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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  02 Civic EX 4 door - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Patrick Grubb - August 15 - 7:39 pm

  This car was my first, and lucky for me, it was new. I chose this over a Nissan Sentra SE, but I should have waited for the 2002 Sentra SE-R. This car has held up pretty well, except for a couple interior trim issues. The nighthawk black pearl paint has been the worst paint I have ever had experience with. My moms black 98 Maxima with 85,000 miles on it looks better. It has been extremely reliable, never broken down, great gas mileage getter, which is beneficial for me, being a college student who frequently travels home. Resale will be good compared to other vehicles when it will need replacing. Ho-hum performance and tiring seats on long drives, minimal front leg room. (Im 62)

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  Very good, but still lacking - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Sam - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  I got this car after owning many minivans. Most of the time I donÂ’t have my family onboard, so it is a waste of $ and fuel to drive around a bigger size vehicle. First time for me to own a foreign vehicle. Overall I am impressed with the quality of everything, everything works nicely together. I love the small sport-sized steering wheel, good handling (some body lean, though), no squeaks & rattles; overly well built. Fuel economy so far is not that great (about 23mpg average), but having just 1,700 miles, I hope it will improve with time. I miss the illuminated power window switches - mirror switches which I use once in a lifetime is lighted, but window switches are not (except drivers)!

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  Could use interior design improvements - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Too much plastic - August 14 - 7:46 pm

  Drives and handles well. The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) light came on the second day I had the car and no matter how I tweak the tire pressure it wont go off (common problem). I assume this may have something to do with side airbags but the sun visors are poorly designed & are not long enough on both the right and left sides leaving gaps for sun glare. The center stereo console is too big & you need pretty long arms to reach the right side buttons comfortably. Its like they just made the buttons bigger and spaced them out to fill up space. The steering wheel has cheap plastic silver pieces in the center that I cannot believe they used. Plastic wheel covers are very cheap.

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  Hate it, but I love this Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By morganwife - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I was one of those folks: "Ill never drive a minivan." But I do...and its SO convenient...and the Odyssey is wonderful. Its got pick-up like a car, and convenience that I never dreamed of having. When my boys are older, I confess, Ill dump it for a "regular" vehicle, but for now...it cant be beat!

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  Fun to drive but bumpy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Evunia - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyable, but the hard suspension makes for an uncomfortable drive. Every hole in the pavement will make you feel your stomach go up and down. Very inferior to a Camry in that aspect. Manual transmission is a doll, really smoth and makes for a fun drive. Overall nice but will consider something softer on the suspension for the next car.

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  Worth the wait - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rod from Salem - August 13 - 6:43 pm

  My wife and I were waiting for a this 2009 version to come out since we saw the concepts. My wife has the 03 CRV and that has been a workhorse and we love it. We are hoping that this Pilot will do the same for us. We are enjoying it so far. We had a snow storm and it drove like a tank as it plowed through ice and snow. We were looking at the 4runner and we found that the Pilot drove much better - the drive feels more comfortable, yet firm and responsive to drive, it also feels much more powerful - even with the V8 version of the 4runner. Finally you get more for your money with the Pilot.

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  Elementary - 2005 Honda Element
  By sstein - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  The Element is not for the pretentious, or luxury driven, but if utility, reliabilty and flexibility in use mean anything to you, then the Element will give you much more than you expect. Handling is surprisingly good, as is acceleration. And, on the open road, the engine actually responds at high speeds. As far as the interior flexibility, awesome.

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  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James Krizmanic - August 13 - 2:51 am

  Overall, this is a great car for the money. A little too much plastic, but one would expect that for the money.

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  Sold On It - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Sold On It - August 12 - 2:44 pm

  This car is solid. The engine is peppy, it handles great. The fit and finish is good and at 63,000 miles it drives like new. I only get 29mph (lead foot) wish I got more. CD Skips and there are a few rattles in sun visors. All minor. It drives so smooth and feels good. Outside is a bit conservative. The rear is nice, but the front is boaring. Wish it had a compartment for the garage door opener. I love my 5 speed. The front seat is not very confortable and the clutch pedal is too far away. Still love it.

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  Quality wise-the best vehicle ever owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve Bullard - August 11 - 7:36 pm

  Fun to drive, and,at 35,000 miles,not a single problem. Great build quality. When I first bought it I though the seat material would be hot (like leather). But even in the Houston summers the seats have been just like fabric seats. I do wish Honda would come up with a way to seat 3 in the back seat...offer a option of a full bench. Even if it could not be stowed within the vehicle and took 2 people to remove it. It really cant be useful for a family unless it seats 5. I would not hesitate to recommend an Element.