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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  Great car except for the seats. - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Chuck - October 4 - 7:25 pm

  I like everything about the car except the seats are so uncomfortable. I guess I should have done a longer test drive. This car has everything I want in a car especially all the safety features but it is so uncomfortable to drive that I dont want to even drive it more that 10 miles. If I go farther than that my back starts to ache and my right hip hurts and I just want out of the car. Ive tried some cushions but they are uncomfortable also. Im not sure what to do now.

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  Happy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Rich - October 4 - 6:44 am

  I owned a jeep, and the Honda is much more reliable. I only go the the dealership for scheduled maintenance, and minor problems. I would recommend this vehicle to the person who is very busy in their life, and does not want to go to the dealership every week for problems. When you dont drive aggressive, the mileage is acceptable for the size. If you drive hard, the mileage will decrease. I would purchase another one. This is my first Honda. You really do not have to purchase any other brand!

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  Great Car, Great Experience - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Laura B - October 4 - 5:23 am

  I had this car for almost 3 years and loved it. We drove it mostly on the hwy out in the country where we live. It survived the tough Iowa winters with no problem. Never had trouble starting on the coldest days. Only things we did for it was take it in for reg. maintenance and oil changes/tire rotations. Put 80,000 miles on it w/no problems. Fell even more in love w/this car after husband landed upside down in a ditch and walked away from the accident. Very safe, reliable car with great gas mileage. We averaged 40 mpg year round, w/ mostly highway miles. Could be roomier, but is surprisingly roomy for such a small car. However, it is light and can blow around a bit in Iowas strong winds.

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  two years, still love it - 2005 Honda Element
  By robert - October 4 - 12:10 am

  Ive had my Element for two years now (33+k miles), no problems at all. of any kind. Its great for camping, and typical "family-duty" hauling. Its a lot smaller than my old Dakota, yet I find itll still carry all my stuff. the doors are odd, and are a hassle when wedged in a tight parking spot, but have a lot of advantages too.

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  5 Worry-Free Years later... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Twitch - October 3 - 1:54 pm

  First car after college and its been fantastic, just turned over 106K miles! Easily 30mpg highway, 25 city. If you are in the market, the 4- cylinder EX sedan is the safe bet...the transmission problem is primarily in the V6 models. I tinted the windows so mine doesnt look like everyone elses. My back seat passengers almost always fall asleep on road trips, thanks to the excellent ride and comfortable seats. This car has been very sturdy and predictable on snow and ice, and, thanks to the good handling, has got me out a tight spot a few times (i.e., 50 mph pileup during a blizzard, tapped the brakes, downshifted to 3rd and took the ditch, drove right out and kept going!). A great car!!

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  Great Car - Hi Quality and Reliability - 1994 Honda Accord
  By chris205 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall great reliability. Bought the car new (2nd Accord - kept the first 8 years and sold with 157k miles. I had a std transmisssion and never had to replace the clutch. Front Leather seats had to be replaced after five years. Replaced radiator fan (105k) and a/c fan (125k) but other than that just routine maintenance. Build Quality outstanding. The car had no rattles after nearly nine years. Replaced it with a 2003 Accord EX! Another Great Car!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By myjs - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Handles great! A joy to drive looking forward taking it out off road.

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  Sure Footed - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DaneC - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After buying a Pilot in December we were off to Christmas at the grandparents in the Ozarks of Missouri. It snowed a foot while we were there and this thing was awsome on the snow covered hilly roads. Some complain this thing needs more power. I think it has plenty and if you will look at the acceleration numbers you will find that it is far from slow.

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  CR-V is awsome - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joshua2223 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Price is aswome and you get a SUV that is extremely roomy and versatile. The most important thing of all is that you get peace of mind knowing that you have honda reliability. This is my third CR- V. I put nearly 100,000 miles a year on my car because of business. My last CR-V had 223,000 miles with no problems at all other than tires and brakes.

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  What you expect from a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By CSITP - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car. The Fit and finish is up to par and the overall drive ability is great. The thing I dont like are, the engine should be stronger, it would be nice to have a vtec standard on all trim levels. The seating position is a little high and can make tall drivers (me) feel a little awkward. And some thing like keyless entry and ABS would be nice without having to get the top of the line.