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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  2015 Honda CRV EX-L - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kingairpilot - October 23 - 6:40 pm

  Our family purchased a 2015 CRV EX-L in October. Since then we have put about 5,000 miles on the vehicle. I think it is a good car; however, we have run into some issues. To me, road noise seems like it is still there. I guess it depends on what you are comparing it to. My second car is a 2003 Toyota Tacoma, so compared to that, the road noise isnt bad. Second, the CVT: It isnt bad; however, after the car has warmed up, the shifter is in drive, engine is idling, and the car is stopped, you can notice a significant (annoying) vibration. Finally, at lower speeds it has the feeling you get when driving a manual and you have accidentally shifted from 1st gear to 3rd.

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  Wanted to tow my Harley in style - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Russ Kubik - October 23 - 5:47 pm

  I was looking for a compact pickup to do some light towing, some low-stress off-road stuff and Home Depot for plywood or fertilizer. This RTL is the ultimate fusion of a luxury car and a utililitarian truck. The fit/finish is impeccable. The lockable bed trunk is amazing. No more cranking down the spare from underneath the bed if you have a flat. Its on a slide out tray in the bed trunk. Easier to get to than most car spares. Interior is well thought out from cup holders to flip up rear seats which yield plenty of room for 2 yellow labs in comfort. Only knock is blind spot caused by those "wings." Other than that, well, its a Honda so you know the reliability will be there.

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  Dont buy it for the MPG - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fuse - October 23 - 11:13 am

  Great use of interior space - weve had 5 tall people in it at once and everyone has room. The folding seats are great. Disappointing mileage in real world use. Our 100% city driven car is averaging 16 mpg and its certainly not being thrashed.

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  Wouldnt drive anything else - 2004 Honda Element
  By trogge13 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is, for the money, the greatest thing on the road today. Its fun to drive (drives like a Honda). It holds a whole lot of stuff. Its easy to take care of(clean, etc.). I couldnt imagine a more practical vehicle. Yeah people may give you a hard time for driving one, but thats all part of the fun in being an owner of an Element.

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  Elementary - 2004 Honda Element
  By bikejock1 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is far and away the best car Ive ever owned. With a roof rack and a little imagination this can be your modular assault vehicle. Plenty of room for bikes, snowboards, skis, even pulls a trailer great. Just got back from a 3 week 4200 mile road trip, through the mountains, snow, rain, baking deserts the Element took it all and came back for more. Mileage varied depending on terrain but it kicked butt the whole way. Id buy another one in a minute. Adding a K&N airfilter improves power and mileage...a must have.

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  Too Much for the Money - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Polk - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from long road trip to Disney and the Pilot made it bearable. DVD is awesome with 1 and 6 yr. old. Gas mileage is okay but performance and room is unbelievable - at least for $33k. I am 61, 220 and I immediately astounded at the amount of lateral room. Arguably the best third rower out there that will fit comfortably in garage without killing you at the pump.

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  OK, Very Pleasantly Surprised... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Pleasantly Surprised - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle a little over a week ago. I have been very pleased with the overall performance for a small SUV. I shopped around and test drove similar SUVs in the 20K - 30K price range before I decided on the CR- V SE. This vehicle, for the money, has got my vote. All the "bells and whistles" you need in a small (midsize?) SUV. There is plenty of interior room to fit 4 adults very comfortably. If you are in the market for a small SUV, give the CR-V a try.

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  Forget stigma, look at the convenience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dorty - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I was fixing to purchase another SUV, a friend told me to at least consider and test drive a minivan. We have three kids. I had a Totoya Sequoia previously. I couldnt get over that we actually had more space for the kids in the minivan. I figured cargo space would be less behind the third row seats, it wasnt. Plenty of cargo room, and such versatility in this minivan. I had a stigma about not wanting to drive a minivan (I use to think it was for much older people). I got over that quickly after seeing and driving my family around in it. I love the features inside, but when you get out of it-it is still a minivan. Not a sporty look, but I would give that up again for this vehicle!

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  2004 Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By volsfan - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 3 months now and love it (5,000 miles total). We have taken two trips (9 hour, 4 hour drives). The car is very well built--quiet on the road--drives great- -very comfortable. I love the power of the V-6 engine, and the great gas mileage (around 31 mpg on our trips with four people + bags). I also was very happy with the dealer--Meyer Honda, OFallon IL--the salesman let us take multiple test drives on our own without providing several forms of ID, absolutely no high pressure sales tactics, then provided a fair bottom line no haggle price after the test drive. He even let us test drive an Element because my youngest son thought is was "cool."

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  Not So Many Miles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By New2Honda - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Well, I just purchased this about two weeks ago, and have put on it about 400 miles, but its a very good piece of equipment. Ride quality is great, handling is very sporty and it accelerates very easily, without having to put the pedal to the metal. Nothing has changed between the 04 and 05, so if you still find an 04, buy it, you wont regret it