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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  Honda Slips - 2006 Honda Civic
  By limee - March 24 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 4th Honda and have noticed with each one the build quality has deteriorated and problems have increased. This one immediately had creaking and groaning noises from the rear passengers side and has been in the shop twice and am awaiting a faulty shock. The build quality is severely lacking from my first tight Honda with ill fitting plastics and overspray inside the doors and boot and just generally lacking.

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  I love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By pruvallejo - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Drove the Element from the SF Bay Area over the Sierras to Reno and back last weekend. It did better than I expected in the mountains, climbing at speed without problems. I chose the car mostly for its cargo- carrying capability, and have been very happy with it for that reason. I would NOT choose black again, though the Honda black is nice, with dark blue metallic flakes in the paint. Its just too hard to keep clean. Yesterday I say one with the darker silver/gray color...should have chosen that, I think. Live and learn!

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  First car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By DEO - March 22 - 10:00 am

  And I love her! Shes really sensitive. You only need to to tap on her and she just goes! With the Ford Taurus we got, you have to really push down to go anywhere. I love the size because its really easy to handle and I get a great feel of the car. Im really happy with this Honda.

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  First Accord - Somewhat Disappointed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Marc - March 20 - 4:23 pm

  Perhaps my expectations were too high. I have owned three Acuras, which were of higher quality. And three Mazdas, which required no warranty service visits. This car required three warranty service visits before the 18,000 mile point. One for a blocked drain and a rattle in the dash, one for a protective cover in the wheelwell that fell off, and one to turn the front brake rotors that warped at 7K (mostly highway) miles. One of the reasons I paid a premium for a Honda is to avoid these multiple service visits. The brakes are weaker than they should be, and the handling could be somewhat more crisp. I find the ride quality to be comfortable.

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  Brakes squeal - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tk2572 - March 20 - 2:20 am

  Nice car but the front RT brake started to squeal. Dealer reports no Honda fix to the issue yet. Still trying to get everything replaced until it is resolved. Also poor gas mileage, averaging 20 mpg in rural driving. Other than that it has been fun to drive so far. Do notice the VCM kicking in and out , could be smoother or perhaps a bypass to go into full time 4 or 6 cylinder mode.

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - March 20 - 12:43 am

  Each time I drive away in my lil Fit, I feel as though Im in on a well-kept, wonderful secret! This tiny car delivers in every way. I researched a lot before purchasing and am so glad that I didnt spend 10k extra on the alternatives. No need. The interior is spacious with great flexibility. On level ground, pick-up is good though not so hot on hilly terrain. Large windows are nice, however interior heats up a LOT when parked. Cargo room is fantastic. This car is very zippy and loads of fun to drive. The price point makes it a real winner, especially given Hondas great reliability and safety crash ratings. The Fit is guilt-free, fun driving at its best!

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  great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sgast - March 19 - 3:26 am

  I have 45,000 miles on my 2003 EX V6 and I have no complaints. I shipped the car to England where I am driving it now and have been on three vacations to France, Germany and Italy and have been amazed with the power that the V6 puts out. Very few cars can keep up with it on the Autobahns. I have gotten on a average of 26 miles to the gallon while averaging over 100 MPH. The stock tires have held up well and the brake pads still have plenty of life. The only complaint is that the suspension is fairly soft but that should be fixed when I replace the stock shocks with some KYBs that I have on order.

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  From Tahoe to Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Hauser - March 17 - 1:01 am

  After seven months of driving I am very pleased with our decision to purchase a 2016 Pilot. After two Tahoes I found the price point excessive and so began to shop. Initially the redesign of the Pilot appealed to us so we signed up for a test ride, and we were sold. This vehicle is economical to operate, comfortable and offers a very well designed cabin that is more than adequate for two seniors who like to travel and have many grandkids. We have the EX-L model which is responsive on acceleration, and braking, easy on gas and a comfortable ride. My one disappointment is the lack of a CD player, although I managed to import my music on to a thumb drive. Its not the same but works for me. A lot of thought has been given to the interior layout , which is positive and rear passengers remark how comfortable the back seats are vs. our previous Tahoes which were not. We own a Toyota Solara, Subaru Outback and the Pilot. You really cant go wrong with any of these cars but so far the Toyota and the Honda Pilot are the most economical to maintain. Yes, I would recommend a Pilot for a young family, older folks like us who desire some elbow room and a great travel vehicle. We haul Kayaks on top. Folks seem to complain about the more expensive Pilot models and their transmissions, we have no complaints at 7K miles.

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  Its an okay ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By DAvid J - March 14 - 6:50 pm

  Very nice overall vehicle, 4Cyl, gets great mileage

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  Fit is far and away ahead of the others. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MrsS - March 13 - 11:20 pm

  The first three days we had our Fit we put over 400 miles on it. The Fit is comfortable during trips with its "refreach mode". The paddle shifters are a lot of fun when you want to play with the road. The Fit is solid. When you close the doors, hatch or even the glove box you get a nice solid thump. The view of the road is clear with the Fits low dash style.