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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  Made wrong decision? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bob Conklin - December 5 - 9:50 am

  This newly designed Honda is peppy and enjoyable to drive but dont believe the fuel economy ratings. We are responsible, experienced adult drivers and only seeing 17-18 MPG for local driving. Long, highway driving about 22 MPG. Also, cheap plastic on dash squeaks and creaks during cold weather. Plus,auto shifter clunky and not smooth. FM radio with weak reception forces satellite subscription. Suggest comparison drive of the new Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima before deciding on Accord.

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  wow! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By hot mama - December 4 - 8:55 pm

  This has been a fabulous car for a small family. It is so easy to drive and so easy to get the family comfortable in. The rear seat is so easy to lift up and folds flat into the floor so I feel like Im driving an SUV instead of a van!

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  Super truck for Honda 1st try.. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave from MA - December 4 - 12:30 pm

  Honda, hmm??? Its a Honda. I bought it in July 2005 and boy, I put a ton of accessories on that truck and walked away w/ the price @ 35,000. Not thing to complain on ride, handling..etc, but a minor prolem for me and maybe major soon. Well I put 13,700 on this truck, I really enjoyed every bit of it, unfortunately, my truck has a major leaks. The water gets in the vehicle through unsealed body seams, front end of the vehicle. Its taking Honda three strikes to try, and now its back to the dealership for the third time...I love everything about this truck but, minor prolem shall put down Hondas reputation, at least to me..So my suggestion is wait til the 2nd generation then go for it....

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  Very Good . . . Room for Improvement - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Douglas Crawford - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Very good little car. I cant say what happened to other owners Honda Hybrid, but our gas mileage started out about 37 - 39 mpg. This is not what we were led to expect. However, to be fair the mileage started increasing around the 15000 mark, without a change in our driving to what it is now of approximately 43 - 46 mpg. We feel this is a good reliable car that still needs a little tweaking. Also, it would be very nice if a hatchback was offered.

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  Clunker Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Phil G - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2003 model essentially the same. Transmission leaks twice. Tensioner pulley went out. Motor Mounts installed incorrectly. Windows being scratched by something in door. Trunk liner sagging. Rattling in back. Key is hot when you pull it out. Automatic tranny slugish after 40mph. Springs are too soft. Get some eibach sport kit springs. Steering wheel fading and armrest. Noisy idle when air conditioner on. Air conditioner recycles a lot. Paint kind of cheap. Ding city so try not to park by people. Aero line asking for dings. Dont get the Paint protector rip off! You can hear wind noise from windshield. Brakes shake a little.

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  Clunker Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Angel G - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2003 model essentially the same. Transmission leaks twice. Tensioner pulley went out. Motor Mounts installed incorrectly. Windows being scratched by something in door. Trunk liner sagging. Rattling in back. Key is hot when you pull it out. Automatic tranny slugish after 40mph. Springs are too soft. Get some eibach sport kit springs. Steering wheel fading and armrest. Noisy idle when air conditioner on. Air conditioner recycles a lot. Paint kind of cheap. Ding city so try not to park by people. Aero line asking for dings. Dont get the Paint protector rip off! You can hear wind noise from windshield. Brakes shake a little.

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  honda element 2004 - 2004 Honda Element
  By Pat Ogden - December 1 - 9:55 pm

  I love the versatility of the seat configuration. Especially like the washable floor, which is why I bought it. Hate the center console-it just doesnt work. I expected better gas mileage than it gets.

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  Love it , but ? - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jordan Greenberg - December 1 - 5:35 pm

  I got a horrible speeding ticket because it is harder to see the speedometer clearly than other cars i have driven. I believe they need to consider a digital readout . Is that available ?

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  DKKCRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Don - November 30 - 3:43 pm

  Best rated vehicle I could buy to tow behind motor home with four wheels on the ground. It has proven to be versatile and reliable.

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  New Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By K2skier - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt decide between the Pilot or Highlander.The Pilot won out because of its space plus The engine on the Pilot seemed stronger and the Pilot had better road stabality. . We had a very positive dealer experience in NJ. We live outside Philadelphia and would had to have ordered a pilot at MRSP. In Nj, close to LBI, we found a pilot that had been ordered but not picked up. We paid $500 below MRSP plus trade and some cash down. Roof rack and cross bars were thrown in along with rear mud guards.We have put on 500 miles and love driving our new pilot. Highly recommend it.