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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  Do your homework before you buy an hrv! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Doug - June 4 - 12:34 pm

  After buying several new cars (luxury included), I thought that I was a faithful honda customer (the last 3 new cars Ive bought have been Hondas), but this HRV has changed my opinion about Honda. Shortly after I bought it, the hrv started shaking and rattling so bad that its embarrassing to drive with passengers in the car. Ive never driven a car that does this, let alone a brand new 2016! I took it to the dealership who told me to leave it for at least 6 hours and theyd try to figure out what is making all of the noise. Since no other customers had compained to the service dept about their Hrvs yet (I was the 2nd person to buy an Hrv at that dealership), they didnt know where to even start on mine. I didnt have an extra 6+ hours to waste that day, so Im planning to have the shaking and rattling diagnosed when I go in for my first oil change. My Hrv is making lots of noise from the front drivers side wheel well and the rear passenger door panel. It also creeks and squeeks when it goes over speedbumps or up a curb to go into my driveway. It was soo bad that a Co worker who wanted an Hrv like mine went to lunch with me in my car and changed his mind after riding in it. He ended up buying a Subaru. I dont blame him. None of this happened on the test drive, obviously, or I wouldnt have purchased it. This all started happening within the first month of ownership though. Maybe I got a lemon, but if the rest of the new Hrvs are like mine, Honda has seriously dropped the ball with their longstanding tradition of quality when it comes to the Hrv. This is is the only new car that Ive ever regretted buying. Not what I expected from Honda and Im greatly disappointed.

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  Love that Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By kwren - June 4 - 11:43 am

  I love my new Fit and it gets a lot of attention out on the road. People want to know what it is and how the gas mileage is.

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  Cracked seats.. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By PFH - June 4 - 11:31 am

  Had drivers (leather) seat skin replaced twice in first two years because of cracked side panel. Replaced whole seat bottom including foam last year. That is three seats in less than three years. Now they say no more warranty to replace both front cracked seats. This on a car only three years old. Passenger seat is now cracked on the side panel as well.

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  Good and bad about CR-Vs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Arnie Orloski - June 4 - 11:16 am

  Had great success with 98 CR-V, so we bought this 03. Like the peppier engine, but like some others before, we bought one when Honda was having trouble with AC compressors. In addition, spent $600 on new brakes and now need a new clutch, and we still havent hit 50K. With the 98 CR-V, we traded it in at 110K with the original AC compressor and even original clutch! Nonetheless, in very snowy northeastern WI, the AWD has performed well, mileage is okay, and amenities (sunroof, 6 CD player, etc.) are nice.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By cwoodruff - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great fun car that is kid friendly. My wife and I were looking for a new traveling vehicle and we zeroed in on the Element. It is roomy with lots of room for a 63" guy like myself and also lots of room in the back for 2 boys and car seats. It has great pick up and the brakes were better than expected. Almost a perfect car for a family of 4.

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  Honda Hybrid No faults - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Charles - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought it in December, took off for Phoenix, Albuquerque, no faults, ran great, Cruise control is awesome, best process control system ive ever seen in an auto. The A/C is great. The economy mode and cruise control with A/C set on 70 degrees pulled up the 8000 ft mountain going into San Diego CA with no overheating, passing everybody else with A/C off and overheating still. Milage varied on 3000 mile trip from 33 to 39 mpg depending on speed and wind direction. It takes no thought to drive, just push the gas pedal. Stable and sure-footed in rain and wind, even with sligh

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  Not my first Honda, and not my last.... - 2004 Honda Civic
  By cpc - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Spunky and sporty, and though lacking a "V8", the 5-on-the-floor work ideally for this 4 cylinder. Pressing 40 highway MPG, and about 35 city with emphasis on getting into 5th gear as soon as I hit about 35mph. Very smooth at all speeds. I dont mind having to manually roll down the windows ! Noise level better-than-average. Paid about 13,250 OTD. Very capable CD/AM/FM radio standard - seems there is some slightly noticeable reception fading which may be antenna or reception caused (I DO NOT live in a remote area). Most people wouldnt notice it. Im upgrading to an Alpine CDA-9820XM. Too new to rate reliability

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  Love it. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Miyoun - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this car yesterday, June 29th, and this is the most fun Ive had. I jumped up from a 2001 Chevy S10, which was not the best truck, but was practical. This Si has great room in the front and the back (my head does not touch the top when sitting up in the back seats 6) and has great gas mileage. LoVe It.

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  Best hybrid out there - 2004 Honda Civic
  By macsven - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I didnt really choose to buy this car, since I wanted a manual transmission hybrid (the Civic is the only such model), but I am absolutely happy. The performance is decent, certainly no different than standard Civics or similar class cars. However, I probably would have paid more for extra horses because acceleration above 60 mph or when driving with a full car is sluggish. Gas mileage has lived up to my expectations -- 45-55 mpg, which leads me to think any complaints out there are from drivers who accelerate too fast, go over 80 mpg, etc. All other aspects of the car are identical to regular Civics -- a well balanced and economical sedan.

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  Finally - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FormerVW - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Finally got out of 1996 VW Jetta GL. I have been more than patient! Read all reviews on Accord EX-V6 I could find to make sure I was not buying another disaster. Everyone seemed to agree you cant go wrong with Honda. Initially wanted the LX-V6. Bought the EX trim level so I could get side curtain airbags. Safety was on top of my list. This car has more bells and whistles than I initially wanted. Had to shop around, as first dealership would not give anything for trade-in, and wanted MSRP for the car. I was initially looking at silver, but did not want the black interior. Got the green with tan inside.