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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  Insight Remains Extreme - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Bob - March 24 - 12:52 am

  We own a Prius, Accord Hybrid and anInsight. Nothing beats the Insight on mileage. Its fun to drive and perfectly wonderful for daily activities and commuting.

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  Love my green machine - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jet Carey - March 23 - 10:05 pm

  This car is great. So far, 24,000 miles and only routine maintenance. Tires have held up great. We have horrendous winters here and the car handles great in the snow. As avid cyclists, we love to just throw our bikes and all our gear in the back. We got the side steps and they look great.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dolce - March 23 - 5:26 pm

  Just traded in my 03 Toyota Highlander, which I absolutely adored to buy this Accord. I am so very disappointed with the gas mileage! My Highlander was doing the same! I traded in my beautiful Highlander for a couple of miles less than the Accord. So, for this reason, Im sick. I traded for better mileage, and this is what I got. Eventually will trade it in for something more fuel efficient, hoping the gas prices wont make it depreciate more. I could kick myself! I miss my baby!!

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  Teach me oh MPG gurus - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda - March 22 - 12:36 pm

  I loved my Mazda 3, 5-door w/ leather, but I wanted better gas mileage than the 20 mpg I was getting. I was on waiting lists for the Prius and the Civic. The Civic was available first. I like (do not love) its styling. I am disappointed in my mpg, however. My first two tanks were 40 and 38 mpg. My current tank reads 33.5 mpg. I need fuel economy lessons. My friend hates to ride with me because I drive so slowly. I just dont know what Im doing wrong. The only time the gauge has me getting good gas mileage is when my foot is off the gas pedal. My mpg is better than in my Mazda 3, but Im not sure if it was worth the switch.

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  Still the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ellicott City - March 22 - 10:00 am

  After owning for 6 months and 8k miles, I like it more than the first time. It is indeed quiet while cruising, the ride is smooth on good surface but too sensitive on bumpy road. The engine is very smooth but 5 speed auto trand is just adquite. During a long trip, found the 3rd row seat is more comfortable. 2nd row seat is not compy with vibrations. For long trip, Sienna is definetely better choice but going around town Odyssey is the winner.

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  Whitney B. Walker - 2002 Honda Civic
  By WhitneyCmachine - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I got a civic because my previous car was an unrestored 64 ford mustang (that needed a lot of work) and I just wanted a car I didnt have to worry if it was going to overheat or use a tank a day. I go out of town often with my civic and even with 60000 it still gets almost 400 miles to the tank.

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  Dont expect any bells or whistles without leather - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Rob Nowell - March 20 - 10:33 am

  We bought the EX, one step up from the LX. We did not want leather seats. Unfortunately, without leather, the cars does not have the niceties which are standard on seemingly every other car on the market: XM radio; homelink garage opener; several USB ports; several cupholders; automatic day/night rearview mirror (a $300+ option). While the comfort and build quality far exceeds that of our 2012 Altima (which is loaded with options), I really miss the bells and whistles.

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  My first Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By shooter - March 19 - 1:00 am

  After very bad experiences with two VW Passats I decided to try the Honda as it was supposedly the most reliable in the market. Both acceleration and handling are better than the Passat though the brakes need to be changed. Interior design is less than that of the Passat but still very nice. My engine is pinging even with mid range gas, HondaÂ’s reply is to put premium in, though their brochures and website recommend regular. Though gas mileage is good premium price eliminates savings. Dual climate control does not work that well. Lastly, it is just not as fun to drive as the Passat, I can however sacrifice a little fun for the huge savings over the VW. Overall I enjoy it.

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  Honda is NOT the best car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 18 - 6:03 am

  JUNK. Three times back to dealer for leaking "shift selector shaft seal"; recall kit for 2nd gear done at 11,000 miles. "Grade logic sensor" causes high rpms as brakes applied downhill; dealer charged me $1,000 for a break job at 60k mi. Passenger side power door lock broke at around 40k mi (I hardly ever use the passenger side door) Radiator blew at 50k mi $400 repair. 36k "maintenance" was a $300 oil change; 65k mi trans fluid full, yet appears burnt. Svc. bulletin calls to replace at 120k mi?? Plastic wrap seal around window/door edges is warping and unraveling at 50k mi (2yrs ownership) WORST car Ive ever owned. Cant wait to sell it and buy American.

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  The Humming Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ward - March 18 - 4:03 am

  We really looked forward to purchasing this 2006 Pilot. It is a very nice vehicle; HOWEVER, it has a very loud humming noise w/ vibration coming from the front end. After we have made several trips to the dealer we have found out Honda has this problem with quite a few 2 WD 2006 models. They are unable to identify the problem so we are stuck with a very annoying noise and vibration that comes and goes. Hondas answer " no solution yet". I would discourage anyone from purchasing this vehicle until Honda identifies and comes up with a solution for this.