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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  2006 Special Edition - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Gabe - February 24 - 7:50 am

  Believe it or not i traded in my 2005 Lexus LS 430. I love this car fun to drive all day around in New York & Long Island. I love that i do not have to worry anymore to hit the potholes & suffer extensive tire/suspension damages. Enjoy easy loading at the supermarket & of course regular gas instead of premium fuel.

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  Nice little car with a few shortcomings - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jay schickling - February 24 - 6:19 am

  I was coming from an 07 rav 4 with 2 wheel drive. I have bounced back and forth between compact vehicles to SUVs. I was looking for the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle, with the safety and AWD options of an SUV. Aside from Subarus, the options were scarce. Im disappointed Toyota doesnt have an option, and was excited about the upcoming Toyota CHR, but after learning it will not have an AWD drivetrain, it didnt meet my criteria. (Im not sure why Toyota would do that). I also considered Mazdas cx-3 which looked promising on paper, but it had a very hatchback feel and drove extremely low to the ground. I found the HRV to have the best blend of what I was looking for and is the first vehicle Ive seen that truly "feels" like a small SUV inside of its cabin, but offers the drive-ability and fuel economy of a compact sedan. The cabin has plenty of space and feels like my RAV4, but it handles like a car and has very responsive steering. No issues with traction of AWD which are requisites in a north-eastern climate. The vehicles continuously variable transmission takes a little while to get used to, and its admittedly under-powered. I didnt find it straining to accelerate on the highway or anything highly noticeable, but its not peppy. The cabin noise was less than my RAV-4 and Im hoping that doesnt change as the vehicle ages. The stock soundsystem and screen in the LX model are garbage and I will replace with an aftermarket headunit and integrate the factory back up camera and steering controls into that unit. Overall Im satisfied with the vehicle, its pretty much what I expected it to be, and was the only option on the market I found to meet all of my criteria to some degree. My biggest disappointment was the factory warranty being slightly shorter than industry standard, and the dealer trying to push a third party warranty from zurich. Im guessing with Hondas reputation for reliability, the warranty is less of a concern from the manufacturers side. I cant yet speak to reliability or cost of ownership.

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  Great Gas Mileage! Alot for the money!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By stang100 - February 24 - 5:40 am

  I just bought my 06 CRV SE and so far its been a great little SUV! Has much more pick up than I thought it would have, faster than the ford escape with v-6! Shopped around alot and nobody could beat the deal that honda would give for a suv with same features. The SE edition is worth the extra money, plus you get it back in resale value. Also very roomy inside, 72 cu. ft! Solid road feel, couldnt be happier!

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By KCMOHondaBoy - February 24 - 2:10 am

  I purchased my Honda Accord Hybrid on 7/11/05 and it has about 12,000 miles on it now. It has only been in the shop once for a recall which was a simple software update. Around the city I average 28mpg when I travel I get anywhere from 35 to 40mpg depending on how fast I drive. I do recommed this vehicle. But if you do choose to buy this vehicle make sure you get the Navigation System wish I had, since that is the only extra option.

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  awesomeodessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By !!!!!yeah!!! - February 24 - 12:50 am

  We just bought our 2005 Oddessey van a few days ago, but I just cant believe how awesome this minivan is. Traded in our 2002 Mercury Villager Sport-no comparison! Always heard the Oddessey was the best, and its absolutely true! We did get $$ off of sticker and the dealership made this purchase a pleasure. So much fun to drive and you can feel the quality the second you sit in it. I did my shopping and test drove all of them, and by far Honda is the best. I love my van!!!

