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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  practical and reliable - 2005 Honda Element
  By C.Y. - February 1 - 7:30 pm

  After thorough research, I decided to purchase a Honda Element before making a 650-mile move last year. It turns out to be one of the best decisions Ive made. Last year alone, I made countless long distance trips in it. Most of them at least 9 to 10 hours, and sometimes with the car packed solid. Through snow, and thunderstorm, Element delivers. I feel safe and comfortable in this vehicle. The mileage is better than other comparable models. and it offers great features while reasonably priced. My sister is even thinking about buying one after driving mine.

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  am I missing something? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carfan - February 1 - 2:10 pm

  As a previous 05 v6 EXL owner I was excited when I first saw the new 08 Accords. We purchased a V6 EX-L after a 3 minute test drive as our replacement "beater/mileage drive to the city car" (My signifacant other and I also drive an 08 BMW535xi and an 07 E350) For slightly under $28K this new Accord sucks! Road noise on even the slightest bumps, uncomfortable ride, hollow tin-ny sounding and poor material quality on the interior. We have been huge fans of the Accords since the 86-89 series and feel this is by far the worst example and no doubt our last. I know we cant compare to our other cars but this car has really gotten "cheap" feeling. This car is not a keeper for us.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mark - February 1 - 10:56 am

  Most people who buy trucks think bigger is better. However, they never take advantage of the extra payload, power, size, etc. The ridgeline offers everything someone who wants the utility of a truck can offer. If you indeed need your truck as a "work truck," this isnt the right vehicle for you. If you need a family vehicle that will exceed every expectation of other family vehicles, the Ridgeline IS for you. How can you beat Honda reliability, resale value, safty and versatility? I have never owed a vehicle better than this one! And for all those people who claim the ridgeline isnt a truck, Honda has just redfined what a truck is!

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  Problem starting - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jonas - February 1 - 1:26 am

  This is a brand-new 2008 Civic, only 4 months old, 10k-km (6k miles) yet it has more problems starting than my 15 year old Chrysler. As soon as the cool weather hit - bam, ran into trouble. You have to crank and crank and crank it before it finally starts and then it runs roughly before finally idling. Sometimes I crank it and just stop and wait before trying again. Today it was -15C (5F) and the engine would not even turn over. I turned the key all the way to "start" - nothing. Engine would not even respond. I am very disappointed in this car. If I cant depend on it to start in the cold weather, what else can go wrong?

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  Element after 43,000 Miles - 2005 Honda Element
  By Paul Christie - January 31 - 10:40 pm

  I love my Element except for one nagging problem. My doors have a bad rattle in them that causes everyone who rides in it to think they arent closed completely. I took it to the dealer while it was still under warrenty to have it fixed and they had to replace the door latches. The rattles continued. I will probably take it back again. A coworker has an Element and she says she has the same problem.

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  Good Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Bulldogsfan23 - January 31 - 10:10 pm

  Ive had my honda for over 4 years. It is very reliable. Havent had a single mechanical problem. The power window have been really slow since I bought it and now the driver side window will not work at all. My car has been stolen twice now so I think I might get something else. Other than that it is a great car.

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  Worst Honda ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Huffman - January 31 - 8:30 pm

  Currently my Odyssey is in for its 12th service visit since owning it. Ridiculous for a Honda. They should be ashamed of this one. AC has died twice. Power steering gone out once - been in for high pitched "scream" sound four times. Windshield seals replaced three times. Now window mouldings dont want to stay in place. I have had 5 Hondas. This may be my last. Having to regretfully consult attorney and look at lemon law.

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  Odyssey Touring - PAX Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rstefano - January 31 - 7:05 pm

  I do not recommend this vehicle. The PAX tires are horrible. Two needed replacement at 15,000 miles, which required exchanges wheels/tires. Nobody buy Honda has these. The dealer said there would be a refund. I contacted Honda Corporate Customer Service after 3 months. They said no refund and that $570 per wheel/tire is the price. I experienced unbelievably bad customer service from them and the dealership. Throw in bad factory brakes, intermittent squeaking engine noises, PAX tires that last 20,000 at $570 each and youÂ’ve got a bad deal. After 10 new Hondas/Acuras, this is probably our last. Took a bath and traded for the 2007 Sienna Limited but we love our Toyota. Bye Bye Honda

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  I bought the LX CVT AWD - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Mike Smith - January 31 - 3:19 pm

  I thought of getting the top-dollar model but I absolutely hate the tablet type of radio and air/heat controls. In my opinion there is brilliance in simplicity and the LX model controls (knobs) hit the nail on the head. The suv drives well. The steering is a bit light but I have been averaging over 33mpg with AWD in my rural setting. I paid $ 21,138 with a $500 military discount. If you refuse to let them put add-on charges they will still sell the car at invoice price. The Bluetooth doesnt understand commands to call someone though. I will have to take it back to Honda for repair.

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  New pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By weed - January 31 - 2:16 pm

  After narrowing down the search to the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot we chose the Pilot for its cargo capacity and value proposition. A like equipped Highlander was several thousand dollars more. After a month with the new Pilot we are very satisfied. Comfortable ride, good performance and improved gas mileage (from the previous year). Honda quality is readily apparent everywhere in the vehicle. A great choice