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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  Jack of all trades - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MTB - April 3 - 2:41 pm

  After 3 1/2 years of ownership, I can honestly say Ive been very happy with this vehicle. In my mind the most informative reviews are the ones written after years of driving, not the knee-jerk responses people often post before theyve had a chance to get to know their vehicle. This CR-V has been a great all-rounder. Its impressed me on road trips with excellent cargo space and surprisingly good MPG (averaged 30MPG highway on long trips). My CR-Vs been great for my constant outings with the dogs, and has even done some fairly serious offroading (which it handled quite well). The AWD has performed admirably in severe snow\ice conditions. Overall happy with only minor complaints (see below).

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  Torn between new tranny or another car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Michelle - April 3 - 10:40 am

  Bought my car used October 2006 with high mileage (106K), but felt comfortable given Honda reputations (friends/family members Hondas average 250K). I should have done more research on car complaints to avoid the tranny issue - would have got the extended warranty (poor decision on my part). I really like the car though, having put 50K+ miles on it already. I love road trip travel often, so I just get the oil checked and go! Ill probably put the $$2200 in to replace the tranny because the body condition is MINT and all other aspects are working properly.

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  I like very much - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nicber87 - April 3 - 2:30 am

  My last car was a 98 sunfire gt everything about the si is better. Its one of the most powerful naturally aspirated 4cyl in the world and it still gets me about 28 mpg. She corners on rails. Interior is ergonomic and attractive as well. Ill never buy another 5spd (6 is the only way to go). I have loved driving it, but havent been too lucky. Other than the third gear issue, it needs an alignment and has a nasty skip when cold. Also, i cant get xm radio to work (followed the directions in the manual and also got help from an xm rep). Al in all I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesnt need space for family.

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  Awesome on the highway if you drive slow - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hovsolo - April 2 - 11:17 pm

  I bought this car for my 65 mile round trip commute. Its awesome on the highway if I drive at a constant speed. Going 80, Ill get about 42 mpg. 65-70 mph and it will be around 45-48 mpg. Be a pain to everyone else (55-60mph) and get 49-52 mpg. Acceleration is horrible, and so is the throttle response when trying to stomp on the accelerator pedal. Overall, this car does what it is intended to, be a great commuter. In addition, it is easy to drive at the limits because the low rolling resistance tires are always screaming at you.

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  The car/truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott Watson - April 2 - 9:10 pm

  I would ignore the previous "hondahater" negative review obviously he made a wrong decision to lease this vehicle. If this is the type of vehicle you are looking for (read not huge trailer towing, 4x4ing,) then it is the right decision. I was looking at a Tacoma to replace my 15 year old Dakota, this Ridgeline is the ticket for me.

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  Takes the Fun out of Functional - 2003 Honda Element
  By green_ghost - April 2 - 6:39 pm

  I love my E for all the features and practicality. Its easy to maintain, easy to clean, and easy to own all around. It runs great with 70,000 miles, and maintenance has been minimal. I really love the waterproof seats and rubber floors. I get sand, mud and water in the car all the time from all the outdoor sports that I do. Its super easy to clean the car and not worry about the mess. I also love the versatility of seating, and cargo space. Its so easy to throw anything I want in the car. The E is Uber functional, just not very fun to drive. Its not fast, not sporty, doesnt handle well at high speed or in corners, but it gets me where I need to go and is reasonably comfortable.

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  Reliability of Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Honda4Life - April 2 - 1:21 pm

  My Honda has been in the family for nine years and counting. It has been on numerous rode trips to Vegas and is very dependable. There have been engine problems but minor fixes is keeping it alive. I love Hondas.

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  Could get better highway mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kpr173 - April 1 - 10:27 pm

  Our 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is a great family sedan. We purchased this when the 2008 model year change came out so we got a great deal. I prefer the 2007 to the new Accords as the new ones are much too large in my opinion. Build quality and conveniences are above average. This car really approaches its luxury segment cousins (Acura, Lexus, Infiniti) but not quite. The leather used seems a little leatherette-ish, and parts creak a bit on bumpy roads/cold days. Highway mileage is not so great. I dont drive super aggressively but I have yet to exceed 24mpg when EPA sticker said 20/29.

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  Seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By tory - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle. I have had 2 other Hondas a 2003 Pilot and a 2006 Odyssey. I loved both of them and the seats. This new pilot has the worst seats, I can actually feel the wire in the back that is for the seat heater. I contacted Honda and they said to go look at another Honda Pilot 2009 and see if it had the same thing or if this was a defect. I did and I could also feel the wire. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  Better than you might expect - 2003 Honda Accord
  By David - April 1 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this Accord EX-V6 sedan brand new in December of 2002. Almost 6.5 years in, it has probably been out of service no more than a couple of weeks. I serviced primarily at two dealers (Braman in West Palm Beach, FL & Wade Raulerson in Gainesville, FL) - both are professional and prompt. I have a heavy foot, but my fuel economy is just ok. . . I struggle to get 20mpg with a 50/50 city/highway mix. Wind noise is unacceptably intrusive. However, engine and transmission refinement, overall ride quality, interior design and comfort, and the overall continued quality of this car are unsurpassed in the price range. Not without it faults, but definitely the best pick in this class of vehicle.