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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  Ripped off but I still like it - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Matthew D - July 1 - 10:39 pm

  I bought my 97 Accord a month before I got married. The dealer I bought it from told me it had passed all their inspections and was good to go. Right after purchase I had to replace the radiator, water pump & timing belt, belts, brake rotors and tires. Four months later I find out it has a bad piston rod and needs a new engine. Even after all this I love the car. I get a solid 32 MPG on the freeway and I love the way it drives. The seats are a little uncomfortable for long drives but other than that Im determined to replace the engine and keep driving it.

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  Touring, Better than MDX, X5 or GX470 - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By 09Touring4x4 - July 1 - 6:28 pm

  My first Honda, we were set on the MDX or the Lexus gx470 but they just did not have enough room. MDX does not have the feel of luxury U think it might. We bought the Demo model with 6500 miles but it has everything you can imagine and then some! Most all the accessories (dark wood trim all over, premium lighted side steps, all weather mats, chrome grill, front and back aluminum underside etc) were added. Have not taken for a long trip yet but it is fun to drive and has a lot of room. My 2 1/2 year old loves the wireless headphones so she can watch her Thomas videos while we listen to the radio or music CD.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - July 1 - 2:29 pm

  Between my wife and I we have owned four Hondas, 3 Accords and now 1 2003 CRV EX. We purchased each Honda new and all three Accords were fantastic reliable vehicles. I thought that I was a Honda customer for life. Then we bought a new 2003 CRV. Its now 6 years old with only 49K miles on it. Weve replaced 2 sensors ($450), all four brake pads and rotors ($500) and now both front struts + a front end alignment ($600). I can understand all of these wear items around the 100K area, but not at 49K miles. In reading through other reviews, looks like I can expect the AC to go soon too. Well try Toyota soon. Honda, learn from the quality errors of the big three, or you may be sorry.

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  Honeymoon is over - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By meadow - July 1 - 12:46 pm

  Loved this car at purchase, now, five months later, its problems are obvious. Gas mileage for city driving is the worst -- low teens at best. Couple this with a transmission that is way too eager to downshift (the car will not coast at low speeds - foot must always be on the accelerator!) and you have the king of all gas guzzlers. The brakes are too soft and getting softer by the day -- really emphasizes the cars bulk when your leg hurts just trying to get it to stop. These flaws make it impossible to enjoy driving this car. I would expect these kind of issues from a so-so vehicle, but not a Honda! Wont be getting one again. Cant believe I miss my old Caravan. . .

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  Great deal!!! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Johnny - July 1 - 12:50 am

  Updated review 8/8/17 Ive now had my Hybrid EX-L for 2 years now, Im at 56,600 miles and I must say that driving this vehicle has definitely changed my formally aggressive driving; acceleration and braking. I average anywhere from 650 miles to the tank during the winter and up to 780 miles a tank during the summer; average mileage to a full tank is somewhere in the upper 600s to low 700s year around. Are there minor tweaks I would prefer that this vehicle have, sure but nothing major. Ive managed to save myself between $7-8.5k in the past 2 years in fuel costs and services that I would have had to pay in my previous car; 2011 Audi A4. Is this a muscle car? No. Is this an ugly Prius? Hell no!!! The comfort and fuel saving advantages outweigh the Audi or almost any other car any day! A word of caution if you do not drive a lot the premium cost of this car will not balance out within a couple of years, shop with this in mind. I have yet to use my extended warranty 6 year/120k miles, but I would highly suggest getting the extended warranty if you actually drive more than 20k miles a year, it should pay off in the long run. I look forward to the all electric Clarity or hopefully Accord some day. Happy driving!

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  Element #2 - 2008 Honda Element
  By ghostrider78 - June 30 - 10:02 pm

  This replaces my 04 Element LX and it is leaps and bounds better! The AWD was great in a hard great lakes winter even with the OEM tires. The colored body panels are a definite looks upgrade. The stereo in the EX sounds great and the steering wheel audio controls are something I wouldnt go without again. Fuel mileage is so-so and wind noise can be excessive on the highway. Overall, I love this car for the functionality and great winter handling.

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  OWNER - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry Kohler - June 30 - 12:13 pm

  This is my wifes car is known as "Holly Honda" everyday car to work and back in Prescott. Daily mileage 8 miles round trip. Purchased in 2002.

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  Reliable companion SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Don coglione - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Own it for 10 months and so far love the way it handles the over all driving. Fun to drive and very practical. The sun visor,when down gets in the way of your driving site. The cup holders would prefer if they were a little higher reach.While driving it can be tricky to reach for the cup, you may need to take your eyes off the road momentarily. Mileage could be better for a 4 cyl. Manufacture claims 27 hgwy, I think 25 more likely. Igot mine loaded with options, under 24,000. For its price and performance I certainly would recommend it highly. The plastic side pannels that alot of readers are concerned about it, so far they holding on pretty good. Do hav

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By In Accord - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Got sick of spending money on big fixes for a 97 saab 900 turbo convert. This car is rock solid; the 4-cylinder is just fine. Classy interior, NAV and voice systems are fantastic as well. My first Honda (after many Toyotas over the years), and the first 5000 miles have gone smoothly. I have concluded that dual climate control is ridiculous, however.

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  Good to Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NCRaider - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The Accord is simply one of the best overall cars on the market. While its not particularly strong in any one area, no other car I know of offers the same combination of performance, economy, safety, and reliability. Simply put, its the best overall car on the market. I guess thats why theres a zillion on the road. Its not a "statement" car, but if you want a good car thatll last a long time then you cant do any better.