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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  The ultimate everything vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Engineer - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I drive 200 miles round trip a day mostly highway on cruise. My mileage was low until I put about 15,000 on the truck but now regularly get 22MPG cruising at 70 with my high being 23.9. I have found that the power is quite good but the VSA system intrudes too much leaving most folks with the impression it doesnt have low end power. If you switch the button off the truck will launch hard indicating Honda should rethink the programming. My biggest beefs are lack of a telescoping wheel that allows one to rest your elbows on the door and console pad without feeling like youre reaching. Seat comfort is misleading way too hard. I will be the first in line for a new dturbo diesel.

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  Its OK - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - October 1 - 11:52 am

  Mileage has been ok at 22 in town and 27-29 highway. Power is great with quick pick-up and easy pull in mountains of Tennessee, and Kentucky. This is a Florida car with good a/c in the summer. Am disappointed with small stuff like a rattle that the dealer cant find - I think its the exhaust pipe, the dealer installed automatic mirror needing replacement, and the cubby hole door in the dash not staying closed. Surprising for Honda.

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  Just boarded still learning about it - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Bettina - October 1 - 10:27 am

  Just boarded still learning about it. I haven’t learned to fully use all the instruments in the car. However at this point I am most impressed with the mileage and the comfort of driving it. The seats are comfortable this front space is comfortable and I really enjoy driving this car. I am still getting used to the rear backup camera and the lane boundaries on the car. But so far I am thoroughly enjoying the process of getting to know my new car!

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  Not as good as I thought - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Vertigo - September 30 - 3:56 pm

  I heard how great the Accord is from this website, from my experience that was wrong. My 06 Accord was the first new car Ive ever purchased. I got the extended warranty, the xylon coating, and I check its vitals (oil, tire pressure, power steering, etc) weekly. I avoid rough, pot-holed, bumpy roads (and take it real slow when they cant be avoided) yet I have had soo many problems with this car. Ex.:In under 4 months my power steering started spazzing out. I had to take it in and explain to the technician (who just wanted to top off the fluid) that the reservoir shouldnt be virtually empty that quick (lots of effort went into getting them to properly inspect it).And there are more...

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jade29 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive enjoyed the Element immensely. It drives like a car and the roominess is great. I love the rubber flooring, too -- its nice to not worry about spills. The clamshell doors make it easy to load and unload, although theyre a bit of a pain when you just need to put something small in the back seat. You have to open the front doors to open and close the back. There are lots of nooks and the stereo isnt bad either, especially for a factory install. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. So far, Im getting about 16 mpg driving about 12-20 miles per day. Im hoping that will get better as the engine breaks in.

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By aprilrain - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my crv has been supurb. I have had to make numerous trips back and forth to the Tampa area this past year because of my sisters serious illness and battle with cancer. And I do have to say my CRV was awesome!! The ride from Palm Beach County to Hillsborough county was so smooth and the gas mileage and performance was fantastic. I loved driving back and forth only because the comfort and the handeling of my CRV was easy. I a woman feared driving the distance but with my Honda CRV I felt very safe and in control at all times.

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  The great debate: Sienna or Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By LaFio - September 29 - 5:15 pm

  I must have test driven each of these cars at least 3 times. In the end, I got an Odyssey because I got the better deal and more options. The Honda was fun. Downside: Honda road noise is awful and, after several weeks, I feel like Im driving a tank with no pick up. The passenger seat feels like it teeters when you accelerate or stop. And the stitching on the steering wheel has come unraveled. The passenger doors dont open/close fast enough. Im happy with the van (see pros below), but I wish I had gotten the Sienna, despite its boring appearance.

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  The Little Civic that Could - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Derek M - September 29 - 11:04 am

  I got this car after my 16th birthday. Its a manual because all of our cars are manual. I told my parents that I really wanted to get a civic or an accord and they agreed. Ive put maybe 3,000 miles on it so far. The only thing that I had to replace was the clutch assembly because the previous owner burned it up. I love this car. The next car I get will definitely be a new civic. My family has bought new accords every 4 years since 1998. Its amazing how good these cars are! It has no blind spots and its easy to zip around people. I wouldnt trade it for anything. I dont use A/C so its not really a problem for me.

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  "CRV" means car really vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By R Martuscello - September 29 - 10:20 am

  This is not our first Honda CRV but it may be the last. We purchased a new 2015 Honda CRV and the dealer did not have the integrity to say that there was an issue regarding the vibration or shuddering at lower rpms. Honda has a video concerning the problem which had I known about would have at least alerted me to the problem. The dealers know but most if not all consumers do not know about the video. Can not believe a manufacturer for which many have high regard would dump such vehicles on the buying public. Honda let us down after getting our cash. My word to the wise: DO NOT BUY A NEW HONDA CRV. You have been warned.

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  Honda Accord, the new Impala - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - September 29 - 1:53 am

  In my opinion, with its redesigned Accords, Honda has perfected the classic American large sedan. This new Honda feels like a very well put together Chevy Impala. ItÂ’s designed for American roads and American families so I suppose thatÂ’s fine. So far, and I have only had it a week, I find it like driving a barge. I donÂ’t care for it but itÂ’s not so bad that I can say I hate it. ItÂ’ just not fun to drive. ItÂ’s fine on the interstate but parking is clunky and I donÂ’t long to drive it like I did my old BMWs. Alas, now I own it. I wish Honda had a return policy.