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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  Spoiled owner - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Codder - October 6 - 8:28 am

  We traded in our 2006 for a 2010. We like some of the new changes (especially the auto rear door opener), but we are spoiled because we were disappointed in losing access to the under the floor storage from the drivers seat. We were also disappointed in losing the upper storage area on the back of the driver and front passenger seat (the one with the zippers). Also great to see the built in XM Radio--but can you see the display anymore as we are used to seeing--name of song/artist?? Overall, an awesome vehicle and thats why we bought again.

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  Made for Commuting - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Russell - October 5 - 8:22 am

  I bought this car because I was returning from overseas and needed a second car for commuting to work. After buying the car I received a 10- month assignment at a location 575 miles from my house, and I do that drive 1-2 times per month. If I knew I’d be driving that far so regularly, I would’ve purchased a car more composed at highway speeds. Highway performance is weak. At 80 mph, the engine turns nearly 4000 rpm, which is annoying and doesn’t give much cushion for passing. Short wheelbase equals bouncy ride. Braking is fair and should be improved. Rear drums and lack of VSC have caused instability during high-speed heavy braking.

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  Love my Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn - October 4 - 4:06 pm

  I have never felt as safe in a car as I do in this one. It never slips on the snowy Vermont roads. It handles very nicely, there is plenty of room inside, and nothing ever goes wrong with it. I wouldnt trade it for anything (except maybe a newer CR-V).

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  Good car but......... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sharksfn - October 4 - 1:40 pm

  This is our first Honda. Styling and general handeling are great. Problems include premature brake wear at 24000 miles. They have always made noise. Road noise is excessive. Seats are comfortable for around town but on drives over 2 hours they kill our lower backs. Even all the seat adjustment controls dont help. We will be selling this car due to this.

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  Best vehicle purchase - 2008 Honda Element
  By sportbiker29 - October 4 - 3:29 am

  I bought my Element used with 21,000 miles on it and have since put 7,000 miles on it with only great news to report. My Element has given me a reliable and fun driving experience from day one. Ive used the Element to go camping and haul all my equipment to evenings at the Drive-In theater. The AWD makes driving in the rain a breeze and I love, love, love the ride height of the Element. The water resistant seats and flooring have worked out nicely for my trips down to the beach with my 90lb dog. I enjoy my Element more and more every day and I cant wait for snow season to take the Element to the slopes for some snowboarding!!!

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  Youre My Boy Blue - 2004 Honda Element
  By part16john - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Got my new fiji blue E last week and i love this car. i cant wait for warm weather and to go camping this summer. my first new car so i am pretty excited about it.

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  Not Your Average Compact SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Winsted Mike - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice balance of performance, driveability and economy. Decent acceleration and fuel economy (22-23 mpg). Handles hills at Interstate speeds effortlessly. Funky shifter looks odd, but works well. Most controls are simple and straight forward. Seats are comfortable, handling precise and ride firm, but not jarring. Nice surprises: sunvisor extenders, storage everywhere. Quirks: high belt line makes reaching drive-up ATM a stretch, gauges hard to read on cloudy days, dashboard light adjustment is awkward, no glove box light, cargo slides on plastic floor as you drive. Cant get optional arm rest/storage bin with the stick shift (do it yourself).

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  element - 2004 Honda Element
  By lbiltz - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It is the perfect car for me. I have 2 large dogs, greyhounds, that fit perfectly with the seat backs folded down. Also, I am a horticulturist that sometimes need to carry plants, equipment and mulch. All of which fit very well in the back with the seats folded up along the sides. There are plenty of tie-downs so that things arent moving around, and everything cleans up very nicely. Its worked out just perfectly!!

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Happydrivers! - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot. I read all these reviews before I bought mine in 10-02. Best things about the Pilot are-its a Honda, very reliable! The center console area has tons of storage, plus a place to set my purse w/o it being on the floor. There is a lot of head room, and space on the back seat for 3, plus the 3rd row seat lays perfectly flat for storage. For the amount of space, power, smooth ride, and resale value...the Pilot is worth every penny!

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  Great van-poor gas mileage!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By CLTUSMC72 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2004 Odyssey for about 2 months now and there are only 3 things I can complain about. So far I have only averaged about 13 miles per gallon in the city and the van is rated at 18 mpg! The exterior styling could use to be a bit more...well...stylish in my opinion! Lastly, althought it is awesome that the rear seat folds into the florr I reall wish Honda could find a way to also make it so the rear seat could slide forward or backwards for more or less legroom.