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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  Honda Did a Good Job on the New Accord Hybrid - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By rickpoole - November 17 - 3:15 am

  Honda has done a good job on their latest Accord Hybrid. It is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the original HAH. Our other car is a 2013 Camry Hybrid XLE and the new HAH has a slightly better ride (feel and sound level) but looks and feels much more luxurious. The HAH trunk appears to be noticeably smaller than the TCH even though it is stated as only 0.5 CF smaller. The USB audio interface in the EX-L model is totally unusable, to the point we said we wouldnt purchase that model without immediately replacing the head unit. The I/F on the Touring is better but still not up to that in others products. The HAH is much more expensive than its gas counter part than the TCH.

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  Great Buy! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dmski - November 16 - 5:01 pm

  I was in the market for an econo car and Edmunds site was a big help. Narrowed down my selection to Jetta TDI, Elantra and Civic. At the end of the day, went with Civic and cant be more pleased. The car is VERY comfortable even for 6ft+ individuals. I cant get over how well this thing rides. Ive owned a TL & MDX in the past and this car is a pleasure to drive! Fuel economy is also great. Im averaging 35+mpg to the tank on mixed driving. I do spend a lot of time in traffic during my daily commute. If youre lookn for a great econo car that drives well, is reliable you will not go wrong with selecting this car. Its not flashy but gets the job done.

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  rating my car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By birdman7 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  car wears tires quick

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  Love my - 2003 Honda Element
  By Blondman954 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had my "E" since January and have 5,000 miles on it so far. No problems so far. There are some very minor issues that happen with almost every new car made (squeaks, rattles, etc). I like the way it handles and despite the 4 cylinder engine, it moves along just fine.

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  Impressive car, good value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By EJ215 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Camry, Altima and Mazda 6 before purchasing the Accord. I was impressed by the Accords powerfull yet efficient engine, its interior and reputation for quality and reliability.Had some concerns regarding visaiblity to the side/rear and reported (relatively) poor braking distances.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By 7milehi - November 14 - 8:43 pm

  Though Ive only had it a week we really enjoy this vehicle. We replaced our Volvo XC90 with the Honda Pilot due to high maintainance on the Volvo. The safety features and 5 star crash test for both front and side on the Pilot was a big selling point. In my opinion the Pilot has less wind noise, is more comfortable, has more room and much better visibility than the XC90.

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  Third Accord and Im Still in Love - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Knox Tenor - November 14 - 3:50 am

  Much quieter than my 93 Accord (or the previous 85, for that matter), and the ride is more refined, though not as nimble as either the 85 or 93. (Like most of its American drivers, Accords have gotten bigger and cushier over the years.;) ) I do think the I-4 is just slightly underpowered for the weight of the car. The 5-speed automatic shifts a lot more than Im used to. (Previous Accords were 5-speed manuals.) But that makes sense: heavier car + similar-size engine + more gears. Should be roughly comparable to my 93 manual 5-spd, mpg-wise. I love the tighter turning radius on my new Accord. It really gets around. Heres to another 13 years of trouble-free driving!

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  Should be better - 2009 Honda Accord
  By life - November 12 - 12:46 am

  I have had my new Honda accord for 3 months. Everything is Ok, but not as good as I expected. The worse thing is it gives so much noise, especially on the local road. I have visited the service twice already. I had read some reviews, it seems the noise is a common issue for this model of car. The seats are a little too hard for those who do not weigh so much.

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  Overall Love it but ...... - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Shellie - November 11 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my Honda in April 2015 so I have driven it for a year now. Overall I love the car. I drive a 100 miles per day for work so I spend a lot of time in the drivers seat. The seat is room and comfortable, I have plenty of leg room (Im 59"). The head room is ok I would prefer a little more. The controls and displays are in good areas that I can easily reach them or see them. The gas mileage is excellent, I average 27-28 with SoCal freeway/surface street driving. The leather of the seats shows little to no wear tear after a year. I often have issues with the Bluetooth especially when using Pandora. The ride is mostly smooth and quiet but if the road is rough at all you will feel it and hear it. When I step on the gas the car picks up and goes really well, I have the V6. What I dont care for is the trunk feels cheap, like there is no substance to it. The reverse camera has already had to be replaced because the clip was somehow broken when the car was washed and the camera was "hit". My picky self does not like the fact that I cannot lock the doors if I have the drivers door open, I cannot lock the doors if I have the key fob in my hand and leave the car on or running. I do not like that ALL of the doors unlock when the drivers door is opened. These things are a safety issue in my mind. One thing I was very surprised by and I am definitely not pleased with; the brakes are ceramic from what I was told and I had to replace them all after only 6 months and 15,000 miles which costs $300 or so at the dealer. I will be doing some research on this because spending $300 or so for brakes every 6 months is not going to be good. Bottom line; the good outweighs the bad ...... at the moment.

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  What happened Honda?!? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By cpc - November 11 - 11:06 am

  I had some pretty high expectations after happily owning two prior Hondas. And let me tell you, I have been pretty disappointed with my Pilot purchase. We placed both Honda and Toyota on top of our list for cars to look at, due to their good designs and quality ratings. We have worked with the dealership to TRY to fix several issues: 1-Known alignment issue with no fix. 2-Interior parts not installed correctly. 3-Rattles in the interior. 4-Steering vibration. 5- Temperature gauge stuck at reading 56 degrees. 6-AC display does not show on or off when running unless you press the button twice. Again, deeply disappointed with all the problems so far, and there is only 2500 miles on it!