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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  The design is lazy and thoughtless - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Kmarie - April 10 - 10:41 am

  The Bluetooth works half the time and cuts the speaker and mic mid call, forcing me to randomly hang up on people, but not with the steering wheel controls. Oh no, not with those, because when the sound randomly cuts out, none of the buttons work and the call screen just stays there taunting me until I turn the car off or turn off my Bluetooth on my phone and then hit buttons randomly until it unfreezes. Either I have to deal with it until my destination or use my phone while driving, which I was trying to avoid by getting a car with Bluetooth. And when it does work, the speaker and mic are so terrible I can barely have a conversation. Plus, the road noise is so loud Im often asked if my windows are down by people on the line. The lumbar support is ridiculously low, by at least 4"s on me. The media controls are so far away I have to lean forward in my seat to reach them, which is at least a break from the horrible headrest that forces my neck forward by about 45 degrees. The seat just moves weird too. After over 2 years, I still cant settle on a comfortable position. And it has the turning radius of an 18 wheeler. That combined with the inaccurate back up camera caused me to curb my wheels more than once. I drive dozens of different cars daily and havent hit a curb in years. I gave up using my car port since its too narrow to turn in to unless the spots opposite are empty. It has enough space in the cabin for passengers, which is a plus, but it feels excessively bulky. Back to the rearview camera, the guides that are supposed to show you the trajectory of you car, are off by at least 12". Backing up straight, the curbside lines are way too narrow, which defeats the whole purpose. Im guessing no one told them that the lines are actually meant to serve a purpose? Ill help them out, its supposed to help you avoid obstacles AND show you accurate clearance so when youre trying to park just so far from a curb you can aim appropriately. Youre not supposed to show them they are a foot from the curb when their wheel starts grinding on cement.

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  If it was made in Japan....... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dissapointed - April 10 - 8:56 am

  First time Honda Experience and the biggest dissapointment so far. Leased in March , a month later annoying noises at the curtain airbag,rear seatbelt - had to be fixed , scrape sounds when changing gears 1-2 - Honda have no clue how to fix it....two months later - rear speaker is going off + annoying sounds when AC turned on ...Come on ..have 1400 miles on it and it seems that the car will fall apart at 10000 or so...

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  Good Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By RGX - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a really good car. Great driving experience when all is said and done and it has almost 200,000 miles on it now with only about 1,500 dollars worth of maintenance done.

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  My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By crjlll - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love Hondas. I have a 1992 Honda Prelude that I wanted to take of the street and custommize. That is why I bought my element. It reminds me of a G Class Mercedes without the house price tag. Plus I actuqlly get to carry people around and also lots of cargo space. The best of both worlds. The onlye improvement would be to make more room for us guuys over 62". Overall, I love it.

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  Very satisfied owner - 2004 Honda Element
  By davidt - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I use mine as a high mileage "bail- bond" runner with my advertising on all four sides. Its a design icon so it gets a LOT of notice. Incredibly versatile, tremendous value, good gas mileage, reasonably comfortable. If I get too tired to drive, I jump in the back and sleep a couple of hours and then Im back to it. Ive enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Stadium seating is cool.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By feldfurm - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car - but I dont find the city driving to be at 18mph. Also, visibility issues when making tough right or left turns. The body of the car surrounding the windshield is wide and it impedes visibility.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By richardst - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Would make the Honda Pilot a perfect Vehicle if the doors locked automatically when put in to drive

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By stephrr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After much research, we were torn between the Highlander and the Pilot. After test driving both, we chose the Pilot. It is roomy and dependable. The smooth ride cant be compared.

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  MY SECOND CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Rush4th - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up another CR-V EX..After this lousy winter I couldnt find a better vehicle combining all weather traction, fuel economy & good looks.. Reliability is tops..resale very high..If you are considering a small- mid SUV this is a no-brainer.. Tom R. Bedminster, NJ

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  Design Flaws - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Swammee - April 9 - 6:53 pm

  We know 6 people with 06 or late Pilots- all have been into dealer because mice crawled into to HVAC. Why? Its not covered enough in undercarriage. Design flaw. $250 each visit. Side trim on front leather seat on ours (and 3 others wecknow of) has worn through. Why? Cheap material. Design flaw. We get snow. Dont buy a Pilot with 4WD and expect anything but nasty control issues on slippery roads and steep roads: ABS locks up, auto 4WD has no bite (even with new mud/snow tires). Design flaws. If you need room, good traction and no mice or trim issues, buy something else.