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:

• 

  Solid Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By rsugg - October 13 - 4:29 pm

  Bought the car from a private owner almost a year ago. Replaced radiator, axle seal, oil seal and A/C spending a lot more than what I wanted to on a nearly 15 year old car. But I could have spent the purchase price plus the price of repairs on a newer car and still not have as good a used vehicle as this one. Very solid car in and out for its age.

• 

  Gorgeous CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Phoenix - October 13 - 9:20 am

  I just bought my 2009 Honda CRV LE (base model) two weeks ago. I got the glacier blue color with gray interior. Its a beautiful car w/ exquisite design. The interior is spacious (high ceiling) and adjustable high seating offer panoramic view. Good trunk size to haul groceries & furniture. Its a fun & sporty looking car. Handling can be a bit stiff and the engine drags when you try to accelerate (but then again it is a 4 cylinders). The following need improvements: 1. Lack power when you try to accelerate, make all trims V6. 2. Trunk door should release/pop automatically w/ press of button. 3. Add alarm to all trims.

• 

  Prior BMW Owner - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - October 13 - 5:37 am

  I moved out of my loaded 2008 BMW 535 into a 2016 Accord EX-L V6 and dont feel like I am missing out. While I could easily buy any luxury vehicle the new Accord sold me on its near luxury at half the price. I have to be careful as I risk feeling smugly superior, something I never did in the beemer. So compared to the 535 the Accord.. Has 22 less horsepower, naturally aspirated...dont miss it and dont miss the 535 turbos. Tracks half as well but that makes is 100% more comfortable. Has 8-way (?) adjustable seats vs 20-way in the 535 so you dont get hugged on tight cornering which was a little disconcerting the first couple of times but the Accord seats are more comfortable. Has more and better cup holders. Darn close leather, Honda finally got it right. The break pedal doesnt sit level with the gas, takes some getting used (hooked a shoe sole in the process) to but is normal for a family hauler. Has awesome technology with CarPlay and Auto but not fair to compare. Really does get 34 mpg on the freeway...when does stated mileage actually happen? Great headlights, night quite as surreal as the 535 but pretty awesome. I could go on but net, net the first 1000 miles hav kept me smiling.

• 

  What SUV??? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - October 13 - 3:23 am

  What a surprise. Who knew that Honda would make a car with the tech features I demand, the mileage I need and price it at $21,100. I traded my luxury SUV with Nav, Power everything and 14MPG for this little "economy car" that gets 38MPG Hwy at 75MPH. I literally test drove the fresh off the truck Civic 1 block and told the salesman it was sold. Great car. It actually feels less like a Japanese econobox and more like a euro-inspired sedan with tight handling thanks to the 50-series standard tires. The Navigation is better than my Infinitis and it doesnt break the bank at the pump. Buy it and pay cash. Take the rest of the money and invest it!

• 

  Great Car So Far - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Eric In Texas - October 13 - 2:04 am

  Ok, my second time to try this. Great SUV all around. Wanted leather seats and they gave me a great deal well below invoice. Instead of paying $1500 for DVD for the kids, bought a great, portable one instead. Very comfortable, good acceleration and view all around the vehicle. Good storage and like all the latches/power ports/cup holders. Gas mileage not good, but comparable to other SUVs in its class. Dont like where the gear shift is up near steering wheel, temporary spare tire (buying my own full size 235/16" rim and spare), or that back glass doesnt open seperately. Outside styling a tad bland and tinted front side windows at my own expense. Still, great SUV for the money and worth it

• 

  best sports car aroud - 2003 Honda S2000
  By min - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The s2000 is the best sports car under 40 grand. This honda smokes the z3, audi tt, z4, miata, porsche boxster (over $50,000 and a $33,000 car smokes it)all in all honda out worked themselves with this 240hp, 0-60 in aprox. 5.2 seconds almost reaching the 911 porsche.

• 

  Hard to believe this cost me 20 Gs - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dirk Felowski - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The honda element really surprised me, I go up to the mountain feeling safe because of its awesome handling. The power is right on the mark, the should increase it by a little. Over all, This is like a dream car. For 20 grand, you wont beleive how much of an off-road and everywhere car the element is. I give Honda my best regards.

• 

  5spd CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dr CRV - October 13 - 2:00 am

  If in the market for an SUV, regardless of price, consider this model. The 5 Speed is definetely worth the wait if you must order it. Loads of fun and very smooth and maybe the 3rd or 4th fastest SUV, regardless of price. Actual MPG is a bit off, never having gotten close to advertized figures but once .. still the best in class, though. Wind noise more prevelant than anticipated, particularly at highway speeds. Get the driving lights . Tires could be Michelins and a size wider. They are supposed to be at 26psi, not what the dealer delivers it at 32psi, which bodes for a harsher ride. Still, the best vehicle of its kind.

• 

  Theyre better out there (Chrysler) - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By testedall - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The Honda is totally outclassed in luxury, road noise, smooth ride. The Chrysler is much better is these regards. Hondas interior is plain stark compared to its competition. Features that Honda has going for it are a 5 speed tranny and the fold-away third seat. But Id rather have a full sized spare, personally. Chrysler stands behind their powertrain. Honda does not (3-36 is the worst in the industry). Sorry Honda, the Chrysler wins big time here. Ive owned 4 minivans and I cant sacrifice plain interiors and lousy ride for a supposed reliability advantage that Honda themselves wont back up.

• 

  King of the family cars - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By kenseido - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Im not a van lover. With kids now and the lack of gas mileage in the large SUVs, I cant deny this thing is a true winner. The only reason I didnt give it a perfect 10 is lack of memory seats and leather steering wheel. Dealers wont negotiate much on these still, but they are worth the money. Got the EX with DVD system for $1000 under MSRP and a couple of extras thrown in. THe rear liner is good to have. No regrets, would buy again.