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  Is Honda the best?????? - 2017 Honda CR V
  By David - February 24 - 12:09 am

  This is in response to "John R on 06/14/2017" on the ACC issues that he is having with his 2017 CRV. My wife and I purchased a 2017 CRV EX-L without Navi on a Wednesday and that Saturday our ACC shut down. We took it to the dealership and they claimed that the factory did not set the system up correctly. After 3.5 hours at the dealership we where on our way out the door. The very next Saturday we had the very same thing occur again. We have our Sun Pass for automated toll payments just under the forward sensing system module which is right behind the rear view mirror, for which the dealership stated has been known to cause issues with the ACC system. They moved the Sun Pass and re-calibrated the system again (Claiming that there was another update for the system) and out the door we where. 35 days into ownership my wife was driving on a toll road when the shadow of an eagle on the road caused the ACC system to bring the vehicle to an emergency stop in the middle of the highway. Thankfully she was only one on the road at the time. (Speed limit on road is 65 MPH) 44 days/2300 miles into ownership on the CRV I was going through GA up I-75 when my ACC system shut once again. I contacted the dealership that the system had shut down again and they stated for me to bring it to them so they could trouble shoot the system. The Service writer had also informed me that 2 other CRVs at that dealership where having the same issue and they had to replace the transmissions to resolve the issue with ACC. I returned to my home town took them the vehicle, and they now have had my vehicle for 4 days and with a few parts replaced they are claiming to have corrected the issue this time. (the fix, they had to replace the forward monitoring module and camera which is behind and below the "H" on the front of the vehicle). We are currently working with the dealership to take back the CRV because my wife and I have lost our confidence in the safety system of our CRV. The dealership has been great. The service writer did state that all of the data that he has seen through Honda that the 2017 CRV is the only vehicle having this issue with the ACC and it is only a hand full of them. The fit and finish could be a bit better, ex. heated seat dont get very hot/anemic power ($700 through Hondata will fix this)/leather seats are not all leather seating surface/carpeting is very thin and very cheap (just offer the Poly Weather Tech mates and call it even)/paint is very thin (bugs on front for 2 day and now the paint shows marks where the bugs were/waxing the vehicle you must use extreme care because you can buckle the hood and some of the body sides. (seems like stretched aluminum foil). Headlights fog up ALOT and chrome finish accents for headlights does not seem to fit right.

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  Always reliable. Never unscheduled repairs - 2011 Honda Accord
  By John ayotte - February 23 - 5:45 pm

  This is a simple ex 4cyl 5 speed. Performs well, flawless shifting, great mpg. A little too large to be sporty

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  The Fit is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By A Fit Owner - February 23 - 5:26 pm

  This car executes its purpose wonderfully! I have two car seats in the car and even on long trips with all of the kids stuff (such as a pack-n-play in truck), this car still has room. The transmission is wonderful, and even though it must shift down to 4th gear in the West Virginia mountains because the engine is small, it does it with grace. I have driven better cars, but none that were offered at this price point. The car darts in and out of traffic, navigates tight parking lots with ease, and is terrific on gas. The only reason why I would ever get rid of this car is if we continue to only have one car and a third kid comes along. Until then, the Fit is Go!

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  07 Element EX AWD MT review - 2007 Honda Element
  By Alaskan_Toaster - February 23 - 2:31 pm

  I have had my E for almost 7 months now. Included in my 16000 miles is a 6300 miles across the US trip from GA to AK (yes, Alaska). I towed a 1500# trailer behind it the entire way. I have absolutely no complaints about the comfort of the seats (even after 10-12 hours). The creature comforts and convenience items were well placed, easy to reach, and worked wonderful. The utilitarianism (is that a word?) of the vehicle is fantastic. We have made the decision to buy a second one to replace our other small SUV. IMHO - you wont regret getting one.

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  Best In Its Class! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lopez07Si - February 23 - 12:33 pm

  I was looking for a new car under 30k. Mazdaspeed3,08 Lancer and Nissan Sentra were also considered but Hondas resale value, reliability and superb handling made it my favorite. Theres really no better car out there for this price.This car is so great on the road. The 6 spd gearbox is buttery- smooth. I havent experienced any problems with 3rd gear as many have. The revhang issue is easy to get used to. It doesnt affect my drive. Low end torque is there but once you hit 2nd and get to the magical 6k rpms where vtec takes over, itll put a smile on your face. I dont get tired of it. Exhaust note is a charm. You have to get it with the Navi. Avg.gas mileage is 27mpg. Best 31.5mpg Worst 18mpg