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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  Dont buy if you live in cold climate. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By PeeWee - July 7 - 7:06 pm

  Everything is great about this car, except the climate control. I love the car, but the "heat" and a/c are very lame. It gets great gas mileage and easily holds 75 mph on the interstate. Fortunately not too much has gone wrong.

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  Does what I bought it for - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - July 7 - 6:10 pm

  I traded my nice Audi for this car because I wanted a car I could rack up a lot miles on it worry-free. I wanted something reliable, fuel-efficient yet retain a certain level of fun-to-drive factor. The V6 packs a respectable punch and gets pretty good mileage for its size (comparable to the 4 cylinder Audi it replaced actually). Even though fuel efficiency was one of my objectives, a V6 typically doesnt fit that description. However, the 3.0L V6 provides a good balance of performance and economy. The suspension is too soft to be considered sporty and the tires arent much help either. Im satisfied with the car. Its serving the main purpose I bought it for, even exceeding in some.

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  I hear imports were suppose to be better - 2006 Honda Accord
  By fastcarguy - July 7 - 2:10 pm

  Always heard honda, toyota etc... were suppose to be so much better than chevy, ford, dodge etc... I must say I dont really find that to be true. The V-6 Accord is a nice car, dont get me wrong, however I dont find it to be SO much better than the chevys or pontiacs I have had. Thanks but no thanks, next time ill save a few thousand and buy another Chevy.

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  Best Full-Size Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By William - July 7 - 9:46 am

  I bought my wife a 2009, Accord, EX-L, nav, with every option. We love the car. The car has Lexus and Infiniti styling at a fraction of the cost. More room than the M-series, and better mileage. This is our fourth Accord, and is our first leather Accord. The back seat room is incredibly large, and our sons are 62" and 64". Their legs dont touch the front seat. This is the best Accord that Honda has ever made. If I had the money, I would get two of them. Dont worry about the road noise. This car is pure quality.

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  Excellent overall - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Brent - July 7 - 7:22 am

  Bought my Pilot EX-L 2WD used with only 24k miles on it in 2010. I just passed 100k miles and I still love this vehicle. Things I love include: 1) Reliability. Very few problems with this vehicle. Basically standard wear and tear things like tires, brakes, filters, etc. 2) Comfort. I love the airiness of the cabin. Lots of head room, shoulder space, etc. Transmission is smooth, suspension just right for me, not too tight, not too soft. Long trips are comfortable, handling is good. 3) Space. I can load this vehicle up like crazy. Great for daily things like groceries or Costco trips, and also for vacations or big item things from Home Depot or mattresses with the second and third row seats down. Also, can haul up to 8 people if necessary, but third row is best suited for children. Adults can really only ride there if short trip around town. 4) Ergonomics. Nothing fancy, dont get me wrong here. But everything is Simple and easy to understand. Buttons and knobs are well-placed and easy to operate. Storage space is good. First, second, and third row car charger plugs, etc. Things that could be better in this vehicle: 1) Entertainment system. Basically, its 2016, and this vehicle does not have Bluetooth or aux input. Also, the stereo sound quality is average. Nothing special there at all. 2) Road noise. Always been an issue for Honda, and this vehicle is no different. Finally, there are issues I cant speak to, like towing and off-road capabilities, since I dont use my Pilot for these things. If I had to guess, Id say this vehicle is average at best. Also, I live in San Diego, so I have no idea how well this vehicle performs in snow or other inclement weather. Seems perfectly fine in rain though from my experience. In sum, this is a very reliable, spacious, comfortable vehicle that handles well. Great family vehicle, and good for hauling lots of stuff if necessary. Only minor complaints from my perspective. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a mid-sized SUV for everyday use.

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  Love IT!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jhwill6 - July 7 - 3:36 am

  My husband & I have 4 kids including twins. After we bought the van we went on a road trip to south Texas from North California. We were very comfortable! Our kids were very happy with the DVD player ages are 7,4,2. The trip was relaxing. Impressed with the power through the mountains and a very smooth ride. Would do the trip again! Very happy with the van. We got a good deal through the fleet sales manger. Would recommend the van!

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2009 Honda Fit
  By thrilled - July 7 - 12:40 am

  Thank God I read all of the owner reviews. I would not have looked at this car, because Im not crazy about the front end (looks like a snarling cat). But all of the good reviews were right on target. It is VERY comfortable (leg room, head room, cargo space), and drives like a dream. I am missing the remote key entry and cruise control, but if I had chosen the Sport model they were included. My only complaint is that the base model really could use some front arm rests. And yes, I am getting 42 miles per gallon!

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  New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CK in NC - July 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just bought the new Honda CR-V and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I went with the EX-L and I love the leather-heated seats and the XM radio. I was also looking at the new Hyundai Santa Fe, but decided to go with the new CR-V, after previously owning 2 Accords and considering the difference in the MPGs. So far...LOVE IT!!!

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  Best Baseball car ever! - 2003 Honda Element
  By bballmom - July 6 - 8:18 pm

  I wanted a vehicle without carpeting and the Honda Element was the only one I could find besides a truck and I did not want a full size truck. The Honda Element has been a wonderful vehicle to drive for the last 4 years. My son is an avid baseball player and, with dirt and mud and cleats and baseball bags, having this vehicle has been a real blessing. He can have his buds ride with us anywhere and we do not have to worry about dirty carpet or spills that may happen. Just wipe it down with cleaner and it is good as new. I love it! It drives so easy and is very comfortable on long trips. My son also loves the fact the seats recline so he can rest before games.

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  Met My High Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jan Krill - July 6 - 4:56 pm

  I had a long checklist of criteria and this hit the mark. I am still discovering things that this does! For example, I did not realize that the highbeams came on automatically and then reset when necessary. What a great feature! I needed something with power and good gas mileage and this definitely fits that bill.