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:

• 

  Ready for something else. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - January 7 - 11:26 pm

  My husband and I have been very disappointed with our Odyssey. We have always bought GM products but thought that all the safety and consumer ratings were too hard to pass up. The vehicle is supposedly XM ready but you need an $800 part in order to get XM. The gas mileage has not been good at all. I got better in my Venture van. The transmission drives like a manual, I hate having to open the gas cap from the inside and it doesnt have daytime running lamps like GM cars. There is always something rattling like the windows and doors which on a brand new vehicle shouldnt be happening. There is a lot of room and we like the magic seats but are planning to buy something else now.

• 

  Grips and Groans.... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Barton Courcier - January 7 - 11:02 pm

  Great car. The technology seems to leap by decade. Especially with regard to driving dynamics and torsional rigidity. So far my biggest gripes are the following. 1). There is no stinking way to get into the trunk from the back of the car. The only way to open the trunk is to use the key FOB or the internal release lever. Personally I dont always have my key FOB with me and when I walk to the back of the car with a hand full of stuff I want to be able to open the trunk. There used to be a day when all Honda had a release lever and also a keyed latch. Basic stuff that all cars should have. 2) The HVAC system makes this irritating pulsing noise that you can hear at idle. The rest of the car is so quiet is appears quite loud. Its not just the sound but the nature of the pulsing because it feels like a pressure pulse that rises and falls. Its actually unnerving.

• 

  2010 Honda Insight EX w/Navi - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Spectrum Pearl - January 7 - 10:30 pm

  The 2010 Insight is a practical compact car that also happens to be a fun and engaging hybrid to drive. My first week with the Insight has been pleasant and rewarding with regard to the overall driving experience. Most of all - it meets my needs and fits within my budget. Exterior fit and finish is on par with its Honda kin - crisp lines and flowing forms that line up impeccably. Inside one will find a great deal of plastic, although it is mostly agreeable and retains the same level of refinement found outside. While I have yet to drive it without Eco-Assist enabled, my real world fuel economy is coming in at just over 50mpg with helpful coaching from the Multi-Information display.

• 

  A big improvement! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kcpy - January 7 - 5:10 pm

  I used to own the 98 CRV EX. Just returned it and got the 2002 verison. I have to say, all of the complains I had for 98 model have been addressed. The car now looks a lot better and drives a lot better. I really like this one. I am also 6 ft tall, but didnt find any problem with the seat.

• 

  Great Car at a Great price. - 2004 Honda Element
  By Debra - January 7 - 1:28 pm

  Ah, what a fun vehicle. Great for hauling packages or those sports toys. My bike fits inside and imagine in one piece!! There is plenty of room for guests and luggage. Gas mileage is better than most wagons. A value purchase I am pleased with.

• 

  Ummm...WOW!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By solablankito - January 6 - 9:43 pm

  I have only had the car since mid April and already have over 3,000 miles on it. I took a Memorial Day trip from the New York Metro Area to Ocean City, MD. I was astonished that my car averaged over 30 mpg and I only used a little more than half a tank on the 260 mile drive down to Maryland. The entire trip used a tank and a half. Im not your typical CR-V owner, if there is one. I am a 24 yr old male. I owned a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee before this car and couldnt keep up with the 14 mpg. Although I am early in my ownership I couldnt be happier with my choice.

• 

  97 Civic EX coupe - 1997 Honda Civic
  By alotawatts - January 6 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased mine used with aprox 76000 miles. I get lousy milage in town with the automatic transmission but good on the hiway. 1996 - 2000 6th generation Civics are outstanding !

• 

  2018 Black Edition - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By OlMnRvr - January 6 - 3:26 pm

  I drove Chevy, Ford, and Dodge pickups before the Honda. The Honda Ridgeline fit the needs of our family better than the others. The ride is better than any vehicle Ive owned or test drove. The 6 cylinder offers great acceleration as well as a 5000 pound towing capacity which is more than Ill ever need. The heated leather seats adjust to any position I need and I can preset my own adjustment as well as one for my wife. The rear seats will accommodate average sized people with no problem and if necessary a 6+ footer could fit. It would be nice if the rear doors would open wider however. The lockable waterproof trunk in the floor of the truck bed provides exceptional space and the dual action tailgate should be an industry standard. The tech stuff on this vehicle is fantastic and will help make me a safer driver. The biggest bonus with this truck is the MPG. Previous reviews I read said the gas mileage was in the low 20s but Ive found that by driving the speed limit with the ECON button on Ive averaging over 30 mpg on the highway (highest was 33.8) and about 26 mpg in town. I could not be more pleased with the Black Edition Honda Ridgeline and would recommend this truck to anyone.

• 

  00 Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By StevePod - January 6 - 11:41 am

  This has been the best car we have ever owned. So perfect in comparison to our Chrysler Town and Country which was a reliability nightmare. The Navigation system is just the greatest for any road trips. When you learn how to fully utilize this feature, you will not buy another car without it!

• 

  Not another boring SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jeremy - January 6 - 2:14 am

  I am the proud owner of an orange 2004 Honda Element EX 4x4. It is safe, efficient, simple, comfortable, and very sure-footed on icy and snow-packed roads. The build quality is even better than that of my 1995 Accord (and I drove that car for 178,000 trouble- free miles). The styling is just different enough to differentiate itself from the countless thousands of bland Explorers and Tahoes that dominate surburban driveways. The visibility from the drivers seat is excellent and the short, sloped hood allows a clear view of the road immediately ahead of the vehicle. It corners very well and lacks the tippy feeling of so many SUVs. Overall, it is a very AFFORDABLE and functional SUV.