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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  What a disappointment - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bill - August 24 - 8:16 pm

  12000 miles to date. After only buying Hondas for the past 20+ years (3 accords,2 crvs,1pilot,1fit and a S2000) I had to try the HRV. This is by far the worst honda I have owned. I am 510 and can not get the seat/steering wheel/ speedometer combination to work! Because of the short telescoping and high numbers placement the steering wheel blocks the top of the speedometer. The road noise is loud until you do a left hand corner above 30mph then it becomes a louder howl. The A/C can not keep up if you are driving towards the Sun, I have to turn the fan all the way up (cant hear road noise) and then cant hear radio or Bluetooth. The navigation system is difficult at best! Would not take my home address and after four people tried my son got it to take the non existing house next door. Searching for services is funny,I can see three gas stations but it insist the closest is five miles away! Its the same for all services. If I drop a signal while talking on Bluetooth the system seems to lock up and radio/phone will not work until I restart the car. I love my pilots power lift gate if there is a problem closing it lets me know right away. Not the Hrv it must be slammed and even then it waits until the car is in drive before it dings if there is a problem. My 2004 crv was a much better automobile than this 2016 hrv!! Comfort,visibility,layout were all so much more thought out . This is the first honda I cant wait to get rid of

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  By far the worst car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tmm - August 24 - 8:16 pm

  I would not recommend purchasing a Honda Accord. My car has been a maintenance nightmare. Since the warranty ended, the car has been in the shop every 3-4 months and has required major maintenance. It once took the dealer over a year to diagnose and correct an intermittent problem I had with the car not starting. I replaced the battery, alternator, clock and other electrical things before they figured out it was the ignitition switch. Im disappointed and will never buy a Honda or Acura vehicle again. Think twice before you buy...

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  Cant judge a car by its maker - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty Marria - August 24 - 4:32 pm

  Without hesitatation we purchased a 2001 Odessey from an individual. The van had no previous warranty work at all. At that time it had 40,000. It started making a horrible groaning sound. It was taken to the dealership 4 times with no prognosis. Info was later given me at a Shell gas station, about bad brake drums on my model. They were not recalled but a Tech. Bulletin had come out in 2003 which recommended replacing drums. We did that at our expense 2 wks ago. We just took a 1600 mile trip, half way back the transmission went out. Our van is now 8 hours away from our home awaiting a new transmission. After much research, we have found Honda has lots of bad transmissions out there.

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  Honda (The Best Car Ever)! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ghaith - August 24 - 9:25 am

  Its been almost one year since Ive sold my 1996 BMW 318 and bought my 1998 Honda Civic, when it comes to performance and reliability I think the Honda is much better than the BMW from my own experience, Im 6.6 ft and I feel much comfortable in the Honda. Gas milage is unbeatable with a Civic, and maintenance is extremly low compared to other cars and it looks great.

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  I expected better from Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By lucy jo - August 24 - 2:03 am

  It has been fine, until I made my last payment, I have had to have the motor mounts replaced (over $500!). Now some console lights go on and off and my fuel light doesnt work anymore and the dealer said they would have to pull everything apart and charge me to find out why it doesnt work.

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  Dont listen to the journalists - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By John - August 24 - 1:29 am

  Most journalists commented on how the engine is rough and noisy. Drive a CX3 and you will discover just how refined Hondas R18 is in comparison. Also, the HRV is not "slow". It has plenty of real world acceleration and passing power even at highway speed. You have to keep in perspective the class of vehicle you are buying. It is not designed to be a sports car. I traded my 2014 Civic Si with 200+hp for the HRV and I find it very entertaining to drive when you call on it. The HRV handles great and feels "tossable". In comparison, the CX3 which is know for its steering, really is not all that much better. Hondas interior packaging is brilliant and the magic seats really set this vehicle apart from the competition. Interior cargo volume is enormous. Fit and finish is excellent inside and out and the doors have some heft that exudes a sense of solidity. Something the CX3 does not have. This is another winner for Honda as indicated by little inventory the dealers can keep on their lots. Most are pre-sold.

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  If only the tailgate locked - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By owner - August 23 - 7:20 pm

  Dealer wrapped a tonneau cover into my purchase which would have been great if the tailgate locked. I carry items that do not fit into the trunk and must be locked. My salesman assured me the tailgate would lock. not so. We are working on a fix. Other than that I love this truck. I call it a cluck for chick truck or car truck. The mirrors do not retract by power. 2 complaints which honda could easily fix for probably not that much money and it would be perfect. I am coming from a bmw and this truck is much more clever and solid. It is an outstanding vehicle.

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  My most favorite car ever - 2005 Honda Element
  By wattscyn - August 23 - 6:40 pm

  I love this vehicle, after driving everything from Cadillacs to Pintos, I can say this is my favorite car ever. It is a blast to drive and a breeze to keep clean with two kids and three dogs. I love being able to reconfigure the interior on a whim. Im a master gardener and a tree-a-holic ( I fit five) A blast for family road trips. A great road car

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  Love the car but... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rendar - August 23 - 10:26 am

  I love almost everything about this car. The look. The way it drives. Fuel economy is good (I see complaints but I get very close to EPA estimates). Very quiet (again, Ive seen complaints, but for me it is quieter than any car Ive ever owned). Very good power for 4 cyl. My only complaint is comfort. The front seats are extremely uncomfortable after anything more than 15 minutes of driving due to what I see as a design flaw, the seat curvature is too great, and even with the lumbar support all the way retracted, it still feels like there is some type of bar sticking out in the wrong part of my back (I am 63" and my wife 51" and we both have issues with it).

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  fit to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ron frame - August 23 - 7:43 am

  very easy to drive, park and maneuver. 1500 miles average mpg 32.8. needs a little bigger a/c. fabulous inside room for a small car. needs a cushioned armrest and small console between the frnt seats. overall i am extremely pleased with my choice of cars. recommend to any one with small family or "soccer moms".