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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  Super reliability & gas mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Robert - November 30 - 5:58 pm

  The perfect commuter & fun to drive. No problems and minimal maintenance (oil & filter, tires, brakes) in 70 K miles. Very reliable, great gas mileage: I average 30-32 MPG, 70% highway at 80 MPH. Decent performance with the 4 cylinder 5 speed combo, and fun to drive. Could not be happier!

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  Too many Problems - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MonicaT - November 30 - 1:00 pm

  This van has had more problems than all of the Hondas Ive owned combined. The motor mounts, catalytic converter, torque converter, struts, steering fluid pump all had to be replaced and my current mileage is 69,000. Very disappointed and will be trading it in, since the warranty has expired and will probably become a money pit.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ellen from The OC - November 30 - 12:03 pm

  What a difference between my old 1998 Civic EX and the 2006. Unbelievable!!! The tightness of handling is incomparabe. The exterior styling looks like a baby Beamer! I was seriously test-driving the Acura TSX, but for the $10,000 savings, I had to buy the Civic. Wish list would include optional leather seats. Also surprised the visors are not lit - theyre substantial, but lack lights.

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  Im liking it but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dweiser - November 29 - 11:56 pm

  I also own a 2009 Honda Fit Sport w/Navi so my comments will include that comparison. An all electric vehicle/plug-in vehicle will fit my driving habits (short trips) perfectly and either the Insight or the Fit will leave when a decent one is available. Ive had the Insight for about 3 weeks and I have to admit the look of it continues to grow on me. Like some I never thought it unsightly at first but I like its looks more each day. I hit my head getting out sometimes and Im only 5 9". I really miss having the stereo (loudness) controls on the steering wheel like the Fit. Im only getting 37 m.p.g. with ECO button on and careful driving. My Fit gets 34 so I hope this improves soon.

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  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By SallyV - November 29 - 10:03 pm

  When my husband first suggested it I said, "you mean that ugly box looking thing?" But when I saw it and drove it, I started to change my mind. I guess my favorite feature is the vinyl floor. If anything spills, you can clean it up and it looks as good as new. I love the interior, gas mileage and believe it will be a reliable car since it is a Honda. You can take the head rests off the front seat and lower it to be a recliner/foot rest for the back seat rider. It is like a recliner for the back seat rider. Kids are grown now and it is Wonderful for traveling for us and also roomy when we have others in the car. We love it the most of any car weve owned. :)

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  Beats the Jeep! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Gregg - November 29 - 8:00 pm

  Ive had the Pilot for about month and so far Im satisfied with my purchase. On the plus side, smart instrumentation, room for eight, smooth cruising vehicle and good looking. On the down side, acceleration a bit sluggish, engine a tad noisy around town, the "information center" isnt the most intuitive. (cant display odometer and outside temperature simultaneously). I drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee for 10 years, but its no "Honda". The gas mileage on the Pilot is comparable and the quality build of the Honda far exceeds that of the Jeep.

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  Another disappointing Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By tr roach - November 29 - 3:37 pm

  I expected better from the top shelf trim line. The control knobs and surfaces are cheap. Transmission just slides no shifting involved, being that it is a cvt, not a fan. Dont try to tune or adjust radio and climate controls while driving, collision possibilities are increased markedly with the tiny buttons. Can not comment on reliability too new. Ride is decent, handling should be better. Cargo area is handy. At 32k purchase price I am not impressed but wife is happy. All together should have gone with the Acura RDX.

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  My first 18 months - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By scottinky - November 29 - 8:08 am

  Took out a lease on this 2008 EX-L after trying the large SUV route. This is by far the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. The interior is well laid out, but materials could be better. Engine is responsive and smooth. Ride, even in the third row is comfortable. My kids love the DVD player. My wife and I love the ease of entry and exit. Despite my ego issues with driving a van and having had the opportunity to dump out of it early and go back to a cheaper SUV, I just couldnt do it. Dealer service has been excellent in dealing with the transmission problem and the noise issues. All have been fixed. Hopefully I wont have any more issues to deal with, just gas and tires.

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  Great ride - 2001 Honda Accord
  By PoKid - November 29 - 6:06 am

  The car really moves when you need it to. The sleek features and the 6 Speaker 6 disk changer comes in handy for those long rides. Overall over the past three months Ive found that Im really glad I got this car.

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  2017 accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mark Wilson - November 29 - 3:52 am

  Steering seems to be a little too tight. But overall awesome car