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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  Good, but not great - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Masjevo - March 23 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased the car after getting a new job and losing my company car, a 2002 Ford Taurus. The Honda is definitely better, but not as much as I expected it to be, especially the build quality. There are already rattles and creaks coming from the interior and the sunroof and the car only has 100 miles on it. Dont get me wrong, the quality is good, I just expected more.Also, not happy with the dealership at all. When I took delivery, the car was not totally clean and there was a ding and scratch in the rear bumper. To get me out of his hair, the salesman told me that if they could not fix the bumper to my satisfaction, theyd replace it completely. Well see what happens...

• 

  Solid inside and out - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By kdilkington - March 23 - 11:45 am

  My wife and I have owned our CR-V for over 2 years and couldnt be happier. Its perfect for running errands around town and can handle just about any New England snow storm. The gas mileage is great 22/city, 30 highway but the trade-off is less power that is most noticeable on the highway. If youre more concerned with 0-60 then you want to look elsewhere. But if youre looking for a small SUV thats priced well, gets good gas mileage and can lug around big pieces of furniture when called upon, you cant really beat this one.

• 

  Surprised me! - 2005 Honda Element
  By russ - March 23 - 1:40 am

  I went to the dealership to buy a CRV but stopped and looked at the Element 4wd EX on my way to the office. It is red and I got on the goodies put on it to make it really sharp. The roominess was the 1st impressive feature, followed by the functionality. What a great car/truck! It took me about 3 weeks to get used to its looks but I did and think its cute. I am a Realtor and my clients love the car when they get in. It is perfect for me, my wife and the 2 dogs as well. The stereo system is another bonus along with the seats folding up fairly easily. And I certainly dont care if it gets a bit dirty on the interior because it is so easy to clean! Fun car and its a Honda too. What a perk!

• 

  Good Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Zman - March 22 - 10:04 pm

  The van has great interior fit finish and space flexibilty. Little I would do to improve, other than some road noise and very poor MPG. With the variable cylinder management, I has hoping to get near the sticker MPG. There seems to be some extra vibration in the steering column when the engine is under load. It was bad enough I actually thought a tire was out of balance - easy to get at and change the engine oil.

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  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  My Little Honda!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Angie-lou - March 22 - 2:43 pm

  My Little Honda and I have been on several road trips together and we have both survived!! She is a beauty and she is fun to drive. Her small size and get up and go helps me maneuver in and out of traffic very efficiently. Right now, she is at about 120,000 and is doing great!!

• 

  Great mileage--little else... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brian - March 22 - 2:00 pm

  Owned the 2006 Civic LX coupe for three years. Great mileage, but terrible in the snow- ascending the slightest hills were a challenge. Tires wearing unevenly. Hesitation starting in cold weather. Suspension squeaks in cold weather. Interior plastics cheap and scratch seemingly just by looking at them. Car very unsteady on the highway especially in cross winds and most use the foot to the floor for acceleration. Only had 17,000 mi and brakes were worn. Front end so low would scrape parking barriers. Paint chips easily, needs thicker clearcoat. A/C not the best. Traded for Ford Mustang. Its good to be home!

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  This is Fun to Drive! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rn5 - March 22 - 12:13 pm

  This is my second new Civic in two months! After driving my first new 2007 for 3 weeks, a drunk hit me on the drivers side. The side air bags went off perfectly and I walked away from my totaled car. I guess this speaks to the cars safety. Since I purchased an end of 2007 Civic and I liked the car, I went ahead and purchased a 2008-same exact model/color. The new 2008 differs from the 2007 with the addition of a handy tire pressure monitor (which went off a couple of days) and the absence of a key entrance for the for the trunk. Very fun to drive. Excellent handling and braking. Good acceleration. Mileage so far has been 31 (city/hwy).