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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  Watch out for rocks - 2003 Honda Element
  By eric777 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  There is no front panel to gaurd the radiator. Watch out for rocks flying up. One went right throuh mine and insurance dosent cover road hazards. Could have been a freak accident, but I already noticed were more rocks have hit, just not gone through yet.

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  Accord EX V-6 Coupe w/Leather - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Biffie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good looking car and very comfortable to drive. Had a problem with the sash moldings around the windows wrinkling up on both sides and the trunk latch was not installed correctly.

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  problem with radio or? - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cali4all - November 9 - 8:19 pm

  I like the car, think it is very comfortable, agree with other issues, center console lid should slide so can use as arm rest, but get use it and I am short. Anyways, having issues with the radio with static and have had all the presets disappear one time now (they did come back after a while). The issue acts like a short, went to the dealer and they said have another similar complaint, they said Honda says it is a software problem, wish they told me when I called an made and showed up for the service appt. The problem is not fixed, googled the issue. I didnt see anything about it. This is irritating. Asked if Honda would call me or if I had to call them again and told didnt know.

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  a/c-heater rattle - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sewh - November 9 - 11:06 am

  Had the car a year. Great gas mileage for a v-6. Terrible rattle in a/c- heater area, sounds like a Ping-Pong ball bouncing around inside when a/c is on. Noticed it a couple months after buying & after several trips to dealer, they duplicated noise and replaced heater sub-assembly. Noise went away, until couple weeks ago and its back. Very annoying. Hoping to hear from someone experiencing same problem - looking for help.

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  Just wait - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Shane Henry - November 7 - 10:24 am

  Overall the HRV is an okay vehicle. Minor issues, the key-less entry on the drivers side only opens the drivers side, the passengers side opens all door. I was told by Hondas dealership that this is a safety issue (Thats B.S. because if the passenger side opens all of the doors isnt that just as unsafe)? 2nd issue, if you receive Hondas factory remote start, Honda only gives 1 remote for the remote start, in addition, you have to carry the key-fob and the remote start controller. 3rd issue, you/ your passenger does not have the ability to view HDMI/ change bluetooth settings, because of "safety" again. (Come on give me a break we are over doing this safety clause, you are already warned every time you start the vehicle, in fact when the lane view switches back and forth, that is much more distracting than changing bluetooth settings in traffic). 4th issue, limitation bluetooth selection, my Samsung tablet cannot connect to the bluetooth, it is only for phones, or that what my display states. 5th issue, no options for additions, power seats, doors (tail gate), etc.

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  Civic Hybrid takes the lead - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Grizzly/tupad - November 4 - 2:00 am

  If you want transportation that is economical, reliable and enjoyable, the Civic Hybrid is the car to have. No frills, nothing special, except great mileage and performance that gets the job done

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  Honda Civic EX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bolnbroke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car .. Good Value for the Dollar ..

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  sporty yet sensible - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Pinkie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! It sporty but also sensible! I wanted an eclipse..but my parents disagreed because thats not a very safe car..the honda civic two-door was a great compromise! its got a great look, but still has antilock brakes and other safety features

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  great car to own ,above the rest - 2004 Honda Accord
  By albert hechme - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i love the car and i think i made the right choice,but i wish it could of handled more like a family sport sedan ,especialy on turns,and pickup.for a 240hp engin it should have a quicker respons. i had a 2001 maxima se and it was the same hp but the response was a lot quicker,and it handled better on turns than the acccord,but no where close to the workmenship of the accord,inside and outside,and comfortabilityis unmatched by a car of its class.

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  Honda Hype - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DK - November 1 - 11:26 am

  I have owned 5 different Honda Accord models. The 2007 EXL-V6 is a big disappointment. I have experienced an unusual vibration that shakes the steering wheel, dash, and mirrors whenever the car sits (parked) for periods longer than 8 hours. The dealership states its caused by the tires "flat spotting". Michelin somewhat agrees, and were good enough to swap out the OEM tires with another model of Michelin Pilot tires, and they also vibrate. So I had them install Yokohama Avid V4s and guess what--they also do the same thing! I called Honda Corporate and they claim this is how the Accord was engineered to ride, and that I should get used to it...needless to say, Ill be trading very soon!