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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  MY SC - 2007 Honda Element
  By AALOOPY - December 12 - 7:41 am

  We traded in our 2006 Civic because we needed more room for our two kids. I had looked at the element in previous years but didnt care for the looks. Well Honda took care of that with the SC.

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  Just float along... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hondalvr - December 11 - 10:21 pm

  After test driving 6 other Hondas (CR- Vs, Accords, Element) I was lucky enough to get a super-clean "pre- owned" 2003 Pilot in March of 2006 with only 22k miles on it. Id had a Jeep Cherokee for 11 years before that, so there was a huge difference in ride comfort (long overdue!). The professional reviews are right, it drives like a luxury sedan and I dont think Ive ever been in anything more comfortable. Ill be hanging on to this one for years to come...

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  Great change - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Barbara Cristoforo - December 11 - 9:20 pm

  I traded in my Lexus for the Pilot. I love the Pilot more. It drives like a car, I feel safer, sit higher and have been extremely satisfied. It is a nice size and dont feel overwhelmed with too much car.......the best move I made.

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  One of Many - 2007 Honda Element
  By Donald - December 11 - 7:55 pm

  This is the most versatile vehicle available in the market segment, We have six of them for our sales people. a 2004,(2)2005,(2)2006 and a 2007 we take the rear seats out and you can fit so much more equipment in them than our two Highlanders,We deliver equipment to construction sites so the all-wheel drive comes in handy as well, I like the new instrument illumiation over the others as well as the vehicle stability control,new seat belt location and side curtian air bags.

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  Sporty, Comfy, Perfect - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kathryn Y - December 11 - 9:43 am

  So far I LOVE this car. I had a CRV for 11 years and was ready for a new vehicle. I tried the HRV and like its smaller build and comfort. The gas mileage has been great too! This car suits me since I commute and dont usually carry passengers. It has plenty of room in the back for storage, too!

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  A Performance Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lin Red - December 10 - 8:58 pm

  Bought a new 05 HAH in Apr 06. Honda misjudged the # of cars they could sell and several were left unsold well into 06. I couldnt be happier, since I knew exactly what this car was. It was a Honda Accord EX-V6 with added power and better MPG. It was not a super high MPG car especially in the city. This car has all the Honda traits great build, quality and dependability. It gives about 25% better real world MPG in the city and highway. My 04 Acura TL gets 18 c/27 h, My 05 HAH gets 24 c/34 h. Very grateful for low emissions and uniqueness of this car. Drove my sisters 2007 TCH. Cost 29500+tax with similar features to HAH. TCH has very good city MPG. Like HAH most other respects.

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  Bluetooth fail! Have to pair/forget everytime. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Gordon Walker - December 10 - 7:17 pm

  My wife and I leased a 2016 Pilot and a 2016 Accord. His and hers was the thought. Think again! Both cars show as the same Bluetooth device for both Android and Apple / iOS. Literally have to delete and repair everytime I switch cars. Not only a pain to do every day, but effectively means I cant use speed dial or texting, as every setting gets reset everytime. Major oversight by Honda, and no solutions to date.

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  10 Years Old - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kolbow - December 10 - 4:08 pm

  This car has been great to drive. Having a manual transmission makes it more fun to drive. I hate to give this up. I hope I can get one more winter out of it.

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  Glad I waited - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TMAN - December 10 - 12:00 am

  Was looking at the new Tacoma, but I am glad I waited. The Ridgeline is much nicer. The ride is great and has some terrific options. My wife loves it and she didnt really want a truck.

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  My 3rd Odyssey, probably not my last. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry Hettel - December 9 - 10:53 pm

  My 1st Honda Odyssey was a 2000. I put about 100,000 miles on it and traded it in on a 2005 model. I put 100,000 miles on it and traded it in for my 2010. All of them were the EX-L model. I always get the maximum Extended Honda Care warranty and used it to keep them running with NO extra expense. Very few repairs on any of them. My 2010 now has over 112,000 miles and everything works fine. GREAT vehicles. Although my daughter bought a 2012 and it has had numerous problems including having the engine rebuilt under warranty. They always had it serviced by the local Honda dealer. They are going to trade it when their extended warranty runs out next year. I will probably get another new Odyssey next year. Things I like; I can almost use it as a truck for hauling stuff. I use it as a camper when going to a motorcycle race event. Taller seat so I can see better than some cars that are so low. Plenty of seats for taking the family places. Reliability and resale value.