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 Ive owned!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sofia - April 12 - 10:38 am

  I have owned several cars and hands down the Accord is the best. I purchased it with 190,000mi on it and it drives brand new! I paid $3200 for it, and it was the best money i have ever spent. I love the car, its very reliable and plan to drive it til the wheels fall off. The only thing i would say negative is that its hard to get out of the car but then again im 58 and have been driving SUVs for the past 7 yrs so it took some time to get used too.

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  Not bad, very good for now. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By franco - April 12 - 6:59 am

  Well I got this vehicle because it was the first car. My dad liked it when we visited Saturn of national city, I was trying to get the 04 trailblazer because it was more roomer but thank goodness I got the CR-V with gas price is increasing, I love the CR-V and made a lot of modification to it but, I dont like the road noises, wind noises and the bumping sound every time you hit the bumps. I hate that. I do also love the CR-V because I have it for three year now and so far no problem with it yet and I only got 60,000 mile on it and its still drive like new because I do every 5000 mile maintenance. So overall. This Honda crv is a good car for its price.

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  Not Again - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - April 12 - 6:50 am

  Have had my AWD 2015 CRV since October. When buying I had asked the salesman @ Stevens Point, Wi. Honda when the 16s were coming in. He stated in the spring. A month later the 16s were on the lot. So he lied to me to make room for 16s. This vehicle is made for those about 58" or less. Its a little cramped. When the front seat is all the way back you can not fold down the back seat all the way without hitting the back of the front seat. The AWD doesnt tell the driver when its in AWD. Driver has no idea when the vehicle is in AWD. I am sure this is a decent vehicle for the city but if you live out in the country in WI, MN or other snowy states this is not the vehicle for you. My driveway has a small hill. When its slippery out the front wheels spin. The AWD never kicks in. In other words, I dont actually know if I have AWD. The radio system isnt user friendly. The CD system behind the screen is a little weird. Mileage has been good getting between 32-35 on highway. 28.6 overall since owning.

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  Was great while it lasted!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Zecker - April 12 - 12:10 am

  Bought the 08 Pilot a week and half ago and today. I lost it to a rear end collision. The air bags did not deploy which was every odd to me because the lady that hit us was traveling at about 45 mph and we were at a dead stop for traffic. She pushed us about 10 feet forward from our original position and we hit a ford truck off set, the passenger side was toast. You can see where the crumple zones did their jobs to absorb the energy. Thank God my pregnant wife and 2 year old son where ok after the accident. If they total it I sure will get another Pilot.

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  Element is Excellent - 2008 Honda Element
  By steve - April 11 - 10:41 pm

  I have wanted to buy the Element when it first came out, but I had just bought a new Tacoma. I am glad I waited due to some bugs Honda has had to work out on earlier models. The 08 is very similar overall but the dash gauges are much brighter and more colorful. So far I have had no problems and aver 22 mpg. I find the ride to be very comfortable and the road noise no worse than my wifes Camry. This is just a well thought out vehicle unlike most other small SUVs on the market. The doors open unlike ANY other- I love it, some may not.I find the power of this vehicle to be very good. If youre interested in it you really should go and test drive one!!!

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  I love my Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By pbhonda - April 11 - 10:39 pm

  I bought my Accord brand new in July 2000. I have put 158,000 trouble-free miles on it. I cannot say enough about this car. It recently suffered some pretty severe damage in a hail storm, so I am stuck driving a 2007 Chrysler Sebring while it is in the shop. I miss my car so much. My "old" Honda would absolutely kick the Chryslers! I will never buy anything but a Honda. It drives wonderfully, is reliable, and has proven to be a very safe car. Rear-ended by a Ford Mustang a couple years ago. Only a couple scrapes on the bumper, the Mustang did not fare as well. The only things I dont like are 1. the transmission hesitates to shift in stop-and-go traffic and 2. brakes could be better.

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  Great Vehicle - Attracts Rodents - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Andrea - April 11 - 10:08 pm

  I leased my 2007 Honda Pilot last year in summer. Just after getting home with it I heard the horror stories about mice. I thought OK so maybe some people have problems with mice. Hopefully I dont. No such luck, I just got back from paying the dealership to remove a mouse from the blower housing. Wonderful! This is not a small problem apparently, this is a big one! Honda has been very silent about this longstanding problem and is not stepping up to the plate to solve it. I must say that we have had mostly Chev/GMC products up to this Honda and we have NEVER had a problem with mice. I am thinking of putting signs on the windows of my Honda advertising what a mouse house it is!

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  You will love this car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dr J - April 11 - 7:40 pm

  I drove Camrys, Maximas, Altimas, and Saabs and this car is far and away the number one choice. It is loaded with so many things that make driving fun and it is retails at a reasonable price. The color choices are incredible and the car is a real head turner. In the past, I have owned some top of the line cars but this is quickly becoming my favorite. I feel this is the sleeper in 2008 and cant figure out why I dont see more of these. People who know cars will always comment favorably about the car.

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  40K Performance Report - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - April 11 - 5:53 pm

  Just went over 40K. So far, had to replace factory tires at 30K, have wheel bearings in one wheel replaced, and have a new AC compressor installed. Selling dealer worked with Honda factory to cover cost of bearings and AC work, even though it was out of warranty when it happened. Bravo on dealer service! Still, was unpleasantly surprised at the problems considering I had had all scheduled services done at the dealer and Honda reliability is legendary (but now perhaps slipping!!). In general, Im happy with the van and just love the dealership service. Crossing my fingers nothing else will go bad anytime soon.

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  Good drivers car... showing its age - 2005 Honda S2000
  By cosworth - April 11 - 5:33 pm

  Great car for the money. Its design is starting to age among all the other great sporty coupes/sedans/convts out now. And, whats with the 2nd/3rd gear crunch all the time? Hope they can fix that for their next F/R setup cars.