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:

• 

  2016 White Rabbit - 2016 Honda Accord
  By GERALD B MCKOON - April 7 - 2:56 pm

  All in all I like the car. Its not as comfortable a rider as I would prefer on roads other the interstate. Very pleased with the MPG. Just returned from a 1860 mile trip, mostly interstate but about 300 mile 2 lane country and about 100 small town. The entire trip averaged over 34 mpg. Interstate speed 70-75. Looks like 26-27 mug will be the norm for my daily trips. I consider this very good for a V6.

• 

  2016 White Rabbit - 2016 Honda Accord
  By GERALD B MCKOON - April 7 - 2:45 pm

  All in all I like the car. Its not as comfortable a rider as I would prefer on roads other the interstate. Very pleased with the MPG. Just returned from a 1860 mile trip, mostly interstate but about 300 mile 2 lane country and about 100 small town. The entire trip averaged over 34 mpg. Interstate speed 70-75. Looks like 26-27 mug will be the norm for my daily trips. I consider this very good for a V6.

• 

  Sweet ride! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mellonni Smith - April 6 - 2:56 pm

  I bought the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L and its pretty nice!

• 

  2 Month Review... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TraderJMF - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We like our Pilot (family of 4 - kids age 8 & 5). Suits our needs fine, without breaking our budget. We esp. like the RES (DVD) setup... finally some peace and quiet for those longer rides (kids put headphones on and then my wife & I can talk w/o interruption)! Decent power. Would recommend the vehicle... actually I have several times already. A Good value.

• 

  Excellent economy car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Luc - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My second Honda. Never had any major problems. The only problem my dealer discovered with my 2001 model was a leaky shock absorber in the front which was replaced under warranty and a tendency for the transmission to jump out of the second gear which as apparently addressed by my dealer with an improvement kit but is still happening from time to time. Great on gas milleage.

• 

  Civic was great purchase - 1997 Honda Civic
  By kimmee - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 63,000 miles. Excellent car. Have had no problems whatsoever with it! No costs other than regular maintenance. Highly recommend to those looking for fuel economy and reliability with a car that still looks good- despite its age.

• 

  Honda Review - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Amaya_Whitman - April 4 - 3:00 am

  so far experience has been good

• 

  Hondas homage to the VW bus - 2003 Honda Element
  By thomasosborne - April 4 - 3:00 am

  The name Element suggests alchemy, and thats what has emerged from the Honda lab: a bit of the original Volkswagen buss utility and oddball form combined with Honda reliability (I hope). Ive mostly hated the cars Ive owned as necessary evils, but I love my Element.

• 

  Not the best road handling, almost lost control - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Misty - April 3 - 1:07 pm

  Recommend you test drive over 30 minutes on highway, ramps, and curves. The front driver seat is uncomfortable and feels like a lump in lower back even after adjusting lumbar support. With two display Windows theres a lot to view and is distracting punching buttons while driving. Its hard to see the speed you are driving at quick glance. It would be nicer if there was a Marker to show speed range between 55 and 65 mph. There no fast way to mute music. Brake pedal feels far away and hard to stop. This car almost went out of control on a curve. It does not drive as well as my old Volvo of 12 years. So, still adjusting to a bigger car.

• 

  Nascar Dad - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By mjred24 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have two mini vans, a dodge and our odyssey. let me say this, there is NO comparison between these two vehicles! Ive had numerous problems with the dodge and only routine maintenance on the odyssey. The odyssey handles, accelerates, and drives like a dream (compared to other mini vans)... I travel between 30-40k a year on the road, so I have alot of seat time to back up my claim. I would highly recommend the odyssey to anyone!