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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  Need new transmission - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bill Michaels - September 30 - 3:38 pm

  We had the same issues with the 9 Speed transmission. Honda advised there was a software upgrade to address the problem so we made an appointment. The day before the appointment, the car overheated. Problem was the transmission cooler leaked coolant into the transmission. Honda is now installing a new transmission and flushing the cooling system. According to the mechanic, there have been other instances where coolant was slowly leaking into the transmission. So well see what happens. Honda installed a new transmission under warranty. However, when I asked if the new transmission was improved to eliminate the defects leading to the transmission failure, the Honda service department could not guarantee that the new transmission would not have the same failure in the future. Since the manufacturer warranty on the Pilot is only 60K miles, we purchased an extended warrantee (100K Miles). The new transmission does not shift smoothly and well need to have this diagnosed by Honda during our next service.

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  Ugly but love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By cje - September 30 - 12:50 pm

  I am happy with my Element. Took some time getting use to fine styling :-( (much like an English taxi) But it is so useful, comfortable, cleans up really well, great for hauling stuff and mine is basic beige which really hides the dirt well. I plan to drive it for at least a full 200,000 miles and forgo car payments for sometime.

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  kind of project car - 2008 Honda S2000
  By brandon m - September 29 - 11:02 pm

  I love my car. it is wonderful. Its quick but want it quicker. The steering is wonderful. Takes turns well.

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  Overall Good Choice - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Kurt - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Purchased 3 days ago. Love it, however, noticed that the drivers side power door will close, then beep 3 times, then open. It does not do this all the time. Noticed a little wind on the drivers side door with the radio off. With everything, I am pleased with the choice with Honda.

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  Not sure about this car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Phred - September 29 - 7:47 pm

  I have owned the van for about a month and have driven 3K miles on a trip. On the positive side the van is nice to drive, looks good and has power. On the negative side the road noise is excessive. When passing a truck you can hardly hear anyone else in the car. The noise from bumps in the road is also very loud. Automatic shifting is rough. The front seats are not very comfortable compared to my 2005 Dodge van. The radio sound is very good but it has the poorest station range of any car Ive owned in the last 20 years. The little mirror on the sun glasses holder is useless. It needs a compass. At this point Im not too thrilled about this purchase.

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  best mileage out of a totally gas engine - 2003 Honda Civic
  By matt1689 - September 29 - 6:09 pm

  Ive got a 2003 honda civic ex coupe totally gas engine 1.7 L 5 speed ive got about $200 worth of upgrades in it, trust me its totally worth it.. Im getting avg 44 mpg on the highway and 37 in the city, its got a cold air intake with a ram air inductor new exhaust, came stock with 2 mufflers, now it has one straight pipe with one straight muffler, plus a small performance chip, i go within 3mph of the speed limit and when Im coming up on a stop or going down hill i kick it into neutral. i can get between 550 and 650 miles per fill up depending on how im driving, i always fill up b4 the gas light comes one

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  What do you expect? Its a honda! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By davey5300 - September 29 - 1:44 pm

  This was my first and only car that Ive owned, and Ive already made up my mind: Only Hondas! its a 94 Accord ex 4 dr automatic Red. I love it. I have had some problems with it but nothing major. the engine is very strong. It wont die. Ive tried to blow so many times but i cant. & thats a good thing. The only reason Im getting rid of it is to get a 5 speed.

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  2006 Hybrid Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rick N - September 29 - 1:27 pm

  I have put 57,150 on this car and it has met all are expectations. Its handles like a sports car but give us the gas mileage. On all highway trips we get 55 mpg (75 MPH) and with a mix we average 43 mpg per tank. We have kept it dealer maintained getting all services as prescribed in the maintenance chart. If you drive a hybrid you have to learn to drive different then what you do a normal car to maximize the technology. Winter time the mpg only went down 1 mpg with winter tires. The only thing I wish they would re-design is the emergency brake which hits my knee (5’9”). I would also prefer the 5 speed over the automatic if they made them anymore.

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  I like it. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By seagar - September 29 - 9:46 am

  Turned in my leased Civic EX for this purchase. I know this is the last year before the newly designed Accord. The car rides solid and smooth. I feel a bit more protected on the open highway than in the Civic. The additional side/curtain airbags add confidence. The 4 cyl. is plenty of power for my world. My Civic was more fun to drive around town, but the Accord feels more secure at 70+ mph speeds.

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  Miss it - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Tom - September 29 - 6:27 am

  It was slower than a sick elephant and needed third gear to get up steep hills but still a blast to drive. So light and low that it cornered at 25-30 mph with no squealing from its cheap little tires. Loved the styling inside and out. Still looks cool even though the design dates to 1991. Shame its cosmetic quality wasnt the same as its mechanical quality. Never cost me a dime other than regular maintenance but the paint job was bad and it started rusting like crazy around 10 years of age. Mine was an automatic, which didnt do the tiny engine any favors and sucked gas. A car this small should get better than 25 mpg in the city. But so cheap to own and run and so fun at the same time.