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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  Rough Riding - 2007 Honda Accord
  By tgoyer - December 30 - 12:30 pm

  I have owned several Hondas over the years. I have owned LXs, EXs, and CRVs. The 07 Accord has been very disappointing in regard to the ride compared to the previous models I have owned. It is like riding in a log wagon. On bumpy roads you feel every bump and the steering feels unstable. Does not have the solid feel of the previous Accords. Does fine on smooth roads but get ready to get your teeth rattled on bumpy roads at any speed.

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  Decent Commuter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By frj - December 30 - 6:16 am

  My Civic has been extremely reliable and gets great gas mileage (around 33mpg average in mixed driving). Honda dealers are also nice to work with after purchase for in-warranty and out of warranty service.

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  Great design, terrible gas mileage - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Santa Barbara - December 29 - 4:48 pm

  Love the car for its utility and versatility. it can carry three mountain bikes in the back and is great for our big dog. But the low gas mileage shocked us - 15 mpg for largely suburban driving (school runs, errands etc.) Has done really well off road when weve needed it to, and handled very well in snow and ice, with and without chains. The super expensive ($500) oxygen sensor went out just after the warranty expired and that was a disappointment.

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  A Satisfied Owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MikeS - December 29 - 1:57 am

  In 5 years and 140k miles, I have had no mechanical problems with this car. In that sense, Im very pleased with its reliability. The exterior design is nothing to go crazy over. I have the roof rack which is not very useful when you need to tie something down to it, but was necessary for installing a roof carrier when camping. As for the interior, I do like the fact that the moonroof does not eat up a bunch of headroom, and the split rear seats allow for a lot of storage in the back. I also like the foldup table. I dont understand how people can get 25 - 27 mpg in their CR-V. I have yet to get over 22, which is my biggest complaint along with the lack of power of the engine.

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  2010 Honda Pilot AWD / RES - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Calvin - December 28 - 3:30 pm

  I finally traded in my Van for this SUV. So far, I like it better then my Van. one problem I noticed, it seems to pull to the right. Looks like others are having this same problem. I brought it to dealer, they said, they are not seeing the problem. They said it is normal that it pulls if I accelerate. I think that is junk! My brother CRV is not doing that. For that reason, I lower its quality to 7.

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  No more Hondas for me - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By brandy - December 27 - 5:21 pm

  I had lots of problems with this van. I bought this van for more room and dvd player for my children. I owned the CRV and loved it. I had to replace tires and the battery. Hate the lights do not auto shut off in the inside or head lights. I have young children that turn on lights and get out. The dvd player broke had to get new one put in. The small drawer above floor broke the tracks fell right off. The middle storage is hard to use because of the reaching in. Most important it is horrible in the snow. I live in Michigan and have had many small front wheel cars that drive better. I am on this website because Im looking to trade this in.

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  In My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By over55 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I require a car to be more than a mode of transportation; it must be functional. As an over 55 male that purchased a new 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan and drove it 250000 miles until the mechanical problems overwhelmed it I appreciate versatility in carrying both people and objects. The Element has this flexibility: I can transport my non-driving relatives; I can carry furniture; I can carry paving stones; I can carry recyclables; I can carry building materials. The style of the car has intrigued many people: I have met numerous people while refueling; they ask if its one of those "hybrids" and then ask to look closer. Comments have been very positive.

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  Not just a good hybrid, a good car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CGameProgrammer - December 26 - 4:36 pm

  This car is much better than the 05 model or the Prius, I feel. Its more comfortable, and the interior design is very functional yet very cool-looking. Theres tons of storage, the steering is very quick with no dead zone, the forward view is very good considering its steep angle, and the controls are laid out very well. The exterior, identical to the sedans, is surprisingly sleek and sporty-looking, except the rear end which is more like a traditional Civic. Acceleration is good at all speeds. I get 39-42 mpg on the highway at 80 mph, 42-48 mpg at 30-60 mph, and 35-39 mpg in bad traffic with acceleration followed by sudden braking all the time. My last tank was 41 mpg over 427 miles.

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Ryan D - December 25 - 11:08 pm

  Pros: Gas mileage. I get 27 in town and up to 36 on the highway in the AWD EX Space/cargo area (my brother and my self are just over 6 feet tall and plenty of room for legs and head in rear) Good visibility Engine very quiet. ***A lot of people are saying that this engine has no power. Coming from driving many v8s over the years and still have a v8 camaro, this engine does just fine with power. If your expecting a rocket ship however, this car is not for you. Cons : USB Port and rear drivers seat rattle. Going over bumps the rear drivers seat rattles, might be from the flexibility of the seat. Will have it checked at dealership sometime soon. No automatic hatch lift. Back up camera is not really to scale and easy to back into something. Better off using the old fashioned way of turning around to check your surroundings I would recommend to a friend though..good overall car for what you pay

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By drm - December 25 - 6:40 pm

  Ordinary driving yields mediocre milage, low 20s suburban, upper 20s highway. You must learn to drive this vehicle differently to get better, but still well below EPA sticker, milage. Very slow acceleration, constant use of cruise control, etc. The electric package is so small that it almost never is used. The major economy comes from shutting off 3 cylinders in cruise, but the transition between 3 and 6 cylinders to too sensitive. Even a 2% grade will kick it back to 6 cylinders, and pressing on the accelerator ever so slightly will do the same thing. Having driven a Prius, Im disappointed in Honda. A nice sedan, well made, but the hybrid package is a disappointing misfit.