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 machine with one or two issues... - 2015 Honda Accord
  By RSJ - May 20 - 1:05 am

  I test drove this car thinking I might like to upgrade from my current Civic EX Sedan. I liked most everything about the car. The seats were comfortable, the cabin is open and spacious and the interior seems to be high quality. The ride and handling were excellent as usual with a Honda. The only two drawbacks where the behavior of the transmission/6 cylinder engine with the "active cylinder management" system and the controls for climate and entertainment. The transmission/engine behavior is VERY noticeable each time the computer switches between less cylinders and all cylinders in the V6 engine. It is particularly pronounced in around town, stop and go type driving. There is a constant hesitancy when you push the gas pedal and you feel the transition from 3 cylinders to 6 every time. I imagine someone who was taking this car out on the freeway a lot for cruising type driving would be happy but if you drive a lot around town, you may be annoyed like I was with the behavior of the engine/transmission. Once it "makes up its mind" how many cylinders, it GOES with gusto and is extremely smooth and quiet. The other thing I found annoying was the entertainment and climate controls - talk about confusing! I could not figure out how to get just a simple FM radio station to play with all the press and toggle actions necessary and TWO screens to look at. Honda desperately needs to simplify this system! I could not imagine trying to manage this while driving - disaster! Other than the two issues I mentioned, this was an impressive automobile - maybe as they continue to refine this car, they will work out the cylinder management system issues and the logic of the controls!

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  Too many compromises - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Shawn - May 19 - 8:06 pm

  After only 65,000 KM and 1 year, I traded this car in for a Corolla. First vehicle I have owned and not put more than 200,000 KM on. This vehicle, is poorly made. The rattles after only 15K are unacceptable, and everything is breaking. The throw out bearing went out at 40,000 KM along with the 4 disk breaks. The passenger window fell off the track 3 times. The fuel economy of my corolla in the real world is much better, 36 vs 42 MPG mixed driving even thought the civic is rated higher. There is so little low end torque, it is hard to drive efficiently. Also at 110 KM/H the car revs at 3K RPM in 5th. I really expected more! The car is very weak (poor starting/shifting) in cold weather.

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  Details are not as good as other Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By Daniel - May 18 - 6:26 pm

  Found the car to be fun to drive but the ride is choppy. The finish is not as good as other Honda models, i.e. rough plastic edge under the steering wheel bothers my fingers, The plastic panels are also seem to be made of weak / thin materials.

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  Its a Honda! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Doug - May 17 - 8:30 am

  What can I say... its a Honda. And for you non-Honda owners, that is a very good thing. The Ridgeline is built to last, and with usability in mind. They seem to have thought of nearly everything, from rubber floor mats that you can get dirty, to storage pockets everywhere, to a composite bed. If I had one complaint, it would be that the base RT model has too many standard features, making the base truck too expensive in my opinion. The Ridgeline definitely sells itself if you take a one for a test drive.

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  one week impression so far - 2003 Honda Element
  By kanata - May 17 - 2:00 am

  We have this for about a week already and were getting lots of stares and questions. Pretty hard to stay low profile in this car. Great design, great interior concept. It feels really solid and tight. Very good road feel and turing radius. Drives great! Dont know why people are complaining about 20mpg. Dont they ever read the brochure before they buy? Its advertised at 21mpg!!! Too bad I noticed some excessive/poor glue/weld spots in some areas (wheres the QC?) Oh wait, its built in the USA instead! Get it back to Japan and Ill gladly pay the extra bucks.

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  Nice Truck but not an Acura MDX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jtuffy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  What is missing from the Pilot are the little things. Poor rear viewing. Need: Backup sensor. Jumped a friends (very expensive) sports car bumper parked directly behind us at a New Years Eve Party. Not a scratch on the Pilot but the tailpipe cut his bumper and broke his headlight. The only other negative is you cannot open a side window while traveling without having a helicopter like air wave go through the car. I have heard that this is common with many SUVs. PRICE WAS RIGHT. High residual value lead to favorable lease.

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  Value & Versatility - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Skydefender - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied (except for bizarre positioning of headrests)so I will comment on 2 misconceptions about the Pilot. #1: Too expensive. Those who say its overpriced, I defy you to match overall value against any other SUV. If you paid over MSRP, well, there is one born every minute... #2: Gas mileage criticism. Does anyone know of a non-mini SUV that gets over 20 mpg average besides the Pilot?

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  Very good small car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DouglasValle - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice and safe family car. Modern and economic engine

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  CIVIC EX Coupe slow but fun - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stjohnh4 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Not as swift as it looks. However, offers great quality, fuel economy, crisp handling at a fantastic price.

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  Good but clunky clutch - 2002 Honda Accord
  By spooley - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Stylish and easy to handle. A good replacement for a 1988 MX-6. Nice interior features. Maybe a little under- powered.