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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  Rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By edward williams - April 22 - 12:46 am

  Car rides great, good fuel mileage. My only complaint is about the rear brakes. Twice I had to replace them. The dealership service dept. Said that the rears wear out faster than the fronts. HOGWASH. Load is in the front not back. Real bad brake design pads are small. (front brakes still have lots of wear on them). WHATS UP!

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  Heres how I see it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HARRY - April 21 - 3:56 pm

  Drive is smooth, Vehicle handles well, Design has a well done utility. Happy with overall look and feel of the 2005 Honda Odyssey EX-L

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  Love My Toaster! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Sally - April 21 - 2:51 pm

  When I first saw this vehicle, I thought it was one of the ugliest vehicles on the road - I nicknamed it the toaster. My son and I went shopping with my husband for a Ridgeline. While my husband was discussing the terms for the Ridgeline, my son and I checked out the Element. Once we sat inside of it, we fell in love with it. We went for a test drive that day - within two weeks I had my Element. I love it, and now I find it quite cute. Its fun to drive, very utilitarian. Weve carted everything from a flag pole, gardening tools, plants, baseball equipment, fishing poles to our Springer Spaniel with ease. The car makes everyday rides fun adventures.

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Rudy Leem - April 21 - 9:26 am

  shop around through different websites : Edmunds.com; Truecar.co; Carmax.com; Crafax.com

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  2 Months and 2000 miles - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FitRN - April 21 - 4:43 am

  I love this car! After researching for a year and having to deal with an unreliable BMW this car is terrific. The quality of build is great, handles well in the mountains, ice, snow, and rain. On rougher roads it is quite noisy in the cabin but quiets on smoother surfaces, could use some insulating material to dampen the noise. I opted for the all weather mats and cargo tray which are very helpful having a dirt/gravel driveway, they are very easy to clean. The heater works well, have yet to fully try the A/C in hot weather. Great versatility in seat designs, went to the store and brought home 2 boxed shelf units and 2 adirondack chairs with a few bags and groceries also!

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  Transmission/engine performance - 2001 Honda Accord
  By robert10 - April 20 - 9:21 pm

  Ive been driving my Accord for 3 weeks now and have been generally pleased with its performance. However, I have two issues: 1) the transmission shifting is rough in the morning when the temperature is under 30 degrees. Once warmed up the transmission performs smoothly 2) the engine emits a strange refrigerator like sound when the fridge starts up. The Honda only makes this sound when the gas pedal is depressed thereby loading the engine. Back off the gas pedal and the sound goes away. I tried hi-test gas thinking the engine had engine knock but it didnt make any difference.

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  Amazing - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chelsey - April 20 - 8:50 pm

  Im 16 years old, and my parents bought me this car because they knew Hondas would be reliable. I know I havent had this car for long, but I have three older brothers, all of which were given an Accord, and I have two younger sisters who will also receive one. My dad has owned 6 Accords and we have never had one that wasnt reliable, and this one is no exception. Its great for a beginner driver because its easy to drive. I feel safe in it, and it takes away a lot of fear in driving. The AC is fantastic, along with the radio sound quality. The 6 CD Changer is amazing as well :) I have no complaints about this car.

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  The Best Roadster - 2008 Honda S2000
  By Will - April 20 - 8:47 pm

  My Honda S2000 is worth every dollar that I spent. The S2000 is a true roadster from the ground up. I like to feel the roadway that I am driving on, that is the purpose of owning a roadster. The amazing feature of the S2000 is the driving compartment it holds you in place in cornering and accelerating. I like the design of the controls they are all within the reach of my fingertips. The VTECH engine is a powerhouse coupled with the smoothest gearbox that I ever shifted. The S2000 is a fantastic performing vehicle. The S2000 is a Roadster in a class of its own. Honda needs to continue to manufacture the S2000 for the roadster enthusiasts. This car is the average personÂ’s dream for a high per

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  Great SUV !! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - April 20 - 12:39 pm

  This has been the best SUV experience. Only maintenance has been oil changes and service agreement maintenance. Runs like a top. Exterior and interior looks are average but engine and roominess make up for it. Cant beat the Honda workmanship!!

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  What a great car... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MplsDriver - April 20 - 7:36 am

  This is the kind of car you look forward to driving every day. Im at about 400 miles now and look forward to every time I can get onto a curvy road. Daily driving around town is just fine, but I just calculated my miles/gallon (city) and it came in at 19.38? Im hoping this will get better once the engine is broken in. My only other complaint would be the seat comfort. I have a herniated lower disk in my back and the shape of the seat is kind of harsh on my back...once again Im hoping this gets better as the car breaks in. Other than that, this car is awesome! I was also considering a 2005 Lexus IS 300 w/ 27K miles (for the same price), but the Si just seemed like a better choice.