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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  Best car ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Seth - September 5 - 12:43 pm

  This car looks better in real life than in any photo. Ive only put about 500 miles on it so far, but every mile has been amazing! Honda is a wonderful car company. The owners manual alone shows how dedicated they are to making the best vehicles. I havent found a single problem with it. It has great mileage and sufficient power.

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  Perfect Car for a Single Guy - 2008 Honda Element
  By Vaughn - September 5 - 12:13 pm

  I have owned two Mercedes and two Cadillac autos, all new cars, plus a Buick Riviera and I can honestly say that this is a far better car than any of them, and it costs 1/3 as much. This is due to the carefully thought out design, simplicity in all features, but most of all very low true cost to own with respect to both maintainability, repair costs, insurance, and related costs. I don’t care about resale value as I intend to keep this jewel for at least 10 years. The ride is great and the 166 bhp is more than adequate power. It also has very responsive steering, plus the electronics are all high quality and well conceived designs.

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  2006 EX Sedan w/Leather - 2006 Honda Accord
  By joncab - September 5 - 10:21 am

  I bought this car new and now have 51,500 miles. It has never been in the shop except for oil changes. I went from MBZ and LEXUS to Honda and this car is actually fun to drive. The only down side to this car is that everyone else has one. Great value and dealer has been great since day one.

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  02 CR-V - BAD CHOICE! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By NoCRV_4_Me - September 5 - 10:20 am

  Pros: Door height - I dont bump my head getting in/out. Good little engine - strong, reliable Comfortable for around town driving Cons: 1. Air conditioning has gone out twice in last year. Bad compressor and dealer didnt offer me any deal, only a $3500 estimate. 1st time seals blew out, 2nd time bearings failed. 2. Black paint has white undercoat so every little scratch shows and it scratches VERY easily, despite frequent waxing. 3. Back seat legroom limited OK for kids, tight for adults. 4. Has irritating rattle since new, especially when turning right. Dealer couldnt find cause under warranty. 5. If quality is so good, why does Honda have the worst warranty in the business?

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  In My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By skinnerp - September 5 - 9:05 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. AWD only kicks in when front tires slip and works perfectly, tons of interior room, sporty handling, and averages 24 mpg on the highway. Only maintenance required is changing the oil and filter. Everything works! One warranty repair of a seat belt buckle sensor in 40K miles.

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  Not good - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Leiberstien - September 5 - 6:12 am

  Ive had mine for about two months and I am very disappointed. Came out of a Caravan lease that had no issues for the entire time I had it. The Odyssey has squeaking brakes, doors rattle, and the DVD player skips. Try telling our 4 year old that the movie has to start all over again all the way to Florida. Not pretty. I wouldnt recommend the Honda

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  Like my Pilot very much - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By luppydog - September 5 - 2:17 am

  After a lot of research on similar SUVs (Rav, CRV, Cherokee, Pathfinder, Xterra) I drove the Pilot and immediately saw the difference. Quality interior and nice materials. Good takeoff and passing power, the ride is quiet and when youre not "on it" the 5-speed tranny will keep you cruising at around 2k RPM which helps gas mileage. When driven conservatively i average 20mpg on back road driving. ABS brakes work well, though dont always read imput well and will pull too hard sometimes. AWD feels seamless and it handles snow perfectly. Minimal quality issues, like the plastic housing inside my taillight broke and you cant take it apart to fix where it "pops" back together. Great car overall though.

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  Best Choice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By J Mitchell - September 5 - 1:53 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my purchase of this Civic. I use it for mostly city driving, and still get better than 31 mpg a tank, highlighted by a 38.4 tank on the highway. So far, very reliable, no surprises. It is able to accomplish all tasks I ask of it, including transporting bikes with a trunk rack. It has a very receptive pick up when necessary, but no sports sedan by any means. I like the interior styling overall, like all the storage compartments. Radio is decent, wouldnt mind a 6 cd changer instead of the single slot. For exterior styling, Im a big fan but I think the wing spoiler is a must, keeps it from looking like grandmas car.

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  This car is fabulous! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kschmitz16 - September 4 - 10:33 pm

  Ok so I move to Montana and did a lot of car reviews and found this Honda Accord that was just the right price. I absolutely love the car it now has 60,000 miles on it and I have not had one problem in this past year. To keep a car in good shape you have to have regular maintenance. For ex. Oil change, tranny fluid flush. Up keep. Hondas are so reliable and I could not be happier with it. People have problems with cars if they dont take care of them. I love my car!

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  Transmission is prone to failure at 90K - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - September 4 - 9:19 pm

  The 2003 purchased brand new along with a service plan for 3 years. Rides great good for long trips with the family. Transmission had a recall service done to it back in 2003 for slipping gears 2nd and 3rd. All fine till it hit 92,000 transmission totally failed and had to split the cost with Honda for a $4,000 transmission. I will not buy another Honda for this reason. Nissan Altima looks good to me.