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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  Almost Pefect - 2004 Honda Element
  By MEMoore - March 29 - 1:36 pm

  I havent been this excited about a new car in decades! As word gets out, this car will become the 21st centurys Beetle. A sublime mix of functionality and cost. I tote a lot of stuff every day and the suicide doors make loading it so much easier. Contrary to reports, the Element with 5 speed manual is a very peppy car. My wife cringed when I insisted on an Element to replace a 95 Civic. Admittedly, I thought her CR-V was the ideal car for the money, until I got the Element. The Element trumps it at thousands less. Although she wont admit it, shes fallen for it too!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda Element
  By marilyn barker - March 29 - 3:50 am

  Im very happy with my new Element. Its very comfortable to drive, I love the way it looks both inside and out. I get so many compliments from people that see me driving the car. I added roof racks and running boards which adds to its cute appearance. At first I was tripping over the running board as I got in the car but after a few days I adjusted and now it never happens. I love the worry free interior....no panic over spills that could ruin the usual carpeted floors or plush fabrics. Im tall and the seats are very comfortable for me. The waterproof upholstry is comfortable to sit on even in a bathing suit. I just couldnt be happier with my new car.

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  Woderful & Lovable Car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Arun Chandar - March 28 - 11:52 pm

  This is my first car in USA. I really loving it and enjoying each ride. I bought the base version but it has all the important features on it. Pros: 1. Smooth handling and gets good control over the car even in big curves and sharp turns. 2. High class interiors - it makes me feel like im driving a Costliest car. Good car in less Price. 3. More cargo space & rear seat space. Nice car for big families with more than 1 children with booster seats. 4. Electronic parking brakes are good and easy to use. Cons: 1. Personally i feel that the steering handle is little bit thin for this big car. But this is not a major problem, we can get rid of this by putting a leather wrap on it. Overall hats off to Honda for launching the brand new HR-V into the market. All the best for the new HR-V buyers..

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  Love My Car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dhanni - March 28 - 9:30 pm

  I bought the Accord Ex-L little over a week ago and love it! I am Honda fan, but wasnt crazy about the outside design of the car. I looked at the Nissan Altima, but for everything I wanted in a car, the Altima was too much money and the Honda dealerships quote was too good to pass up. I get so many compliments on my car, friends and coworkers cant believe the features I have in my car for the price I paid. I owned a Honda for nine years with hardly having to any repairs on it. I expect the same with this new one. If youre looking for something with all the bells and whistles, look at the Accord.

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  Former Dakota Owner Loves the 17 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Norbert - March 28 - 6:54 pm

  I drove a Dodge Dakota for 170,000 miles and was in love with it. But when I sat in the 2017 Ridgeline, there was no comparison. The comfort, convenience, and features were worlds apart. Granted, the Ridgeline is 20 model-years newer, but Honda got it all right. It is spacious and drives like an SUV, with great acceleration and an ample back seat, which folds up to get out of your way when necessary. The bed is a little short, but is packed with conveniences including the bi-directional gate, lighting, and large cargo well. I should have gone up one trim level for upgraded electronics, but all in all I love it and expect to drive if for the next 20 years.

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  Favorite New Car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By AT - March 28 - 11:26 am

  Just purchased the CRV EX-L and am loving it! Great performance on our windy mountain roads and fun to drive. Went all out with this one the EX-L model and it is a luxurious interior.

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  A month of driving and no complaints - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Leslie Feray - March 28 - 4:25 am

  Wanted to wait a month before posting a review; I always rely on Edmunds info for car purchases. I have been very pleased. My previous vehicle was a 2011 Sequoia LTD. From an interior perspective, there is not that much less room than the Sequoia, but is so much easier to handle and drive. I have not experienced any problems with acceleration, braking, noises, etc. I did place an 8" screen protector over the navigation and it has helped tremendously on fingerprints. I love the blue LED lighting at night throughout the interior. I find the navigation and Bluetooth features easy to use - I have mainly used the screen and not the voice recognition. In deciding on the Pilot I also seriously considered the Infinity QX60 and the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander was eliminated because I really wanted a bench 2nd row and with that criteria you have to get a basic Highlander without a lot of the "nice" features. The QX60 you could get similar features to the Touring Pilot Model, but the price shot way up and often some of the safety features were "packaged" with other features I didnt want. Another feature I really like on the Pilot is the wide console between the two seats which is "friendly" to hold a purse or papers. Its flat the QX60 was narrow and curved. I routinely have a teenager in the front seat so that is important to me. Lots of storage compartments in the back is another big plus. The only two things Ive noticed after driving several hundred miles (things you dont notice when you test drive) the clock is part of the navigation screen. The kids love it - they can clearly see it from the backseat, however you do not see the time until the "warning" messages go away when you start the car. For someone that checks the time the minute they start the car, this is taking some getting used to - again minor - but what I noticed. Also the Auto Engine Stop takes some getting used to when driving in traffic. You can turn it off at any time, but it appears that you have to turn it off every time you start the car. Its not like the "econ" mode that stays on or off indefinitely independent of turning the car on and off. But its an easy button to reach. I really like the "push button" gear shifts - a lot more than I thought I would - so fast and convenient. One tip on extended warranty - if you choose to do one - I did Honda Care - the dealership started out hundreds more than you can purchase one on-line for. Honda Care is Honda Care - doesnt matter which dealership it is purchased from. If that is something you are interested in, get a price quote from the internet before signing the papers at the dealership. Make them match or beat the price you can get on-line... we saved over $800 buying the warranty this way.

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MX5NRX - March 28 - 3:36 am

  Truck with car-like ride which turns heads. Decent gas mileage. Great motor and transmission. Ill probably buy another.

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  A Nice Truck for Everyone - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By John - March 27 - 3:20 pm

  Vehicle handles very well on the road, accelerates smoothly with 5 speed automatic. Displays are very clear, steering wheel mounted radio controls nice, A/C with dual zone works very well. Door handles oddly shaped, but you get used to them - actually is designed with ergonomics in mind - youll see. Rear window slides with push buttom. Rear windows go down all the way. Rear gate easy to open/close. Trunk in the bed water tight and roomy for suitcases (medium sized) or lots of groceries. Rear seat folds up and has plenty of interior holding capacity - does a 30/70 split. Seats area a little firm, so make sure everyone likes that before committing. Radio is has static; only bad item.

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  Honda shows why it holds its value - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Kendall - March 27 - 1:40 pm

  This is an SUV that drives like a sedan. The quality of the workmanship is apparent as soon as you close the door. I am part of a Honda family and tell myself everytime I buy a new vehicle that I should try something different. However, the quality, resell value and reliability always brings me back. The Pilot is a great step into the SUV market for Honda. If you are looking for an SUV that doesnt drive like a truck or drink like one either this is your car.