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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  Great car, but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By great car - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Great van. Awesome engine! However, slightly disappointed with fit and finish- loose plastic panel in the passenger door. Also, it rattles at highway speed- Come on Honda! I expect better QC for a 28K van!!

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  Excellent Civic! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rutter03 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  i love it. its sporty, its cheap, and it gets you around and keeps green in yur pocket when it comes to gas. i race it sometimes, i wouldnt reccomend it to the person who wants a fast car, but its great, and its fun!.

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  Big Mistake - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ginger - November 1 - 10:31 pm

  I owned an 87 Honda Civic for 11 years without one single problem...so of course I wanted another. This one is the lemon of the bunch. Ive had nothing but problems. Its been in the shop with the oxygen sensor from day one and the service technicians cant get it fixed, Im on my 3rd transmission...the first one had to be replaced at only 9,000 miles and the third one doesnt seem to be doing well and my air conditioning had to be replaced at 18,000 miles. This car has nickled and dimed me to death. I think I got one that was made in the USA. Im officially done with Honda.

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  Great car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jake - November 1 - 9:08 pm

  I love my Accord. The V-6 has plenty of power and good fuel economy. I average around 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Not bad for a car having 244 hp. I did have the power window rattle that is common in these cars, but the dealership fixed it under warranty. The interior is stylish as well, impressing almost everyone who rides with me. The Accord is an all around great car for the daily commute or cross-country trip.

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  Love my Element! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Fran S. - November 1 - 10:48 am

  I have been searching for a car that would be fun to drive, functional, and kid friendly-the Element is it! My eight year-old loves the back seat, and there is plenty of room for our two dogs, too. I can go grocery shopping and everything will fit in the back. The car also handles well on the road, and makes turns easily.

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jackie - November 1 - 9:30 am

  Ive had this car for a few months. Its fun to drive, is cute & has a nice looking interior. I got it mainly as a commute car and it seems to get around 35 mpg, since I do mostly freeway driving. The only thing that I would change would be the seats and the headrests (although I was told the headrests were designed for safety and all cars have them now). My commute takes me a solid hour to get to and from work and the seat can get uncomfortable at times. I find myself trying to adjust into a comfortable position while driving. I didnt have a "seat problem" with my other cars. With the headrest, it feels like it is nudging your head constantly. Other than that, I would recommend this car.

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  Feels More Luxurious than a Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Blas Bustamante - November 1 - 7:57 am

  I have 25 miles on my 2016 Civic Touring, I have just realized when I got home that the subwoofer rattles like its 20 years old. I have had this car for two hours! Please turn your volume up while sitting in the car and or test driving it, as soon as you drive it off and then realize you have an issue with the sound system you will not be able to think of anything else but how irritating the subwoofer is. It will definitely send you back to reality, the reality being your car is not an Acura or a high end luxury car and that they did use smoke and mirrors to get you to purchase their new model. When you purchase a brand new car you dont expect to have any problems right out the gate, the fact is you shouldnt have a single issue with a new car whatsoever. The sound on this car is insulting, you pay extra for a premium sound system and you get rattling, really give me a break. I shouldnt have to take it back the very next day after I spent five hours in a dealership acquiring this vehicle.

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  100k and No problems! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By crazyhazydazy - November 1 - 6:58 am

  Ive had my CRV for over 4 years now, over 100k miles, no problems except for changing the oil, the tires, the brakes and the rear differential fluid, and I drive aggressively. The CRV is fun to drive, looks attractive even though not new, and I dont feel as if Im being "overconsumptive" even though Im driving a SUV.

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  Pile in the Pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Littsplace - October 31 - 10:06 pm

  We love our Pilot! We have an 11 year old son who plays every sport known to man and a 3 year old daughter who still requires a car seat and a weekly McDonalds trip. Our family can easily pile in our Pilot for a trip to the city or just to the baseball field in our home town. We can even take our two labs if we want! I traded my Honda Odyssey for it and I no longer feel like the un-hip mom in the van. Its fun to drive the Pilot! It looks hip/cool and my kids love it too!

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  What can I say, its made by Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By graphixbyjeff - October 31 - 2:47 pm

  I bought my Civic Si and 2 weeks later took it on a 3,000 mile journey. My gas mileage was low 30s and the seats were comfortable. I am very satisfied with my purchase and use it as my everyday ride.