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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  My new 07 Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By W - April 6 - 6:46 am

  The 2007 Honda Accord has some new standard perks including side heated mirrors, side curtain airbags and a redesigned rear end which adds to its sporty look better than my 2004s. It continues to drive great; hugs the road, great pick-up and the safe feeling you get when youre inside one. The reason I purchased a new Accord was that mine was totaled in an accident after a front end collision. Everything worked as it should, all air bags went off, and my son and I walked away with bruises only. I didnt have to think twice about the next car to buy - it kept me safe and I was getting another Accord. Plus, theyre fun to drive and I feel great being behind the wheel.

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  Much better than expected! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wood Chopper - April 6 - 3:56 am

  Handling and ride quality are outstanding. Three separate climate controls keep everyone comfortable. Has all of the features I needed plus some delighters that I did not expect at this price point. Advanced AWD has completion beat hands down. Huge lockable trunk keeps valuables safe, dry and out of sight. In mixed driving I am averaging 25 MPG which is far better than I expected. The only negative is rear visibility, but there is a high resolution backup camera with 3 different view modes which addresses that shortcoming. I also considered a F150, but it was $6K more expensive for a comparably equipped model. I also ruled out Tacoma due to dated technology and poor reliability according to Consumer Reports.

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  Our first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mike L - April 5 - 12:30 pm

  Bought our Pilot in October & have 11000 miles on it already & love it. It hasnt even had a squeak! Just returned from a 4850 mi trip from the Midwest to CA & return & ave 20.5mpg on Interstate, mountain & city driving while having the cargo area quite full, very pleased with that. Wish it had another 35HP in the mountains. Found the Nav MUCH easier to use than the 2005 Sienna we traded.

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  Honda is better then Lexus - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mr. Cobra - April 5 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this 2008 Honda Accord EX V6 and its the best car Ive ever owned. I traded in my 2006 Lexus gs 300 to get this beuty. This 2008 accord is far more smoother, extremely powerful, quieter and reliable than lexus. I have 11,000 miles on my accord and trouble free. Who said Toyota products are reliable? i had to replace the transmission of the lexus at 8,500 miles. I am now going to have a solid reliable car for 10-15 years (2008 honda accord) Thanks Honda for making top class cars. I also have an Acura mdx which is also excellent.

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  Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By MonteroFan - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little SUV for any purpose. It has the versatility of a minivan and the off-road ability and of an SUV all in a package that doesnt look like youre going to use it to take little Jimmy to soccer practice. The audio system on the EX is amazing, I plug my iPod into the MP3 auxilliary jack and its never sounded better. The Element isnt just for teenagers - if youre looking at SUVs, Minivans, or Pickups, be sure to give the Element a test drive. If in the LA area go to the Keyes Woodland Hills internet department, they got us an amazing deal and didnt mess around (another dealer tried to foist a stick shift on us halfway in the deal).

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  Nice Ride - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Bmo - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Yup, bought a Civic 2dr EX. Just like them all, had front struts replaced under warranty. No problem now. Solid ride, good interior room with large enough doors to get in and out (other car is 90 Miata so this one feels huge...) Hauls lots of stuff when I need it to. Good in the snow or with sunroof open in summer. Driver gets wet when it rains and windows are down a little (wish it had rain rails) Outstanding reliability. I think Ill have this one for a while...

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By MeMyselfAndI - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My husband gets over 45 MPG with this car on average, and this is with automatic transmission. The car comes with many things that are extra on other cars, such as cruise control, a CD player, and has the great safety feature of sideair bags. Highly recommend.

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  Off to a rough start - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CJHESQ - April 5 - 10:00 am

  While salesman was showing the car, the battery died. Had to jump the car in the showroom! Also, the alignment was off. I love everything else about the car. Interior is slick and the XM built in is a bonus. Hopefully the car will overcome the early problems and be a typical Honda My wife, father, and sister all have had multiple Accords, and swear by them.

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  Hondas are great!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rgn929 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car fun to drive. Much better than the ford I used to own and put 1000 dollars of repairs a year into. Everyone should own a honda!!!!!!

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  Accord Rules - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sertra - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is really amazing. The feel ,the look and the drive of the Accord is unbeleivable. It is smooth and sleek. The interior is plush with no cheap looking gadgets. Everything looks classy and detail oriented in this car. I test drove the camry, altima and Sonata before I was totally sold on the Accord. Great value for money, plus the peace of mind for knowing its a Honda ! Would recommend to freinds and family.