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:

• 

  Disappointed But Satisfied - 2005 Honda Element
  By JOSEPHPLAVIAK - September 9 - 12:20 pm

  The Element has fallen short in a few areas. The "AWD" is far from AWD. When I bought the Element, it was called REALTIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE. In essence FWD assisted by the rear wheels when the computer senses slippage. Granted, I have never been stuck. My next disappointment is the "A" post. The "A" posts cause serious blind spots when making 90 degree turns. Next, I go on to the tires. The 215/70/R16 is a unique tire size, which makes it expensive and hard to find in anything other than an all season radial. Lastly, the front end construction. DONT get in a fender bender, itll be expensive. There is literally no bumper to stop the radiator from being damaged in a minor collision.

• 

  IMA fan! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Civic Duty - September 8 - 5:23 pm

  I love my new Civic hybrid. My first tank or two was disappointing in the high 30 MPGs, but Ive learned to drive it so that it easily gets into the 50s, and I even had one highway trip of 500 miles average out to over 60 mpg. Those people who are disappointed with the mileage need to realize that if you drive it like a sports car, youre not going to realize the EPA mileage stats - which is true of any car. This car is a far cry from the rusty pickup truck it replaced. It drives incredibly smoothly, and is utterly quiet on the road and at a stoplight. A real pleasure to drive, and Im smiling all the way to the pump. Unlike other hybrids, it looks, feels, and drives like a real car!

• 

  Its been 6 mths, I still love it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KRISTEN - September 8 - 1:13 pm

  I cant stop looking at my car. Its been 6 months. Smooth transmission. Comfortable luxurious ride, great gas mileage (I can drive 1.5 weeks on 1 tank). It looks SHARP! Love the navi, the cd player with pc card and mp3 player. I tell people I have a Honda Civic, they are unimpressed... "reliable, good gas saver". I tell them "no, you got to come look at it, sit in it!". And when they do, they are like "you are right, this is a nice car!"

• 

  Fun ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By leb686 - September 8 - 8:46 am

  I just got this car last night and thus far in my opinion its pretty sick. I dont have money pouring out my ears, so I feel theres a lot of bang for your buck in this one. Corners great, quick acceleration. Love the nav in it, that really can pull the interior together. Had leather seats in my old car and they just got visibly scuffed up so I like this material, and it doesnt melt skin in the summer. Only had it for a day so I may be jumping the gun, but I love it up to this point. Its also not too fast which is good, it does keep you out of trouble. (maybe my favorite feature) I would certainly advise people to buy this car.

• 

  Great so far - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Moon - September 8 - 7:05 am

  All models should have the blind spot monitoring system, not just a camera in the right side mirror. Everything is great so far. Maintaining 21 mpg around town. Ride is great. The 9 speed transmission does hunt at lower speeds but I use my cruise control and that stops some of the hunting. A lot of gadgets to distract you, so be disciplined while driving and use the voice command. Well build and very functional vehicle.

• 

  little fast truck - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kiko - September 8 - 3:06 am

  Bouncy ride which is probably what is expected from an SUV. Felt that the acceleration is very good compared to my 1990 and 2001 Accord. Not as comfortable as the Accord. Very stable on the turns and curves and can handle the turns at a good speed. Steering feels like there is a subtle bias towards the left although when you take your hands off the steering wheel it goes straight. Wheels appear to be aligned by the even tire wear.The brakes are well adjusted and very good stopping, better than my 2001 Accord.Probably I got to get used to the SUV feel instead of comparing it to a car. Noise level is minimal to me.

• 

  What a smart purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BreezyNCC - September 8 - 3:03 am

  The 07 CR-V is a great vehicle. While some claim that the fuel efficiency is not what the company claims, this is largely due to your driving style. The mpg indicator on the dash shows you how your driving is effecting your MPG use...you learn to drive better with the CR-V. I am getting 25 city and 32 highway with the LX model. Interior cloth is very nice and easy to clean. Rear storage space is quite large, especially when you fold up the seats. Outside the CR-V is up to par with other, more expensive small SUVs.

• 

  Honda civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By easter - September 8 - 1:23 am

  I love my Si. This would have to be the best Civic built to date. Honda has done a great job with the new design and I am looking forward to see what they have in the line up next!

• 

  Worse new car purchase in decades - 2017 Honda Accord
  By S.E. - September 7 - 3:31 pm

  Owned for 13 months with 20K miles. I buy new cars every 3 years, this one has been the worse in a couple of decades. Honda warranty sucks, everything that goes wrong mechanically and electrical seems not to be covered plus they provide no loaner cars under warranty. Seating flattens out on any trip of length, driver door requires you to reach way out of the car to reach and shut. Inside electronics look nice but... layout is horrible taking your eyes off the road to use the few that work in operation even simple things like heat and air. This is the worse driver friendly car during operation I have ever owned plus spending over $1K in repairs the first year of warranty. Prior car was a 2013 Altima, that car was superior to the accord in all facets. it was never in the shop other that oil for $80K miles and very user/driver friendly.

• 

  Nice Ride! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By anissa - September 7 - 3:28 pm

  I love everything about the Honda Pilot and love the new design. Very good quality SUV. My only complaint is that the stereo system (FM & AM) radio reception is terrible. It constantly fades in and out and makes listening to your favorite songs annoying. So while I currently have a 3 month free membership to Sirius XM, I enjoy that. Sadly, if Honda doesnt do a recall on the antenna in the car, Ill end up being a lifetime member of Sirius XM which I had not planned. They dropped the ball on this one EASY thing.