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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  Not the perfect Mommies Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Abril - April 13 - 12:21 pm

  I thought the E would be perfect for a newborn baby, it is in the sense that if you spill something it wipes right up. The ease of cleaning is my favorite feature. But I hate the suicide doors. If someone parks close to you, its a dance to get the carrier in the car and not hit the other car with your doors or trap yourself inside. Not that you should be messing with the baby while your driving but I cant even reach his car seat to pat him on the head when hes upset.

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  Civic - simple economy car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nick - April 12 - 1:54 pm

  My 3 year lease on the Civic is up in a month and Im glad that Im returning it. I havent had any big problems with it (only replaced ABS sensor under warranty @ 15K miles), so its been a reliable car. Its definitely not a bad car, but I think there are others that are better (replacing it with a Subaru, which is AWD, more powerful, quieter, better handling, and more fun to drive). I like the fuel economy, consistently get around 30-35MPG (Ill miss that with the Subaru). Like when the VTEC activates in the higher RPM range (especially 2nd and 3rd gears), gives you a little push. An advice to anyone interested in the Civic: look at Toyota Corolla, Matrix, and Mazda3 before purchasing.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Honda Insight
  By mh54 - April 11 - 4:23 pm

  My 2001 Insight is coming up on 100,000 miles of oil-change only driving. It has been an excellent automobile! Yes, I wish it was a little more powerful, but 60 MPG does not come without cost.

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  Odyssey Transmission Plague - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jaybob - April 10 - 1:23 am

  Great van with one huge exception! Transmission failed at 22K new one on the way. A review of owner forums has revealed that this is an issue that Honda has either been able to fix or refuses (you would have think I purchased a Ford. I have read reviews that this is happening even with the 2005 model Odysseys. What gives Honda?

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  Uncomfortable drivers seat - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By mesergey - April 9 - 7:53 am

  For 4 years I had my Honda Pilot 2003 and I loved it! It was a very comfortable drivers seat and had a lot of leg room. I renewed my lease and got a new Honda 2007 Pilot. The drivers seat does not have the same leg room as my previous Honda. That is, the driving seat does not slide back enough and makes driving uncomfortable. ItÂ’s very disappointing to me

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  Love This CAR! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SAM - April 8 - 9:33 am

  Got rid of my 2006 AUDI A6 and bought this. Thousands of dollars cheaper! Runs better than AUDI A6 - Better Mileage + more HP. Bought last week ( 10/14/2008 ) 2008 Accord v6 at $5000 below MSRP and LOVE IT!

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  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Josh - April 8 - 7:15 am

  Its a great looking car, especially at night with the LED taillights. I want to like it, and I do for the most part. I just havent bonded with it like I did my last two Hondas. There isnt anything objectively wrong with it, I just dont feel a connection to it. Its just a car to me, one that I wont be sad to get rid of. The fuel economy is not what I had hoped for. Im averaging just 24 MPG with mixed driving. Hopefully it will get better when I put more miles on it. The seats are not quite as comfortable as on the 2016 Civic, but theyre not bad. Having Apple CarPlay is a fantastic feature that I wouldnt want to go without, but it does take quite a while to start up when compared to other vehicles Ive tried it on. The back seats are comfortable enough for short trips, and the trunk is huge. A couple of things I dont like: There is a fair bit of wind noise that sounds like its coming from the door seal right next to my ear. There is no volume knob. Not the biggest thing in the world because it does have volume controls on the steering wheel. Still, Id rather have one. Im also not a big fan of the glossy black trim on the inside. It scratches easily and always looks smudged.

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  Nice to drive, on road and off - 1999 Honda Passport
  By SoCalKath - April 8 - 2:20 am

  Ive had this passport for over 2 years, and it has not disappointed me. Ive done all the routine maintenance, and it has done everything Ive asked it to. I drive offroad and a lot of highways, lately. While Im not into really roughing it, I like to take rides into the desert in the winter. This is what I consider a real "ladylike" SUV (for me at least) - it looks nice, is easy to handle, I can run it through the mud, and then after a car wash, drive it to the office all week. Nice.

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  The Escape Craft - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Bunswha - April 6 - 11:45 pm

  Overall the only things that have been done to the car since I own it is regular oil changes. I live in the foothills of NY about 60 miles NNW of NYC. During the winter months I did find out the all season tires are not very good on snow covered roads. The car is very light and I would suggest studded snow tires in front for more traction and bite.

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  Updating after 8 months of ownership - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Elvin - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have not made it to my first oil change (6K miles) and my car is in for some warranty issues. The engine has developed a tick/clack when starting cold, the breaks need turning, the drivers seat belt sticks, and my ambient temp read is often inaccurate. This is my first Honda and it is losing it luster. Has anyone else developed an engine tick? :-(