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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  We Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element Owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We have a toddler and two large dogs. Thanks to our dogs and kid this car really gets dirty quick but thankfully it cleans up quick. A damp sponge works great on the interior. WE did have one problem with it this past summer when a full pump sensor failed and the car lost power and the engine light came on (the vehicle had to be towed)but that appears to be a fluke incident. The car has been running great since then. The car has nice pickup on the highway when passing other vehicles. A wonderful car at a reasonable price! We love it.

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  happy with the purchase - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By km2kids - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great van for a family that takes lots of little trips here and there. Not too sporty looking, but we had great customer service from Honda (not from Toyota) and loved what Consumer Reports had to say about it. The ride is a bit stiffer than my old Grand Caravan, and the dash is a bit awkward, but the reliability is what I wanted most of all this go around. See ya, Dodge!

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  Great Van...Few Kinks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By avj - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had our van for exactly 2 years now. We had to replace the battery, had a clunking behind the right front wheel that needed to be fixed and the electric doors got stuck once. I agree that the stereo system is not so great, and the swooshing of the gas when the tank is full is a bit annoying. The controls for the front seat could be placed better, Im forever pressing the button that moves the seats on my way out of the van. On the positive side, its a great van and has a great ride. Its powerful and the fold-down 3rd seat is the best!! You never have to plan ahead when making a big purchase, just fold that seat down and your good to go.

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  Hate paying markup - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Annoyed - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I hate paying $5,000 markup and having the salesmen tell me basically "go somewhere else if you dont want to pay it" Im having regrets now. Its kinda noisy and Im having trouble with the sliding doors. The service department is just as arrogant as the salespeople. "If you dont like our service go somewhere else". Great handling and great storage area. But I hate getting ripped off. Maybe next time Ill try another model.

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  great car for the money - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Bam069 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great car for the money. If you are thinking for purchasing this car, you would be making a smart choice.

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  Best Car Ive Owned Thus Far! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hondaSE - August 5 - 8:37 am

  This car is just awesome! I currently have 75K miles on my 2000 accord SE and it still runs just as good as the day I bought her brand new. No problems and still a pleasure to drive every day. Nice body style that should with stand ageing very nicely.

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  Owned for 1 Month - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy Fairchild - August 5 - 1:59 am

  I have owned the Pilot for only one month, so the reliability and value are based on my expectations. As has been said in many reviews, the music system -- specifically not being able to use music on an USB -- is very disappointing. In terms of the review items above, everything is OK but I wouldnt consider anything "great". I bought this car because the seat adjustments and visibility of controls, along with the size of the SUV fit my body so I feel safe and comfortable driving it. I like the high-end comforts such as fully adjustable and leather seats, and seat warmers. Theres several features I paid for that wont see much or any use (including the rear-seat entertainment), but since they were packaged with comforts that I wanted I didnt feel there was a choice. All that said, compared to the other vehicles in this general price range, I am happy with my choice.

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.