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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  Interior flexibility worth the price of admission - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Barbara Sevde - February 4 - 6:39 pm

  My last car was a 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback. I wanted a small AWD vehicle, decent mileage, with ample interior room to carry assorted riding (equine) equipment. The CR-V, RAV-4, Ford Escape were all in the running, but I didnt have any use for a car of that size. Off road was not a consideration. The reason I didnt want another Subaru was the excessive road noise. The Honda HR-V is almost perfect. The back seats fold completely flat. The seat cushions also fold up which adds enormous flexibility. The ride is very comfortable - softer than my Subaru. I drive a lot on country roads. I have been getting 26 mpg, a bit disappointing. Road noise is significantly less than my Subaru, but still a bit loud on cement freeways. However, I can still hear radio and phone conversations, which I couldnt do on my last car. One telling sign of excessive road noise is if Siri or the Honda voice recognition can hear me on those cement freeways and in that regard, the Honda flunks the test. Regarding comfort, I love the heated seats. The phone/navigation/sound controls are easy enough for a screen based system, but require that i remove my eyes from the road. The sound system is a definite step up from my Subaru. I would call it respectable. I am so short, I always need to sit on a cushion regardless of the seat controls. However, I like that the Honda seat is more flat in its raised position than most cars. The push-button start is nice. Handling is decent. I find the right turn camera very helpful. Some reviewers said it was unnecessary and distracting. You get used to it pretty quickly and learn to use it. I havent used it in the dark, but during daylight hours, it works great for lane changes and turns. My car came with all weather mats, a necessity for me. There is no real carpeting underneath the mats - its a felt - the kind you might find in your trunk. Thats not easy to clean, so Im glad I have the mats. My car did not come with a trunk cover and I dont see a place to attach one. Not sure if one is available. My dealer does all maintenance for two years, which is great for my three-year lease. Some reviewers mentioned rattles - none on my car. So far, I am very happy with my purchase. I drove it during a very harsh winter and it handled well in the snow and rain.

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  Oldie and goodie - 1990 Honda Accord
  By geoff - February 4 - 4:56 am

  This is the first car ive ever owned, and I am the third owner. I got it with about 124K miles on it and ive driven for about 1000 plus miles. I am very impressed, it doesnt look like a 15-year old car. I did have to replace the back brake pads, get it aligned and one of the CV joints needs replacing. However, that can wait...but this car was well-taken care of and with proper care can last another 15 years. It is a great car for a student or family on a budget and is a steal at the price of under $3000.

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  Love the Honda - 1999 Honda Passport
  By quarterpounder - February 3 - 8:50 pm

  Owned this honda for 3yrs. bought it used and havent had ANY problems with it. Great SUV for the money. Besides....its a honda.

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  4 cyl surprise - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ckal - February 3 - 3:10 pm

  Very pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness of the 4 cyl. Lots of room in seating area and trunk. Comfortable driving position with telescopic adj steering wheel. Attractive white on black instrument cluster. Good sound system. Traded in a G35 Sedan for improved gas mileage. Ride not as smooth as the Infiniti, and handling not quite as steady, but not bad.

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  My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By F. R. Bruni - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im glad that I bought this vehicle. I truly enjoy driving it whether on the interstate or in town. Its easy to handle and gives a very nice feeling of spaciousness while seated in any of one of the four seats. Honda built this vehicle for the young but it is my understanding that the average age of buyers is 44 years. Im 65 years old; why should the kids have all the fun!

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  Good Truck - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dax - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Good SUV. Easy to drive. Comfortable, and spacious, but the speed oscillates when cruise control is activated. Great driving on fresh snow as well as mud. Kids are delighted with third row seats. Large cargo area. Very comfortable during long trips.

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  No Title - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nitty - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Pilot in July of this year (2004). So far so good, I enjoy the ride, the handling, the thought Honda has put into the interior. I purchased the Honda Pilot EXL w/DVD Entertainment system. My family has been impressed with the Honda Pilot, espiecially the DVD system and the roominess of the vehicle.

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  Very happy owner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By adale48840 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Solid, reliable, comfortable. How can you ask for more. No flaws, no dealer service needed. The auto all-wheel drive is very good, you literally cant spin the wheels and you cant tell if all four wheels are engaged. Very quiet and smooth on the highway, very stable at high speed and manuvering. Acceration is very good for a 4,000+ lb vehicle. Has the usual outstanding Honda engine. No clunks, no front wheel torque. I guess Im happy with this SUV.

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  Perfect, but.. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DWC - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Everything has been fine with our van save one thing. Those d*** automatic doors. They are forever having intermittent problems. Frequent trips to the dealership and still problematic. Usually they close, just the buzzer keeps going off. Sometimes they just dont close all the way. A fraction of an inch from shutting. Very frustrating and probably the 2nd reason Im about to get rid of it. (1st is the fact that its about that time) However everything else works great. Engine still quite as ever. Works well for the family. Oh well.

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  nice car, but should be better - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Immortal Chicken - January 29 - 2:00 am

  the car has 34 km in city and hwy Toronto Driving. had to replace the windshield because of a rock left a crack half way across the window. cost us $250Can dollars. the new glass looks so clear! i would recommend looking around and consider civic as a last option. my bro bought this car because of all other people having this same car. he doesnt know much about cars. was pulled to pay more for hondas reputation. dont buy a civic cuz of looks because thats what my bro also did. and i hate him for that. if it was my choice i would be getting an hyundai elantra GT. lots of standard stuff for cheaper and i dont care if its not a honda.