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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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TexPilot - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt expecting my Pilot til mid October, but it arrived 10-3. Just in time for the Honda 3.9% APR, too! I reviewed this ride and compared with others in its competition and the Pilot was a winner everytime.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 1994 Honda Passport
  By BadMove - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1994 Honda Passport with around 139,000 miles on it. Every since I bought it in 1997 it has been very dissapointing. It really does not deserve the Honda name because it doesnt live up to the usual quality and reliability standards associated with that name. I have had to fix (or attempt to fix) several oil leaks. The most recent one leaked into the alternator and ruined it. I also found out from several mechanics that this Isuzu engine starts to have problems around 100,000 miles and the problems are mostly irrepairable. I would highly recommend NOT buying this vehicle because you will have major problems.

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  SWEET RIDE - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Lelandro - August 5 - 2:00 am

  A week before I test drove and bought this car, I tested a Corvette. The Hondas handling, feel for the road, and pure fun was far superior and at a much, much lower cost. Like the NSX, Honda knows how to build a sweet ride.

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  03 Honda Accord EX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kjones2020 - August 4 - 3:30 pm

  Last 3 cars were Hondas (91, 01 and 03) and this is my favorite. The only 2 cons to this car are the black interior...I should have gotten leather because of my dog and when backing it is sometimes hard to see, but I use my mirrors and havent had a problem. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for this size car.

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  Absolutely Perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike C - August 4 - 3:13 pm

  I come from a ten Honda family. My parents have 2005 models of the Accord and Oddyssey. Ive driven 3 Civics before, and this one bypasses them all. Excellent maneuverability, gas mileage and acceleration make this car a pleasure to take on my long weekend trips to visit my girlfriend. The stock sound system is great, and the MP3 capabilities give a whole new meaning to the words "Mix CD". You also would not expect such comfort for a car of this size, and being used to a 93 LeSabre, I am very happy with the head and legroom that the Civic provides. The standard safety features also provide a peace of mind when on the road.

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  But New In Sioux Falls South Dakota - 2001 Honda S2000
  By BlackH20 - August 4 - 11:29 am

  Everyone in Missouri wanted $5K over sticker, but Vern Edie Honda in Sioux Falls sold me a nice grey with red interior S2000 brand new and trained it down to Kansas City. Now 17 years later I have 29,000 miles on it and the value is going over the price I paid for it. Granted I drive it for fun, pleasure and it sits in a temperature controlled garage. As I hit my 60s I will say by bones are as forgiving as they were in my 40s, but I am so glad I didnt choose the Porsche Boxster or Audi TT, both considerations at the time. Went for the true sportscar, basic and made for one that loves driving. Strange that those cars are worth about $5-8K now. Repairs, never had one yet, just change the oil every year, scheduled maintenance (time not mileage) put some Stabil fuel additive and a battery trickler and I am all set. Have a few fancy Mugen Carbon fiber tops I have added (they have been about half price the last 5 years since many or gone), gives the vehicle a nice coupe look, the other a fastback that is really an eye-catcher. Its a hobby, not a car for use and its a lot of fun. Had to switch to Haggerty special insurance for $30K. The stick is not one to train someone to drive stick shift, failed with two daughters (maybe the teacher). A great stress reliever to take out on the backroads and rare enough many people ask me "what is it", especially with one of the Mugen tops on. Update 2018, still running strong, up for Winter, prices are approaching original MSRP on eBay, glad I didnt by the Audi TT, BMW Z roadsters or Porsche Boxster. Purchased another Carbon Fiber fastback top (since retailers are clearing out stock on a car not made for the past 8 years), got it for less than half price from the original $4700. Also purchased a flat bottom steering wheel (6 ft 1 in). Gives a completely different look to the car than the other top, that I have had for close to 18 years now. Looks like it will just be a keeper, no electronics to save you like todays sports cars, you need to know how to drive and save yourself when you make a mistake. Keeping all the original equipment, which most the car is, car has been great fun, have to insure through Haggerty with prices actually rising now.

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  Great vehicle except for some no brainers - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Efdubya - August 4 - 10:12 am

  First of all, Honda got cheap on dome omissions to the vehicle. I’d like to know why can’t buyers in the United States get the options the Canadian vehicles have. Heated steering wheel is a biggie. Like northern tier states don’t get as cold as lower Canadian provinces? Panoramic roof is another. Then on the U.S. vehicles, there is the lack of a seat pocket on the back of the drivers seat. The fake leather steering wheel cover lacks class, feels weird and is strangely noisy when sliding the wheel in your hand. I gotta see if I can treat it with something. The center armrest will not lock in a fixed position, it slides up and back effortlessly......annoying. Need a light in the glove box. Needs to have a real horn and not the road runner horn. Front seats lack in comfort and passenger seat should have the same adjustments as the drivers seat. Infotainment system is too complicated and I think that most used audio controls should be separate from the rest of the mess. Substandard tires, should be Michelin. These issues cost my CR-V one star. Now for the good stuff. Great looks, and drivability. Basically, everything is fantastic! I love to drive this SUV. It’s quiet, peppy and the CVT is growing on me. This thing is fantastic on the road. On the highway, the technology is great. The ACC is great but a little slow getting back up to speed. There is a service bulletin addressing this that I have yet to have done. The collision mitigation system has already saved my bacon once. Rain sensing wipers, auto high beam headlights, hands free tailgate, walk off door locks and I could go on and on from here, are great. You get a spare tire and jack too. That is becoming rare even in Honda’s. Who in their right mind would head across the country without a spare tire and jack??????? I guess I’m old school. My dealership has sold me four Honda’s and I’m in the “Happy Camper” category......so far. Now for the biggie. Fantastic mileage for a non-hybrid vehicle. In the summertime using AC I got 26/32 mpg. In the fall without AC I am getting 31/34 mpg and even averaged 34.9 mpg on a trip to Kansas City. Fantastic........knock on wood.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Phil - August 4 - 2:56 am

  This is a great little SUV. Cargo space comes in handy and is flexible. Its a great car for running errands. However, I find highway driving a challenge. Since there is no carpeting, car tends to be noisey. Due to the boxiness of the vehicle, I find it difficult to steer at higher speeds and find myself fighting the steering wheel to compensate for lane drifting. There is a terrible blind spot from the right side door post. The post is wide and hides vehicles from view. Very dangerous! Brake grinding noise is also a problem. I was told the noise would disappear after 100 miles. I now have 5,000 miles on the car and the grinding has not disappeared.

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  BEST PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR BUCK - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By bil - August 4 - 2:00 am

  most underrated car ever made excellent handling, braking. Why did they ever discontinue this car

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  Great car after 1 month of ownership - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Quinton - August 3 - 12:13 am

  I love everything about the car. Traded in a 2009 Accord EX-L and the reduction in cabin noise is amazing. The stated fuel efficiency is fairly accurate. The only thing that worries me is how well the leather will hold up over time. The leather does feel kind of thin.