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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  too many recalls - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dave - July 22 - 3:16 am

  Perhaps its true what is said about buying the first year of a newly designed model- that is- it will have problems until they refine them. Ive had three recalls as well as an electrical problem, a HVAC problem, a body panel alignment problem. I feel this is too many problems for a new care especially one of Hondas reputation.

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  Looking at Camry - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jon - July 21 - 1:16 am

  Honda has done an excellent job with realiability and resale value, but if you check their history (Consumer Reports) body integrity has always been an issue. This is evident in the 2004 EX Sedan I purchased. Six times the vehicle has been to the dealership, who finally isolated the issue, for a rattle/squeak/rubber rubbing noise from the drivers side door. It was determined that there is not enough insulation between the headliner and body of the vehicle. The repair involved the technician removing the headliner and placing foam tape inside the headliner. For the time being, the problem is fixed, but its hard to stomach the monthly payment for something that rattles.

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  Joy of ownership - 2010 Honda Accord
  By moxie - July 20 - 6:50 am

  Its great to not be concerned or worry about defects or imperfections; my car is exactly what I had expected- phenomenal value and dependability.

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  Gas guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - July 18 - 2:13 pm

  Traded in our 2004 Odyssey for the 2007 version. Love the improvements in design of rear seats, driver seat, electric 12 v.outlets and usage of space.

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  Practical, Cheap, Cool - 2003 Honda Element
  By DroolingBabyMarket - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it last week. Love it. Paid 19.0k including destination charge. Was told that was 500 over invoice. Accessories are a rip-off, but the car is awesome. Great ride. Surprisingly good handling. If you buy a DX, you can have a sunroof installed. The car is mismarketed. Should be targeted at people like me, young professional couples with little families on a budget.

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  Civic Hybrid w/Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rshaw - July 16 - 1:46 pm

  Ive had the car just over 6 weeks and am very pleased. I mostly do freeway driving on my 52 mile round trip commute. I bought it for the mileage and have been getting about 46 on the freeway without doing anything extreme. The road noise is higher than I like and the radio could be better but generally Im very satisfied.

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  Trusty Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By marcusjd - July 16 - 11:16 am

  Weve had our Civic lx (4dr a/t) for a year and a half, 26,000 miles on it. The car is quiet with very little road noise. Gas mileage is not as advertised on the window sticker (30 city 40 hwy). Rather Im getting about 24 mpg combined city/hwy feathering the gas pedal. The gas mileage got better after 18 or 19,000 miles, averaging 28 mpg combined. After about 20,000 miles the bumps and holes feel harsher. As the car racks up miles the fuel economy gets better but ride quality doesnt. The drivers side sun visor split in half and, it didnt want to stay closed it was replaced under warranty. Overall the car is fun to drive with zippy handling and performance. Interior and exterior design is great.

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  a great car - the plus & minus of it - 2004 Honda Element
  By Chris - July 14 - 5:23 pm

  Overall a great car.We own an 01 Accord and love it.Our family has owned many models and years with very little negative to say about Honda. The Element continues in this tradition. The combination of economy and utility is a great aspect of this car.The back seats cant be fully reclined to latch up inside unless the head rest is removed.This appears to be an oversight since the owners manual and website make no mention of removing head rest.The moonroof needs improvements- with the glass in- it opens a paltry 3-4 inches. When you remove the glass, the optional screen that I purchased isnt supposed to be used when the car is in motion.A power roof like we have on our accord would be great.

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  First time Honda Owner - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Ronna - July 12 - 11:57 pm

  I purchased the 2016 Honda Fit when the front suspension needed replacing in my trusty 2003 Toyota RAV. I loved the RAV but couldnt justify the investment of an expensive repair. Budget-wise, it was not an opportune time for me to buy a new car so it was important to find an economical solution. The new RAVs were now too large for me so I needed to find something else. I wanted a car that got great ratings & reviews, good crash test scores, excellent gas mileage, has lots of cargo space & a low price tag. After researching thoroughly, the Honda Fit was the only vehicle that met all of my criteria.

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  Fun to drive but noisy and rattles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - July 11 - 9:50 pm

  Really fun to drive and handling is incredible. Now the bad, tire noise is constant except on perfect new smooth blacktop. The car has numerous rattles from several areas, but only on rough roads or over rail road tracks etc. It is tight on smooth roads. Rear brakes are making a dull hum at 16,000 miles. I would not recommend this car if you are sensitive to road noise and rattles. I would not purchase this car again but only because of the road noise and rattling issues! I plan to sell it asap to get a tight, quiet car like Honda used to build! Too bad, Honda blew it for me! And I was a big fan!