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:

• 

  water leak - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Triz - August 6 - 7:45 am

  Please stay away from this car. Honda pilots are having a major water leak and the dealer has not idea how to fix it.

• 

  Im In My Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Sbinder - August 5 - 5:56 pm

  This car is great for everything its made for. It could use some upgrades like daytime running lights. 4 wheeling isnt really an option because of how low it is to the ground and if you look under it, the fuel tank is the lowest point. Gas mileage is not so great at all I have only averaged 20 miles per gallon in the city. It does have great power though and good acceleration.

• 

  The Future of the SUV is here now! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ted A. van Landingha - August 5 - 3:33 pm

  A well-designed, practical vehicle that is both fun to drive, functional in almost any situation, and interesting to look at. This vehicle has created a sense of brotherhood amongst its owners, much the way Jeeps did in the past. Every owner that I have met says they prefer it to any auto that they have ever driven. Pros: great sound sytem, loaded with accessories, smooth car-like ride, solid and detailed constuction, huge back seat legroom, and a spacious interior. Cons: I wish Honda made an "Element Offroad" with full locking 4WD, huge tires and wheels, skid plates, a "real" roof rack like the Nissan XTERRA, and the Honda Pilot V6 engine.

• 

  Great interior, looks, and tech - a few minor issu - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By MDCRVOwner - August 5 - 7:35 am

  We have owned three Honda vehicles, including a Honda Pilot, before we switched to Ford for the last two cars that we owned. After reading reviews of the CRV and drooling over pics, we purchased a 2017 CRV Touring AWD three days ago. I wanted something very practical (so I can sit in traffic in comfort) with good fuel economy and the CRV really delivers. Among the positives - the interior is well appointed and sized really well (it feels just a bit smaller than our old Pilot, but not cramped in any way). The tech on the vehicle is excellent including the Apple CarPlay and the adaptive cruise control. I also really like the styling on the vehicle. I always thought the previous generation CRVs looked a little uhhh...frumpy. They have done a great job in moving to more of a true SUV look with the vehicle and I really like it. Handling is excellent and body roll is minimal. On the negatives power is a little wimpy (Im coming from a 280 HP sedan), but adequate and Im fine with it considering the fuel economy. One thing that bugs me a little is that the fan on the heat/air conditioning is pretty loud, especially when the car is first started and is coming to temperature. It is loud enough that people on the phone have trouble hearing me. I just turn down the fan while Im on the phone. I also had one instance where the nav system did not boot fully. It came up to the blue Honda background, but no icons appeared, not even the home icon...nothing. I therefore had no way to tune the radio or use the climate controls. At the next stop light, I shut the car down and started again. Still no icons on the screen. At the next light, I shut down again and waited for the H on the drivers screen to completely disappear. I restarted and this time the nav system fully booted and I was able to use normal functions. This has happened one time out of the three days that I have owned the car. I alerted the dealer to this issue and will continue to track it. Even with this minor issue, I can say that over the three days that I have owned the CRV, my opinion of this vehicle has increased. It is a total package combining a great interior, exterior, technology and fuel efficiency into a very practical vehicle. Would buy again without hesitation. Update: After a week of ownership, I have had no further issues with the Nav system. Also, with more moderate outdoor temperatures later in the week, the climate control system has not had to work as hard and therefore fan noise inside the CRV has been much lower.

• 

  Great car but noisy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By PAULS TOY - August 5 - 5:13 am

  Had the car for five months now had no problems so far just an air bag recall... First day i drove it home, had to take the freeway i noticed door wind noise and the suspension a bit springy or tight...After five months still noisy and the suspension bouncy. Other than this car is great. Mileage is good looking at todays gas prices..... Great car just two important negative selling points for my next honda.

• 

  Third and Counting - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dawuud - August 5 - 12:53 am

  This is my third Accord and the third Accord I love. I gave up the last one with 194,000 miles and it now has over 250,000. After a brief stint with a 94 Acura, Im back with the Accord and its a wonderful car to drive. Its very comfortable and the heated seats are great this time of year. Driving up a mountain was easy the one time I did. The car has very good road manners and the steering is much better than I thought. The power is more than sufficient for everyday driving and if you dont watch yourself you can drift into speeds that get you the ticket I got 2 months ago.

• 

  Beautiful Blue - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mJc - August 4 - 6:56 pm

  My 2008 Honda Coupe is a magnificent driving machine. Great gas mileage yet it still provides me with the feeling that Im driving a sporty car.

• 

  My new CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Liateacher - August 4 - 1:53 pm

  I wish the interior came with better standard features, like the cargo cover, cargo net and a better storage between driver & passenger seats. They have a tray that goes up or down, but I miss the "box" that I could put CDs into (they have other spaces for CDs but not as big). Also glove box is too thin/narrow, besides my new car manual, not much else fits. There are also no "hooks" where I can hang things from (like a litter bag) and the visor is a bit too thick. It wont fit my old CD visor holder or my garage door/gate openers. There are a few other "little" inconveniences, but overall I love it so far! :)

• 

  Buyers Beware - 2014 Honda Accord
  By PJ - August 4 - 12:59 pm

  The battery AND the starter had to be replaced and the car only has 40,000 miles.....not under warranty because Hondas warranty expires 3 years or 36,000 miles. The starter was around $900 and it only has a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty. So in within 2 months, Im out $1100 for repairs. Ive owned 5 Hondas and this has been the worse one. Ive read that a lot of people are having the same problems with Honda models years 2013-2015. I will be getting rid of this car before the starters warranty expires. Also, theres a lot of wind noise in this Honda when driving on the freeway. Has good gas mileage. I traded in a Kia Optima for this Honda and Im sorry to say this but I should have kept the Optima.

• 

  Transmission - 2003 Honda Civic
  By James E. Veitch - August 4 - 11:10 am

  Make sure to check transmission every 25,000 miles. Mine went out at 140,000 Mi. Honda doesnt stock them one week to a month to get a replacement. They do not rebuild CVT transmissions, $3,000.00 to replace and $375.00 shipping. Front struts also go out easily.