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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  I still miss my Accura - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Ralph - April 14 - 10:43 pm

  This car has taken me 66,000 miles without the slightest problem. I drove my last Accura RSX to 180,000 miles on the original clutch. You cannot say too much about the reliability of Honda products. In good old flat Florida the 1500 cc engine is just fine. I found the engine to be very busy in the mountains when I drove out to LA. The handling of the Civic is OK but once you get used to an Accura you are ruined for anything else. My next car will be another RSX.

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  Nice car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By New to Honda - April 13 - 11:00 am

  We purchased this car used when the fuel prices were so high. Would have loved the Accord, but had to have the gas savings as I drive 40 miles 1 way to work. Disturbing to have loud road noise shortly after buying it & it was the rear control arms that also ruined the rear tires. Also had the visor break. Honda did take care of the problem, but now worried if we made a good decision buying a Honda. Fairly comfortable car but we were used to the ease of getting in/out of an small SUV.

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  I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Elizabeth Veazey - April 11 - 10:00 pm

  I have always been a sportscar person, but I am also a local muscian and have too much equipment for a car, I also have 2 kids and a dog! I needed the room! The Honda Element has room for days! We took the car on a trip to the mountains the week after I bought it, fully loaded with my PA equipment and all our luggage(I also had a gig there) the car performed great, the gas mileage is somthing to brag about. Everywhere we stopped people would come over to us and ask to look at the car while telling us how crowded and uncomfortable they were. My daughter who is 16 is trying her best to talk me out of my Element and buying myself something else. If I did, it would be another Element.

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  My First Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Geoff - April 11 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first Accord. I chose it over the Civic. I prefer a car with 4 wheel disc brakes and after dressing up the Civic the price was very close to the Accord LX. I am 64" in height and I fit better in the Accord. The car drives well. Highway I am getting 35 mpg. City mileage is at 25 mpg. The paint is good quality. I always hand wax a new car the day I get it to look for flaws or scratches and found the finish to be fine. It drives very well and has a solid feel on the road at freeway speeds. I wanted an inexpensive car with good mileage, and strong resale. This car meets my expectations.

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  The Accord isnt a Buick - 2010 Honda Accord
  By IMFletch - April 11 - 2:50 am

  Some of these reviews are amusing. Did anyone actually test drive the Accord before buying it? This Accord is what it has always been - the sports sedan of work-a-day cars. This means it has a firm ride, quick, accurate steering, lots of road feel, a rev-happy engine and a slick shifting manual trans. Complaints about road noise, hard ride? Please. Listen, if you want a four-wheeled isolation chamber, buy a Buick. The Accord has grown up, but it still retains the qualities that have made its predecessors so beloved: a great DRIVING experience, quality, reliability and economy. My LX 5 spd is simple and fun to drive. The Accord is perfect if thats what youre looking for in a car.

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  Best Owned Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Allen - April 8 - 8:06 pm

  Ive owned a Toyota, two VWs, and now two Civics, and this is by far the best car Ive owned. From its superb gas mileage, to its non-dated styling, this car takes the cake any day. Requires 87 octane and is certainly not a sports car, but the gas mileage is absolutely fabulous. Somehow, I cant stray from 34-36 mpg regardless of how i drive.

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  fun car - 2005 Honda Element
  By ralph - April 8 - 7:26 pm

  had the element now for over 2 years and i can say its been nothing but fun and the reliability has been great

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  Funky take on the SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lance Funston - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a deceptive car: Its small on the outside, yet enormous on the inside. It can fit in an SF parking space, but carry huge amounts of gear especially with rear seats folded up or removed .In many ways its the ultimate answer to the mega- SUV (except it shoud probably do better than its average 20mpg fuel economy...esp from Honda). The split open "suicide doors" make loading cargo easy but can be tough for disembaking rear passengers. Driving position is high and commanding. Handling is tight with significant body roll. on curves. 4CL VTEC engine is just a bit underpowered and delivers meiocre mileage as well and has to rev for power.

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  Perfect Reliable Coupe - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Aaron Fine - April 6 - 10:11 pm

  For something reliable, yet sporty, I couldnt think of anything better.

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  Poor Mans MDX - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By X MDX Owner - April 6 - 1:46 pm

  The Pilot drives/handles better than the 03 MDX Premium it replaced. The road manners and feel in the wheel are better. The rake of the windshield is less, providing better all around visibility.