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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  Great little suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By scott h - February 6 - 12:03 am

  So far I have have no problems at all with my 2005 CRV SE. Its bigger than it looks from the outside! Gets good MPG for suv also.

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  Saved A Life - Literally - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  A great car for teens. My brother, an 18 year old, was traveling at 40 mph down a road. Someone ran a stop sign in a large SUV going around 60 mph and they both plowed into each other. Both cars were totaled, but the Honda was so safe that no one inside was injured. The car never had a problem, mechanically or otherwise. It was well priced and drove well. It had a smooth ride and had great pickup. A real head turner. On the inside, it was for the most part comfortable and luxurious. We are going to buy Honda for life because of our excellent experience with the car. It saved a teens life. When the police arrived, they thought it was fatal. Note: incredibly easy to park.

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  As Expected from Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Wei - February 5 - 9:01 am

  Great car to own. Love the design and the look of this car. Enough power for its size. Getting around 30+mpg no matter how I drive it. Surprisingly spacious for a small car (I am 63, 200+lb, and this is a coupe!), comfortable ride for short/long trips, for the amount of money you pay this car is well worth it.

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  Honda Cannot be proud of This Product! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mando236 - February 5 - 8:20 am

  We bought our van used with 68K on it, but because its a Honda we werent worried. Boy were we WRONG! In the course of 5.5 yrs & 100K miles, we have been to the service center 21 times, replaced two trannys (soom 2B 3), constant sliding door problems, ignition switch recall, hard shifting all the time, and we are about fed up. We could have bought a brand new Domestic with the knowledge that the trannys would die, at least they would have been under warranty. The good things about the van are severely shadowed by the transmission problems. The engine runs very strong, but is no good without a reliable transmission. We spoke with American Honda, and due to our mileage offered no assistance.

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  Does and Does Not Exceed Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - February 5 - 2:38 am

  After test driving several vehicles in the same class as the CR-V, I chose the CR-V EXL because it has nearly everything or more than its competitors for a much lower price. In terms of fit and finish, the interior of my CR-V EXL is superior than the Kia Sorento or the Chevrolet Equinox. The technology my CR-V came with is seems very current and up to date, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. One major downfall as far as the entertainment system is that this car did not come with a CD player. In terms of road noise, my CR-V is very disappointing. You would think the EXL trim package would include better sound insulation than the lower trims. I paid more, so I should get more in terms of sound insulation - plain and simple. Im a fairly small to medium-sized guy, so the interior fits my body type very well. Taller people could fit comfortably, but this doesnt seem like a tall person kind of vehicle. Ive only had it for 4 weeks, so I cant speak as to the reliability of my CR-V. Front seat comfort seems adequate, but rear seat feels like sitting on a park bench. Rear climate control is ABYSMAL, as the rear vent located behind the front arm rest barely pumps out a breeze for rear occupants. There should be a control switch so that rear passengers can adjust fan level up or down as they wish. Gas mileage is adequate when in Econ mode, but acceleration is severely hampered unless you take it out of Econ mode. Funny, it has a turbo which is supposed to give the 4-cylinder more gusto in acceleration, but Econ mode eliminates the gusto altogether and youre back where you started: a gutless 4 cylinder engine propelling a smaller, but hulky SUV. I think I would have preferred a 6-cylinder engine. The exterior style is far superior to that of any competitor in its class, as far as Im concerned. Overall, my CR-V EXL has been extremely pleasant to drive. I still feel that it stands head and shoulders above any of its competitors in all aspects, though I have my wishes as to improvements that could be made.

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  Does and Does Not Exceed Expectations - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Scott - February 4 - 11:49 pm

  After test driving several vehicles in the same class as the CR-V, I chose the CR-V EXL because it has nearly everything or more than its competitors for a much lower price. In terms of fit and finish, the interior of my CR-V EXL is superior than the Kia Sorento or the Chevrolet Equinox. The technology my CR-V came with is seems very current and up to date, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. One major downfall as far as the entertainment system is that this car did not come with a CD player. In terms of road noise, my CR-V is very disappointing. You would think the EXL trim package would include better sound insulation than the lower trims. I paid more, so I should get more in terms of sound insulation - plain and simple. Im a fairly small to medium-sized guy, so the interior fits my body type very well. Taller people could fit comfortably, but this doesnt seem like a tall person kind of vehicle. Ive only had it for 4 weeks, so I cant speak as to the reliability of my CR-V. Front seat comfort seems adequate, but rear seat feels like sitting on a park bench. Rear climate control is ABYSMAL, as the rear vent located behind the front arm rest barely pumps out a breeze for rear occupants. There should be a control switch so that rear passengers can adjust fan level up or down as they wish. Gas mileage is adequate when in Econ mode, but acceleration is severely hampered unless you take it out of Econ mode. Funny, it has a turbo which is supposed to give the 4-cylinder more gusto in acceleration, but Econ mode eliminates the gusto altogether and youre back where you started: a gutless 4 cylinder engine propelling a smaller, but hulky SUV. I think I would have preferred a 6-cylinder engine. The exterior style is far superior to that of any competitor in its class, as far as Im concerned. Overall, my CR-V EXL has been extremely pleasant to drive. I still feel that it stands head and shoulders above any of its competitors in all aspects, though I have my wishes as to improvements that could be made.

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  This car rocks my world!!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By somma - February 4 - 11:42 pm

  What a great little car! I can fit my mountain bikes, snowboards, backpacking equipment and the kitchen sink if I needed to in this awesome car. If you are a person who loves the outdoors, this car will DEFINITELY love you too. If you are a little bit messy - muddy or spill- prone like I am, just hose out the inside and get on with your life. No tent? Thats fine. Just recline all the seats and sleep under the moon roof with the doors wide open. I love how the doors swing wide open so that you can put whatever you need to in the back seat without shutting your front door and opening your back door. Oh - and it makes a great changing room on cold snowboarding days, too!

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  Drove nicely but had to climb up to get in and out - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By clarke stough - February 4 - 9:00 pm

  Was noisy on highway

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  No longer a Ford Fan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By new honda beliver - February 4 - 6:40 pm

  With recent gas prices hovering around three dollars a gallon I needed some thing with better fule economy. I have been a loyal Ford owner since I started driving. But Ford doesnt have any thing close that will get the gas millage of my Civic. However I have not seen the advertised 40 mpg on the highway. The best mileage I have gotten is 38 mpg. Which Im not complaining. The vehicle handles excellent. Smooth ride but a little bit of road noise. I like how the instrument cluster looks and how the interrior is made. I have enjoyed my first Honda and I am planning on getting rid of my Ford Explorer for the new Honda CR-V thats comming out this fall.

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  2016 Honda Pilot Redesigned - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy Schiavone - February 4 - 5:09 pm

  Love the 2016 Pilot. Rides and handles well. Economic features include idle shut off when at traffic lights or stopped for short periods. Takes some getting used to and was annoying initially. Push button gear shifter and heated seats are a nice feature. Electronic controls for navigation and phone are also voice activated. Good cargo space with rear seats folded down. Would have loved the panoramic moonroof but only available on the Elite model. Overall good value and worth consideration when shopping for an SUV.