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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  Thinking of a darn good mini SUV? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By alexm - November 6 - 2:06 am

  Since purchasing this suv in 3/02 it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Every car, especially first year redesigns such as the 02 CRV, has minor glitches. The check engine light periodically came on when the car was new because of a software bug-dealer updated software and solved the problem! The other problems are to minor to list. Tires, on the other hand, are something this truck loves to eat! After 30,000 miles give or take expect to purchase a new set. Those issues aside I would highly recommend this vehicle and expect to drive it problem free for many more miles!

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  Infotainment is Terrible - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Willsboro Bob - November 5 - 7:15 pm

  All Pilots come without a CD player – something that sales people should point out! It costs about $280 to have Honda add one. I had Honda add one. I drive a lot and listen to books on CD while I drive. It is important to me that the car remember where the CD left off when I turn off the car. That way it will continue the story when I start driving again. About 10-20% of the time the car forgets where it was and starts the CD from the beginning. Ive owned 4 Toyotas and this has never happened with any of them. Otherwise, the infotainment system is a mess. It is not at all intuitive. It is difficult or impossible to operate with gloves on (I live in northern NY and it is cold in the winter). The voice commands are finicky. It forgot all the speed dial numbers that I manually entered! The infotainment display occasionally gets stuck - an obvious software bug. As for the rest of the car, it downshifts too far when accelerating quickly. I pull a boat and admittedly, the car is good at that. The drivers seat is comfortable but the drivers seat arm rest tilts down at an odd angle and is next to worthless. The battery is inaccessible - I cannot use the car to jump start my tractor! In short, this could be a good car but it is plagued with a series of small but annoying design flaws and software bugs.

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  Fun and Functional - 2005 Honda Element
  By Glenn - November 5 - 12:14 pm

  The Element has been the most fun and functional vehicle I have ever owned. I can use it to haul most anything I need, including passengers comfortably. The fit and finish have been incredible: not a single trip to the dealer for anything other than oil changes in 18 mos. What I like most is its funky looks. Stands out from the crowd, and is easy to find in the parking lot.

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  Potent Rocket - 2005 Honda S2000
  By DG Fortner - November 5 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned a few sports cars over the years but without a doubt the S2000 offers more excitement than any of the others. Ive driven corvettes, the new 350Z, and various other sports cars but none compare with the pure adrenaline rush on a winding country back road that the "S" produces. I look forward to and look for excuses to drive my S2000. I find myself taking the S2000 to the grocery store when one of my other cars or my SUV would certainly be more appropriate. No matter what other cars I buy, my S2000 will remain in my collection (more than likely as my favorite).

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  Be careful - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FC - November 5 - 6:06 am

  I know Hondas have a great reputation and that is why I bought mine. Great the first year, then the brake system fell apart. I am on my 3rd master cylinder already. Either the dealer mechanics are poorly trained, or there is something seriously wrong with the system itself. After driving for 32 years, and never having replaced a master cylinder, all I can say about Honda is that I am less than impressed.

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  Honda Accord EX-L V6 - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Layne Norman - November 5 - 1:32 am

  This is a great looking car, full of performance, and new technology. I havent owned the car a full month yet, but here is my take on it. The CVT transmission takes a bit of getting used to, if you havent owned one. Would like it better if Honda would make it a rear wheel drive. The V6 is great, if you like to get up and go, but the 4-banger is fine for most of us, I have owned 4 previous Hondas, a Prelude, Civic, and two Accord Sedans. Honda makes a dependable car, good gas millage, performance, low road noise, and a good looking car, that plenty of other car companies have tried to copy. Im still getting used to the electronics, a good bit more advanced than previous cars I have owned. I have figured out most everything I need to know, but being close to the age of sixty, I still prefer things simple. Im pretty sure this car is made for younger drivers, but Im still young at heart, and really enjoy driving, and owning this coupe.

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  IM SOLD ON HONDA - 1995 Honda Accord
  By EZ4SHORE - November 4 - 10:05 pm

  Bought LX w/37,000 miles in 4/2005. The prior owners were about 70 years old and traded the 95 in for a 2005. I have 97 Explorer Sport w/SOHC too. My girlfriend has a 89 Accord and it wont die. My LX has a V6... it feels like Im sitting on a magic carpet, smooth ride, lots of power, hard to keep under 60. Expect Ill get my 1st ticket ever for speeding soon ! Only problem was with the SRS system, dealer said on the 95 the SRS system usually needs service and is short lived. Its costly, like $700, but dealer split 50/50 with me under 6 month warranty. But all in all this car is exceptionally designed, and a joy to drive...my Explorer sits alot more these days !

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  2002 Honda Civic Lx 4dr/5spd - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pleased - November 4 - 6:08 pm

  This is our second Civic in 15 years, so far we our generally pleased with this car. Combined Hwy/city mileage is 36mpg, long trips it gets 42-45mpg. The car rides nice, handles nimbly,and has been very reliable. Im 62" and I have plenty of room and comfort.The car is a very low maintenance vehicle and well probably keep it as long as our 92 Civic (245K and still going).

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  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.

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  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.