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:

• 

  Hope the surprises stop - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Nick - September 4 - 11:42 pm

  Bought brand new in Jan 2000, was very pleased with vehicle until first major service, had 30000k, thats when the problems began, (rear brakes) after this deglazing of the drums the problem began and stayed with them until 110000k loud vibration noises when braking from 110km, thats probable why 2001 got all 4 discs, sliding doors already replace motor and latching mechanism every two years, now noticing trans, clunking noise especially when backing out of driveway. Got to call Honda Canada to ask about transmission recall. Hopefully the 2005 and newer dont have to many bugs. Hope this helps

• 

  When will the Big 3 ever get a clue? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dkwells1012 - September 4 - 10:13 pm

  The LX-SE has great features in an outstanding car for decent money. You cant go wrong if you drive tons of business miles. Good feel from the road without being harsh. Great acceleration for a 4 cyl. Excellent resale value down the road.

• 

  95 Honda Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By alacy - September 4 - 4:27 pm

  This car is fun, comfortable, reliable, awesome. One of the best compact cars of all time

• 

  weekend warrior - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By blue5 - September 4 - 4:26 pm

  After 200 miles of driving, I have no regrets for getting this truck. This truck has the right blend of luxury and performance for everyday driving. This is my first truck and it was made for the weekend warrior.I like the Tacoma but the ride was a little rough and interior was slightly spartan. Ridgeline is pricier but it has all the SUV features.

• 

  One great automobile! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Michael - September 4 - 10:43 am

  This is the first Honda Ive owned and I love it. I love the EX-P model because it has the painted body clad molding that matches the SUV. Its fun to drive and has a lot of room in it. I have more room in the front of it than my wife has in her Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The gas mileage so far hasnt been as good as I expected but it only had 3 miles on it when I purchased it. I hope the more I drive it, the better the mileage will be. All together I love this SUV!! I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  If you are taller than 511" dont buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CC58 - September 4 - 6:43 am

  Ive put about 2000 miles on my 2007 EX Civic Coupe. Averaging 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. I like the car for city driving, but it has annoyances that may force me to sell it in the long run. On long trips its bouncy suspension makes me car sick and the twitchy steering forces you to stay alert. Head clearance is a MAJOR problem for those taller than 511". Im 511.5" and my head is 1/2 an inch from the roof. Its very irritating when my hair brushes the roof. Its driving me crazy. Should have gotten the DX with 1.5 inches extra clearance due to no moon roof.

• 

  causing me Whiplash - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Shelly - September 4 - 5:32 am

  Purchased my car July 11th and loved it beause, who doesnt love a new car. At first I loved the ride it felt like a truck and I nicked named it my baby buggy. Cute right? Until I started experience whiplash syptoms. Im feeling every bump and spring and for weeks now I havent been able to move my neck or sleep comfortably. Im considering taking an MRI today so there documents to request a trade to a sad an. I wasnt in an accident and I am rather fit person. Walk, swim, and do yoga. This is outrageous.

• 

  Another great Honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Matt.N - September 4 - 4:00 am

  I am bias, love Honda, 6 of them so far and 2nd CRV, they are reliable, easy to maintenance, best of all the handling is of one the best for "low" end vehicle. Tested drive Hyundai Tucson, Santa fe, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX5 (bad), and Subaru Outback which better handling a bit but slower acceleration. I like how Honda hugs the curve at high speed, responsive. Test drive like this to see how the vehicle can help avoiding accident, as expected, turning radius is small. The vehicle can steer itself through gentle curve at highway speed, even at late dawn. 30MPG @ 80 MPH, 28MPG @ mix city/hwy. Capless gas tank is cool, hope it is ok for a long time. 25700 CRV EX AWD + 800 dealer fee (makeup profit fee) 100 doc fee + state mandatory fee

• 

  2016 Honda CR-V Touring - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kristy Miller - September 4 - 12:48 am

  Love this vehicle. Very quiet ride, good interior space and "peppy" engine. I am 5 2" short and the seats adjust well, except for the head rest which has no adjustment. The on screen computer/navigation system doesnt seem to be very intuitive. Sound system is pretty good. I do like the keyless entry and automatic trunk open and close. Insurance Institute for highway safety rated this vehicle as "Good" (highest rating) along with a great resale value. I traded in my 2004 Chevy Trailblazer for this vehicle and other than the size and weight difference I am very pleased with this vehicle. 9/12/2017 update Still LOVE my CR-V the only trouble I have had is a 7.5 fuse blown that took out the back lights, dash lights and hi-beams. Replaced fuse and its good to go!

• 

  Tough to find a better car at this size - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Orly - September 3 - 6:55 pm

  We shopped for almost a year before we made up our mind on this car. Cars we considered : Toyota, Acura, Lexus, Volvo, Nissan. We got out of a 2012 Odyssey Touring Elite and wanted to keep the space but make it a little more grown up. All other choices are great but here is what we found: All other cars a pretty much useless in the 3rd row for adults but I being 62" fit in the back seat comfortably in the Pilot. There is actually space that you could load something with the 3rd row up (Most other cars had no space at all). Very spacious front row seats , better than in the Odyssey for people with long legs. Safety equipment is off the chart. For a car with a factory entertainment system its hard to find a lower price. And for all the people that say this looks like a minivan, go look at it in person. It is much better especially with the 20" rims on it. Trust me I hated driving the Minivan, this is a welcome change. The pick up on this car is outstanding, I have to drive it in eco-mode to not speed! Car handles very well, no idea what people are saying about a bad handling, FYI this is a big and heavy car but it handles great. It has electric steering which has multiple upsides but one of the downsides is some disconnection with the "feel" of the road, maybe thats what they are talking about? This car is more quiet when driving than my $60K Lexus. Quality inside is outstanding for the cost. Some suggestions for improvements. Flip down armrest to be a little stockier. It isnt flimsy but it looks it. Maybe its just mine but the transmission is a little jerky on the downshifts. I will have it looked at, maybe Im just too picky.