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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  Honda Element EX AWD 2003 - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jimmy - January 17 - 11:01 am

  The 2003 Element EX AWD is a very verastile Element in all ways, you can use it as a suv, car, van, milti purpose vehicle!

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  Awesomecar for the price - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Sridhar Gudimella - January 17 - 8:54 am

  I bought 2017 lx honda accord in ending May. Its really good for the price and with no maintenance. Beautiful car with safety. I recommend this car in Sedan family.

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  Good Value, Not Much Fun To Drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Maile - January 15 - 10:33 pm

  Overall, the Accord was a great value however it is just not that much fun to drive. The engine has enough HP to get up and going, yet lacks sport car quality. The reliability, roominess of the interior, and great financing rates prompted my decision to buy this car. The car produces a moderate amount of road noise too; It is not quiet. I looked at the Acura TL and will be trading in the Accord. The Acura still has great value and is the Accords luxury sport version that appeals to those who want a car that is stylish and fun to drive. The Accord appealed to my practical side and the TL appealed to my senses as well. If you have a few extra bucks to spend it might be worth it.

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  Not as Reliabe as I thought - 1998 Honda Accord
  By STLbill7982 - January 15 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this 98 from my sister this September. I am disappointed with what I thought would be a reliable car. The car vibrates a lot at idle - it almost feels like a massage chair from the Sharper Image. The check engine light never turns off, even though the dealer assured me nothing is wrong. The car is noisy relative to GM cars that I have owned in the past. The rims make contact with curbs before the tires do, and as a result the rims are very scratched. The engine has littel power - sometimes I feel like I could get out and run faster.

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  Not as fun but better then 06 MDX - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Luv My pilot - January 14 - 6:03 am

  I went from an 06 MDX touring with Nav, RES and running boards. Priced the same vehicle for another 3 year lease and would have to take an additional $100/month out of my pocket for 39 months. Once I test drove the Pilot, I fell in love. I will say that it is not nearly as fun to drive but functionality and space overcome the need for speed. Comfort matches if not beats the 09 MDX I tested. I also tested the GM equivalents including the overpriced fully-loaded Enclave. For a family of 5, and for about $200/month less than the MDX I recommend the Pilot Touring.

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  ugh - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tommyb - January 13 - 10:00 am

  all it does is rattle, rattle, rattle...and the abs brakes shake the whole car...Im pro-Honda and Im having buyers remorse...

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  Smooth - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied-driver - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is about the smoothest riding car youll ever drive. Both my wife & I fight to take it every AM. The dashboard lights are cool. The "4" 160 horsepower, 161 pounds of torque motor has enough power for the mountains and passsing. The material that the seats are made of is just great. This car will take you for a ride.

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  Marvels - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lynn Marvel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Must increase comfort on long drives. Long trips hard on back. Lumbar in seats is inadequate. If you are taller than 6 ft. front cabin leg room is too short. Unless corrected will be my last Honda

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  first time ownet of a honda - 2006 Honda Element
  By steve - January 11 - 3:13 pm

  The honda element is small short suv/wagon/truck/jeep like vehicle that takes your eye at first. Since I havent owned it long enough. I cant realy judge reliability but its seems to handle well. Wish there were more options that were standard equipment, especially a roof rack, instead of some the comfort features they give.

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  Disappointed with gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rosemary Wison - January 10 - 7:10 pm

  Im delighted with the interior styling and versatility of the Honda Fit but Ive been disappointed with the gas mileage and the dealerships lack of concern. My first tank wowed me with 34 mpg which dropped to 24/25 mpg with each tank afterwards. Ive experimented with slower driving, gentle take offs, and upgrading my gasoline choice only to get the same results. While I love the car, I bought it for the gas mileage which as you can see, I am not getting.