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 Accord EX Nav, Auto - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Greg Healey - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a few weeks, and just love love it,we could not be more pleased, we had been looking at a C230 Merc, and for the money the Accord was the best car by far, The Dealer was outstanding, MILE HIGH HONDA in Denver CO. The MSRP was 26K, we reached a price at 24K, the salesman was great, the dealer has also called twice to see if we needed anything, a big change from my last car dealer (VW).

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By marvin jenkins - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Since the first day at the dealership I have loved my Honda. Hondas have been in my family for years and we cant see ourselves driving anything else.If I could have afforded two I would have bought another but for now one is enough.

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  This car is the best of the best - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Scott - March 3 - 12:16 am

  The lines/appearance of this car are truly one of my all time favorites--overall its understated elegance. Love it all. Must be seen and driven to be truly appreciated. The navigation, a/c, fit and finish are excellent. I was quite surprised at how technologically sophisticated it is. Except for driving, almost everything else can be operated via voice commands (i.e. a/c, heating, radio,stereo, nav. etc.). Fun to drive and well powered. I truly do not understand the reviewers who have critiqued the shape of the vehicle.

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  Fun little car, great for So Cal! - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Dude - March 2 - 11:37 pm

  Ive always wanted an Insight since they first came out years back. In CA I have the carpool lane sticker, and its invaluable as it always comes in handy having the extra lane as an option. Car is very reliable and had only minor quirks ( rear view mirror fix, and power window track cleaning ). It is super fun to drive, and has great handling. It is SUPER efficient on gas, and pretty quick and fast as well. There is some storage capability as well, and its great for So. CA. It might not work as well in rain and snow areas, as it is low to the ground and has small tires, but if you live in a moderate climate, it is really an excellent car to own!!!

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  BonSi Beast - 2006 Honda Civic
  By SiAnora - March 2 - 12:53 pm

  This is my fourth Honda. Two Accords and two Civics. The last two being Civics since I cant afford the Accord anymore! I owned a 2003 Civic EX sedan which was an awesome car. But this new Si is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Straight out this car is a blast, wish I had it when I was much younger. I am Honda loyal now. My father bought a 06 Honda Accord EX V6 the same day. I hope to inherit it some day.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2005 Honda Element
  By Kim - March 2 - 11:53 am

  Always fun to drive. Room and then some inside. Comfortable and versatile. The only thing I would change; more HP!!

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  Wonderful Truck, but a few quirks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wissnificent - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its a great casual truck for all the reasons given in other reviews.......great ride, handling, looks, utility, etc. Id buy another in a heartbeat. But as an ex automotive engineer, there are some quirks that it is best potential owners know about: 1) oil filter is somewhat difficult to reach 2) Battery is hard to access, especially when jump-starting; 3) Actual MPG is 1-2 less than indicated; 4) Feature to auto unlock all 4 doors will not program on my truck; 5) Radio menu structure is a mess (has the low end system); 6) Trip Data menu and display items could be better. I realize items 3, 4, 5, and 6 are very minor, but this used to be my job at another company, so I know when it is or isnt done right.

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  Not one problem in 5+ years! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By scottdawn1 - March 2 - 9:58 am

  This car has not caused me one problem in over 5 years. Why would anyone consider anything else besides a Honda or Toyota. They keep going and going even more so than the energizer bunny.

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  Driving experience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ralph steding - March 2 - 2:30 am

  I bought this van mainly for traveling. So far, it has been a very pleasant experience. This van is very comfortable, holds the road very good and the most amazing thing is that I dont get tired driving it for long distances. I averaged about 29 MPG on the highway with A/C. That is amazing to me. I guess that ECO feature really works.

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  Finally - The Perfect SUV! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sonoranlight - March 2 - 12:36 am

  My wife and I are both teachers and research nuts when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. We have always had good fortune with Honda and a few of the Toyotas we’ve owned, but after six months with our Pilot, we’ve come to the conclusion that this is the first vehicle we’ve owned that has performed to perfection. We’re averaging over 22 mpg, (city and some freeway), and the comfort on long trips is spectacular. We had a mishap driving into L.A. with an obstacle on the freeway – at 75 mph we had to jerk the wheel and switch lanes then back again to avoid a crash. The VSA (vehicle stability assist) worked as advertised and saved our lives. Thank you, Honda, for surpassing our expectations.