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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  Finally got my HR-V! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kathi Morgan - July 14 - 2:11 am

  After wanting an HR-V since summer 2015 (when my CRV reached 170,000 miles), they are finally a bit easier to find. I purchased an LX, which I absolutely LOVE. Compared to the other small crossover/suvs in its class, it sits higher, which is a must after driving an suv for over ten years. It also handles well, (though the ride is a bit rigid), is more spacious inside, and has intuitive controls and technology. It is my 5th Honda, and they have all been super reliable, and long lasting, with great re-sale value. After owning my HRV for 5 months, I am still pleased with it overall, but wish I had gotten leather interior instead of cloth. The cloth on the seats, headrests, and doors is not very high quality, and acts almost like a dirt magnet. It has also developed a loud squeaking/rubbing sound in the cab which I am having looked at by the dealer soon. I also wish the headlights were brighter, and the heating/AC system was stronger and more quickly responsive. I can definitely see/feel the difference in quality from my 2005 CRV EX, but still believe it is a good little car for the money. I have now owned my HRV for 18 months. I said it all in my 5 month review, though now I wished I had gotten heated seats and side mirror defrosters as well since the heater is not super strong and takes awhile to warm me and the car up. I assume because of the smallish engine. The squeaking/rubbing sound has resolved itself (?) so thats nice. I would buy this car again, it suits my budget and needs well. And, sits higher with better visibility than the Mazda 3 or other crossovers in its class.

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  My 2007 RTL - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - July 14 - 12:31 am

  I just love this truck. I am a female that sold my BMW in order to buy this truck. It handles like a luxury car, no cabin noise, very smooth ride, its great to be able to go shopping and stow all your purchases in the trunk, completely out of sight. I also haul chicken feed, hay, straw and groceries. I would not trade this truck for anything. It is very stable on the road during bad weather, rain, snow. I feel very safe in it and it has handled everything Ive put it through I would definitely recommend this truck to females who desire a working truck with great cabin features that dont want the mini van look or feel.

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  90,000 Miles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JS - July 13 - 9:20 pm

  Just turned 90K and still pleased. 2nd set of tires 3 weeks ago. If purchasing tires, buy same speed rating as original. 90% interstate driving is returning 32-34 MPG. Oil change by Maintenance Minder averaging 10K intervals. No issues and will probably drive to 200K. Brake pads front and rear once to date.

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  Honda Odyssey is the best of the minivans - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee FitzSimons - July 13 - 1:31 pm

  EVERYTHING works. Power doors are sensational. MPG is excellent and engine power is very good.

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  Happy Honda owner - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Lori - July 13 - 1:09 pm

  Love my Accord and will probably have more. But, the check engine light has been a nuisance. And, I was shocked to need a $2,700 new transmission at 143,000! Had EGR problems (at 31k, 71k, and 105k) which were under warranty an evaporative system failure (at 54k) repaired for a small fee and a new catalytic converter and something about the transmission (at 131k) for a heftier fee. When the transmission failed, I talked to American Honda about my disappointment in the reliability that I had so confidently bought into. Honda agreed to provide a new transmission for free, and I paid the $855 labor charge. This was fair in my opinion, and IÂ’m back to being happy Honda owner.

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  Love my Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By rpperkins - July 13 - 1:00 pm

  Great small car. This is replacing my 1998 Honda CRV. Love the room, handling and mileage.

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  very nice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By the woodster - July 13 - 8:46 am

  I love my new Civic because you can chill with it and get great gas mileage or you can give it hell and still get pretty good gas mileage, and it is fun to hit the gas. The interior design is tight esp. With the navi. Overall great car.

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  Our Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - July 12 - 9:50 pm

  We bought our Pilot in December 2005. It has been a great car, however, the air conditioning went out when we had 2,000 miles on the car. There is also a terrible rattle in the passenger side door. But if I could buy another car again, it would be the Pilot.

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  As reliable as they come - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Paul - July 12 - 12:26 am

  Have owned my Civic for over 3 years. Never had a single problem with it. I was rear ended a couple times for minor damages. The rear bumper is sturdy and does its job well. Gas mileage is good averaging about 28 mpg. Car is extremely responsive to weight change, you will definitely feel a change in how the car handles with extra weight on-board. Sound system is slightly above average.

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  Value, Functionality, Fun - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ray L - July 12 - 12:13 am

  The Element is the perfect combo of function, value, and fun. Roomy inside, functional design, fun to drive, 4WD with 25mpg hwy! Perfect for commuting, or roadtrips. Peppy in town, handles the open road, dirt, mountain roads, or snow with style. It looks cool and stands out. Imagine a Jeep crossed with a Mini Cooper. Function with style. I have camped in it. Love the cool folding/removable seats. Carries all my camping and climbing gear. Easy to clean when you get back. You could spend more but you will be hard pressed to get more. Also has a great fan/owners club.