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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  Well it did stall out at a dive thru... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Beth - April 1 - 8:37 pm

  Overall I like the car very much. I have 900ish miles on it. I need to take it to the dealership because last week it felt a little funny when I needed to quickly accelerate in traffic. (I gunned it) then 10 minutes later I was at a drive thru window and it felt like it was going to start sputtering and then it just shut off. It started right up and I got home with no issues. Otherwise I like the ride of the car, the interior is nice although I would like more storage. I really like the navigation in the car. I typically default to my phone and Google Maps because most navigation systems are a pain but this one is easy and up to date.

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  1st honda....pretty good car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bluewonder - April 1 - 3:40 pm

  Love, love, love my 190hp. Was uncertain about going back to a smaller engine because I was coming out of a 3.4 6 cyl but I must say I have no regrets. I have owned my Honda for 7 months and once I got used to the engine and learned how to adjust my driving I find the engine very responsive. I have no problems with rattles and squeaks. The driver seat took some getting used to (I had back surgery several years ago) but I just had to adjust the back, the lumbar and then it was fine. My lights flicker some but it is so minor I had to just sit and stare to notice it. I was not in love with the rear end but added a deck lid spoiler and now I am happy with that look. So far so good!

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Goody - April 1 - 12:03 am

  Mine is relatively new, with only 7,000 miles, but so far it has been great. The only drawbacks are that it doesnt get quite the gas mileage that I thought it might and the seats get in the way of seeing out the sides and back. Other than that it is another great Honda product.

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  bulletproof - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By cally - March 31 - 9:46 pm

  Did my homework and finally went with the pilot. The motor in this car is nothing short of amazing. Pulls a 4400 pound vehicle with amazing grace and manages 20 miles to the gallon. Does not have all the bells and whistles some of the competion does but with the dependebility and high resale I am thrilled to be a first time honda owner.

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  The best - 2005 Honda Element
  By ever - March 30 - 2:56 pm

  I love this "truck." If I could get another, I would. Whenever I go camping, mountain biking, or even just to drive around, it is an awesome piece of machinery.

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  Problems few and far between - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Roy4 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car now has well over 230,000 miles on it...and I find it hard to believe that any American car performs as well, is as reliable, or looks better then my 11 year old baby. My parents purchased the car new in 1991, and gave it to me 5 years ago (16th birthday)...and it still performs flawlessly. The powertrain is unstoppable, the ride is refined and controled even at illegal speeds, the interior materials still look brand new (though I did have to replace the drivers interior door handle after it broke...no big woop)...Im trying to run this thing into the ground so I can justify a new Accord...but the damn thing wont break!!!

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  Nice but... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hesaid - March 26 - 3:30 pm

  My wife loves her new CR-V. We did some comparison shopping and the CR-V is best choice out there for this size SUV.

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  Review of LX-V6 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By long-time Honda fan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my 94 EX with a 01 LX-V6 as I wanted 4 wheel disc brakes without AL wheels (my 94 lost air). Basically a very good car. I have no fault with its performance or transmission. I get a consistent 20 MPG around town and about the same on the highway as my 94 4 cylinder (29-31). Only problem has been a few dash squeaks (not typical for Honda). I find it a bit less of a "sporty" ride that earlier models but it is heavy and bigger.

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  Reliability Unquestionable - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kurokat - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I just wish GM, Ford, and other American makers would make reliable cars of solid engineering ... this is my 4th Honda!

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  disappointed with poor mileage - 2004 Honda Accord
  By anabella - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price but very disappointed with mileage. City driving and air conditioning on, sometimes:13 miles per gallon,on the highway: 18 .Mileage does not correspong to advertized numbers of 19 (city) and 27(highway).