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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  it keeps going, with TLC - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By brett - February 2 - 3:36 am

  i just kept changing the oil and regular maintenance. overall id say i got my moneys worth

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  Worth every penny! - 2005 Honda Element
  By jason - February 1 - 11:07 pm

  After doing a lot of research, reading review after review, I decided to purchase my EX AWD. The Element is everything I expected and more! Road noise isnt bad as people make it out to be, and it has plenty of power to get up and go! Handling is exellent for everyday driving. I have owned it for a week now and I have zero complaints. The Element is very spacious, my 64 friend fit very confortable in the back seat. The stereo is way above average and sounds crystal clear. Try finding a 2005 EX AWD leftover at a dealership,you might get a great deal like I did, paying $19,000 with only 32 miles on it... yes just 32.

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  Not What I Was Expecting - 2016 Honda Civic
  By John OShaughnessy - February 1 - 7:10 pm

  Wasnt really shopping Honda and it was second to last on my list beating only Toyota (never). I shopped the coupe first. Although I am the primary driver of the vehicle and my seat position will never change it bothered me that none of the coupe models had power seats? Just odd? One more note to Honda on the seats, they could really use lower lumbar support! I purchased the sedan because it looked sporty enough and my kids fit in the back. I got a great deal and the price was right. Performance? I am an "mpg" fanatic so I keep the car in "Eco" mode most of the time and there is a noticeable turbo lag if you need to jump into or cut across traffic in a hurry. In a quick acceleration situation I highly suggest taking it out of Eco. The CVT transmission is something I need to get used to but I do not miss the bump of a automatic trans shift. Steering is a bit flat because you dont get a true feel of the car in turns. Safety is something I luckily have not had to test. I do feel like there is a bit of a blind spot in the drivers side mirror but this might be because I am used to driving full size pickups. Tech is okay. Nav is on your dime because it either uses google maps through Android Auto or Honda Link through your phones data. Phone USB port is in a weird place so I just leave the cord attached and there really is no good place to put your phone without it sliding in turns and stops (I put mine in the cup holder). BT connectivity has acted up twice but really no issues. Radio is okay with sound being a bit weak but I have not yet mastered the touch screen controls because I use it for commuting mostly. Reliability, no problems yet but it has only been a month. Value: I have not broken the car in yet but I am getting 32mpg in mixed driving and hoping for better. Warranty is the weakest point because 3/36 is not anything to brag about in a world of 6/60 and 10/100.

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  Worst purchase ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dabarbour - February 1 - 7:03 pm

  All features are slow to react. Voice response never responses correctly. No storage for the driver-side very frustrating car to drive. Gas mileage is awful. Highest Ive seen is 17mpg. The feature that shuts down three cylinders slams hard when its on and you have to brake. You could change seasons waiting for the "automatic electronic" doors to open or close. Just an overpriced piece of junk!

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  The most reliable car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Steve - February 1 - 5:17 pm

  Car was originally bought as an R-title w 160K. It has been in the family for 5 yrs,now it has 240K. Still gets 33/40 mpg. Havent changed the timing belt yet. Only changing the oil and an occasional bulb.

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  2003 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By PETE S - February 1 - 3:55 pm

  Pros: A relatively inexpensive vehicle, AWD is excellent, handles great, no significant mechanical problems, seating is comfortable, small size makes it great in the city for parking. Cons: Noisy ride, fuel mileage not that great, small fuel tank means frequent fill-ups, plastic interior scratched and marred easily.

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  Made a Mistake - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Windy - February 1 - 1:20 pm

  I have only had this car two months and knew the first day I had made a mistake. It is very uncomfortable, hard to get in and out, and rides very rough. We are already looking for a larger car to replace it with. The Accord is a small car and should not be referred to as a family sedan. It is more suited for teenagers and young adults who arent interested in comfort.

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  Crosstour V6 - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Mike D. - February 1 - 3:38 am

  Make sure youre coming comfortable in this car, thats one of the only things I dont like about it, and the reason I would sell it, its not a fun car to drive, point A to B. At nothing more, the power..yes only the v6, I wish mine was AWD it may make a difference in performance significantly,

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  Works for me !!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By PJ - February 1 - 2:58 am

  This is a small pickup by today’s standards. For me, it is a very good size, a 4-door model with a small open bed. Just right for the light hauling I do. The Black Edition comes with all the bells and whistles that Honda offers. It is a joy to drive and performs well in traffic as well as on the highway. Glad I bought it although an expensive purchase.

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  Civic Buyer - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Drummerboy993 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Honda Civic has never let me down. it is dependable, reliable, and is very fun to drive. though the torque is not the best out of all cars, this car has always been there! its great styling and top of the line performance has stunned me.