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:

• 

  Honda Element Experience (new) - 2004 Honda Element
  By Brooksro - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a few days, but like it a lot. Got only 18 gallons on first tank, so am still waiting to see what the future brings. Dealer may not have topped it off on delivery. It is fun to drive, responsive. It is easy to park and leaves me much more room in my garage. My wife likes it too. I moved from a 95 Nissan pickup. Road noise is way less in the Element. I dont have to turn the radio up when I get on the freeway.

• 

  Great Overall Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ckthomas00 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After researching MANY others, I decided to go with the Accord - agree with other reviews that it gives you a lot more bang for the buck, is very comfortable, and fun to drive. They keep their value, so that reselling is usually a breeze. This is my first new car and Im looking forward to little maintenance outside of the norm - oil changes, etc. Dependanble, reliable, great value - dont think you can go wrong.

• 

  can I return, I have a reciept - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 4shizzlemynizzle - March 9 - 2:00 am

  in general, the van is very reliable. the exterior is very HOT looking. it rides pretty good. it is roomy &then it all goes down hill. see improvements

• 

  Overall great car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lucy - March 8 - 8:00 am

  We bought this car because of the published gas mileage and were a little disappointed when it didnt live up to it. Otherwise, this car has been a fun and reliable car. Lots of room and storage space. Great car for hauling around kids.

• 

  A great vehicle for the price - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Chet - March 7 - 5:16 pm

  After three weeks Im generally pleased with the over all performance of the car. Seating is much better then my old 2001 CRV. Not having the spare tire hanging on the back door is a plus. The handling is excellent on dry roads and also on snow covered streets. Power is adequate for a 4-cyl engine. A much better vehicle then the Toyota or Subaru competition.

• 

  So far so good. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Melissa Kania - March 7 - 10:38 am

  The car has great fuel efficiency without paying the price of a hybrid. The ride is pretty quiet. I really like the hub caps. The back up camera has a nice clear picture. There were not many interesting colors to choose from so I got the dark gray. I did not like that I had to upgrade to the EX-L version to get heated seats and then had to pay for a moon roof that I did not want.

• 

  Dont buy without looking around - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bonorch - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my sixth honda I have loved them all except this one.The build quality is horrible the paint is thin . I have the silver it looks as if every part was painted at a different time.This car replaces a stolen Integra gsr.So I needed a car fast and ran to honda like Ive allways done. Next time I will shop around.

• 

  Civic - 1991 Honda Civic
  By ? - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive, powerfull to for a 1396cc engine, because of the DOHC and twin carberater.good amount of tourqe to

• 

  Not bad, not great either - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Rizzo21 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I was rather disappointed with the reliability of this Honda and probably spent more in repairs than would normally be expected. It started burning/leaking oil around 150K and I finally had to let it go at 174k with barely any residual value. Electrical fixes cost me quite a bit over the years too. The brakes seemed to have nice longevity as did the A/C unit and never any problems with the transmission/clutch.

• 

  What I expected and a little more - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Mirage - March 2 - 8:06 am

  Good comfort and expected performance since I was a 2005 Pilot owner. New features such as back up camera and passenger side camera for lane change and blind spot are great. Too bad it didnt include drivers side as well. Side mirrors fold back on this model is something that I wish was electronically adjustable as I fold them back every day manually. Plenty of room and great console. Plenty of compartments on the doors and back areas. Love the hatchback open ability from the key ring. Easy to open and close without having to do it manually. Touch unlock on the doors and key less start a big plus. Getting used to the higher ride for distance estimating in front takes a little getting used to. You cant really see the front of the car to judge how close you are. Bluetooth match up fine for our two Android phones however the interface for playing music from our phones doesnt have the flexibility for selecting songs, albums or playlists that the phone does. Using google maps from the phone interface works fine.