ... in the end this model still drives much better and has a much better look than the "wide mouth" camry

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  Decent Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Josh Rules - March 4 - 3:27 pm

  I have had my Accord for a year and a half now. I bought it with 80,000 miles on it and have since added 20,000. It hasnt had any serious problems. The brake lines and gas lines rusted all the way through. That was about $150. The Transmission is kind of rough when you first start it, but after 5 min. it is fine.

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  Im loving it! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By clavie - March 4 - 12:00 pm

  I got this Civic as a second car and because of my commute became my primary car. So far, no issues and really good gas mileage (from 37 to 46MPG in AZ) with Octane 87. I believe I have the better one so far according to (www.fueleconomy.gov). So why buy a hybrid? I recently changed the spark plugs which made a huge difference as the car is more responsive than ever. Im loving it!

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  Slightly dissapointed in Honda - 2004 Honda Element
  By Magpie - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Instrument panel Gauges have black background and are deeply recessed and extremely hard to read in daytime. Seats are too firm and not very comfortable. Even though I have the EX model, there is no button on front passenger door to lock or unlock both front doors. Also, the door lock button (master) on drivers door has a real cheap plastic feel to it. Rear seat entry/exit is difficult. Rear seats are very heavy and awkward to remove or fold up. When folded, the upstruct rear quarter view. Love the looks of vehicle, and it is fun to drive. No problems so far.

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  My Element, My Style - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - March 3 - 1:56 pm

  I like my Element, it is the most useful vehicle I have ever owned. People tell me they dont like the look...I say drive it and you will be a convert too.

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  Quality Honda pseudo-van - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Miller5 - March 2 - 9:50 pm

  After 3 years of ownership this van has 145,000 and still runs great. First, the negatives, most of which we were aware of before we bought it: limited cargo room and wimpy 4-cyl engine. But those negatives make way for the positives: small maneuverable van that gets 22c/26h mpg...very nice stying that we get comments on all the time. Also, this van is very well made and has needed minimal maintenance. In addition to the usual happy comments Ill add that the EX model has a wonderful stereo system. Get a $80 roof rack from JC Whitney and itll take care of your cargo problems. Other issues : oil leak door locks have a mind of their own ABS light issues...but overall its a solid van.