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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  This element rocks - 2005 Honda Element
  By mac - May 12 - 9:44 pm

  Ive driven this car hard for 25 k in year with not a single part to break or malfunction. Ive hauled a 16 foot touring kayak inside the car to and from the beach. Interior is awesome for space. Great stereo with xm satellite radio. My ten year old son loves it "because I get a lot of fun out of it." He likes to fold the seats back all the way flat.

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  Its Great - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Civic Hybrid - May 12 - 3:25 pm

  I had forgotten just how much fun driving a car could be. I love the performance and the fuel economy makes my gas cost half as much as other cars. I can get 600 miles on one tank of gas. With gas prices skyrocketing the way they are, I am sure glad I decided to by my Honda Civic Hybrid.

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  Great Idea but could use a few tweaks - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Anita Campbell - May 12 - 1:45 pm

  I test drove and also researched a AWL HRV EX as a smaller alternative to a CRV LX. I loved the smaller overall size, good safety rating and adaptability of the seating which allowed the second row split seat to fold flat forward or fold back. The passenger seat folded backwards into a flat position and literature showed the ability to haul a kayak on that side of the car. The HRV also has a cute "hidden" back door handle that meets the triangular shaped rear side window. For the difference in exterior space between the 2016 HRV EX and 2013 CRV LX which I currently own, there was about 6 inches in width and length. However, the front seat of the HRV was quite cramped feeling (left to right) in comparison. Also, sitting in the front at a comfortable distance to the steering wheel and controls, (I am 53") felt like I was right up against the windshield. Headroom was very limited and I felt my 63" son would have to crouch sitting in the car whether front or back seat. My major concern, however, was in the smallness of Horsepower of the engine. (The HRV uses the same one as the Honda Fit). I previously owned the smaller 1998 Honda Odyssey for 12 years which many criticized for poor pickup and although lower (150) in HP than my current CRV (185), the Odyssey still scored 9 more horses than the HRV (141). I am a senior and dont have a need for speed but if I am going to have a car that can carry materials from home and garden centers or an occasional piece of furniture, I dont want to be straining on the highway. This is the first year the HRV is being offered and I am hoping that future models will address some of these concerns. It would be welcome also to see the price tag fall a bit lower in comparison to the CRV.

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  Saves Gas - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ted B. - May 11 - 11:10 pm

  Honda has truly outdone themselves with this car. 255 total hp (240 V6 and 16 electric) provide a quiet yet substantial driving experience. This car has tremendous acceleration through the mid range to top end. From 50mph to 75mph with gas/electric combination in 4 seconds is impressive. Max fuel efficiency for me seems to be in the 62-64 mph range. At this speed on I-95 I can get just shy of 40mpg. Around town the mpg is just above 28.

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  A huge disappointment - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris fountain - May 11 - 7:36 pm

  Honda has taken a perfectly acceptable little truck and ruined it with a ridiculously complicated touch-screen "information center" that is distracting, nearly impossible to access while driving and often inoperative. Together with a truly horrible, high pressure dealer experience and annoying, but telling equipment failures (the drivers seatbelt take-up/retainer spool, for instance, quit after two months, so the belt falls between the door and frame when exiting the vehicle or puddles on the front seat, waiting to be sat upon on entering - its a reminder, 6X a day, of how Honda quality has declined) the Ridgeline is a disappointing failure. In fact, Im learning to hate this vehicle. The feeble a/c gives up past 90, the seats are a torment after 2 hours of driving, the GPS often loses track of where it is, and the new, "larger" engine is anemic and dangerous when trying to quickly merge into highway traffic. Even the interior cab has been worsened, by reducing the rear seat opening - what good is the fold-up feature if bulky objects cant be placed inside? A very bad truck, designed, probably, by smart engineers who never considered what it would be like to actually drive it.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By oddymanout - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  When my wife and I bought this van, we drove it to Yellowstone. Truly, never was a better travel vehicle ever built! This vehilce hauled camping equipment, 2 weeks of supplies and three adults from Michigan to Wyoming. Even in the mountains of Wyoming, there wasnt even the slightest bit of hesitation from the Odyssey. The seats were comfortable even after 12 hours behind the wheel. I would have no hesitation recommending this vehicle to others.

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  Happy with my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - May 11 - 3:22 pm

  Im very pleased with this car. Ive had it for 5 years, do all the scheduled maintenance and havent had any problems. It gets around great in the snow w/the AWD. This is the longest Ive ever owned a car and plan on keeping it until it dies. Theres plenty of room to haul stuff in the back w/the seats down. I did pay to add a passenger seat arm rest. I agree with some of the other reviews about the seats (not comfortable on road trips) and the steering wheel needs to tilt down a bit more. But overall I like it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  trade in for a new odyssy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By c.m. poague - May 11 - 2:35 pm

  Very comfortable, good handling, sits up high and easy to see out while driving. The back seat is comfortable to sit on. The cargo space and fold down third seats are very handy.

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  Great Little Car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Jer - May 11 - 1:30 pm

  I bought my Civic from a family friend almost 2 years ago. At that time, the car had about 180,000 miles. She was the original owner and took the car to Honda for all services, repairs, etc. As soon as I test drove it, I decided it was well worth the $1500 they were asking. Two years later, the thing still runs like a clock and doesnt miss a beat. Its become my commuter car for work as the mileage cant be beat... I get no less than 30mpg anywhere I go and it usually averages 35-40 mpg on the freeway. It is a pretty simple, barebones car... but its VERY reliable, efficient and cost effective. Especially since gas is now over $3 a gallon!

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  I couldnt ask for a better first car!!! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Krys Wilson - May 11 - 8:41 am

  When I was told that my first car was going to be a 92 Honda Accord, I wasnt thrilled at all. I didnt really know much about Hondas. Now, I wouldnt trade my Honda for the world especially with the price of gas, my Honda is very fuel efficient, its not too big or too small. I have only had one major problem, I needed a transmission. I wasnt able to get one right away but my Honda still drove like a dream, just had to shift the gears myself. I have had sooo many offers to sell my Honda but I would never even if I buy a newer car. To say my Honda is 14 years old, I have less problems than any of my friends that have newer cars. Bottom line Honda has a customer for life. Honda Forever!