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:

• 

  Brakes and rotors: F = Ma -dness? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jose ole - March 31 - 9:56 am

  This car has a host of outstanding features--excluding the ABS and hydraulics. The rotors seem to degrade very quickly: The first owner was able to wipe them out after 25M! I had had the rotors resurfaced (twice!), but there are still problems, probably because they are so thin now. Now I cant bed-in the brakes, which could mean trouble on the freeway or in dense city traffic because of the huge stopping distance.

• 

  The SUV for car lovers - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By YJHB - March 31 - 3:08 am

  If I could give Honda/Acura a "20" in reliability, I would. My 06 Acura TL was feeling cramped with 2 car seats lodged in the back. We looked first at bigger cars, then sat in the back of a Honda Pilot and looked around. The thing has a LOT of family friendly amenities, and the rear temperature control is superb it heats up quickly and stays at the set temperature. Driving it was a pleasant surprise to me, a gearhead car devotee. In short, it feels tight and light body roll feels minimal, and it brakes and corners competently under moderate usage. Its the most car-like SUV Ive ever driven. Acceleration is leisurely compared with my fast TL, but the kids are oh-so-much happier. TY HONDA!

• 

  Civic Strong - 2016 Honda Civic
  By teresa collins - March 30 - 10:03 pm

  Generation 10 is a 10 outa 10. Welcome back Civic!!!

• 

  Great Family Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Honda4Me - March 30 - 9:13 pm

  Since purchasing this SUV Ive been more than pleased. It makes driving fun again. Its roomy but sleek on the inside. Ive found that it has plenty of power for everyday driving and Ive averaged 20 MPG so far (both city & HWY). After driving domestic cars my whole life I can now see why they are in so much trouble. The Honda Pilot is best in its class in my opinion.

• 

  220k miles - 1994 Honda Accord
  By 220k Miles - March 30 - 6:13 pm

  After 20 years of buying new American cars, I could no longer afford a car payment. I purchased a 1994 Accord EX 5-sp with 217k miles for $1800.00. I spent $41.00 on a used tail light and touch-up paint. The car passed CA emissions with flying colors, and I drive it over 100 miles every day. It drives like I took it off the showroom floor. My last car was a new Chrysler SUV that cost 41k, and was on its 3rd transmission at 107k miles. I wish I had discovered Hondas sooner.

• 

  Love it! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Glen - March 30 - 10:27 am

  We love our pilot. Its strong, comfy and fun to drive.

• 

  2006 Element EX-P - 2006 Honda Element
  By Daren - March 30 - 1:13 am

  After shopping around for a reliable SUV I set my sights on the new Element EX-P Model. I liked the vehicle before, but the composite sides kept me away. The new model not only looks fantastic but drives fantastic. As far as gas mileage it gets the listed 26 hwy and 22 city with the automatic. Handles great and cuts through the air at high speeds on the highway. I havent noticed too much swaying from the wind. Seems like they should offer a more powerful engine in the EX models, perhaps a modified V6 Accord engine.

• 

  Mold and Rust under the car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Millie - March 29 - 10:59 pm

  I purchased a Honda CRV 2017 Touring January 2017 and I noticed the long tube that connects to both muffler is rusting and molding. I went back to my dealer Paragon Honda in Queens , NY and I was told that its a manufacturer problem and that is how is made. I am furious because I paid 38,000.00 for my vehicle and they told me there is nothing I can do. I guess I am going to present this case to my lawyer and see what I can do .

• 

  Great looking, reliable, but boring car. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Oleg - March 29 - 10:44 pm

  Bought mine 5 months ago and even though I find its reliability quite impressive, I still cant figure out why this car was made: Its a sporty looking coupe, but it was never offered as a stick shift, has a very soft suspension and visually deceiving configuration - its long body suggests RWD but being a Honda it never came as such. AWD was never offered in US either. Other than that - the J30A1 motor provides great fuel economy for a V6, the ride is smooth and comfortable, and most things in the interior are conveniently located and make sense.

• 

  Fun car - does NOT like the cold! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - March 29 - 4:40 pm

  I have to say I really do enjoy driving this car. Regardless of how slow it is, the feeling is very solid and really lets you feel the road. Brakes are a little weak (Civics have always had pretty weak brakes). Very small trunk space, but manageable. If you live in a very cold area (i.e. single digits and below), expect to see extremely low MPG numbers. I live in Chicago, and around town it averages about 30 MPG when its 30-40 degrees, and when the weather drops to single digits and below, the mpg plummets to mid 20s. Highway isnt much better - when the engine is fully warmed up, cruise control on the highway at 65, I get about 35 MPG (again only in cold weather). Very disappointing.