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:

• 

  Ill drive it till the wheels fall off - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Rene - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My step dad purchased this car brand new for 16k. He maintained it well with oil changes every 3k miles and not driving it hard. I wasnt exactly thrilled that this was going to be my first car and didnt expect it to last long as it already had 280k miles when I started driving it. That was 3 years ago. It now has 335k miles on it and I absolutely love this car. I will cry when it no longer runs. It is a manual and Ive gotten a little over 500 miles out of one tank before. I think I average about 30-40mpg. Im now doing research and test driving other cars for that sad day when I actually have to buy one. These are very well made and those who have problems obviously didnt take care of it

• 

  A Love Affair - 2011 Honda Element
  By GVLiving AZ - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Element. This car does not appeal to a large base. But once you own one and enjoy the versatility and reliability you can become hooked. If you take the back seats out this baby becomes a van! I did have another car in between but knew I had to have another.

• 

  CRX - REBORN - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Stealthwalker - December 1 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of a CRX-DX (7-years) this CRZ is a welcome pleasure. I traded in my 2001 A4 1.8TQ for this little piece of heaven. It is nice getting back to a smooth clutch. The Audi was a little long on both travel and throw. The exterior styling is a mix of Porsche 928 rear end & heavily modified S2000 front. The interior high end with soft touch controls like the Audi. The well placed control close to the driver. The 6 weeks has been unbelievable in the gas mileage. I am just about to fill up for the third time with: 41.7, 43.5 and 43.4 for miles/gal. avg. Not bad for a 80 City / 20 Highway driving. There seems to be no difference in Normal / Econ mode on mileage, just on stop idle.

• 

  I Love my Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Brenda - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot in November of 09 so it is one year old now. I have not experienced any of the problems that others have mentioned i.e. chipping paint, pulling to the right and moonroof problems. I am really happy with the way the car drives. The mileage could be better but, the mileage is what the sticker said it would be. I dont understand why so many reviewers say they are so surprised with the mileage they get? The navigation system is wonderful and I really love having the back up camera and noise sensors. There is only one thing I dont like. It has two empty places on the drivers left hand side of the dash. What are they there for? It makes it look like something is missing

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By crashrecovery - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the best built, most reliable car I have ever owned. Replaced front brakes once, 2 batteries, 2 sets of tires, upgraded plugs to e3 and wires to Granatelli MPG+ 8 mm and installed a K&N filter in the factory air box. Ive done oil changes every 3000 miles and just recenty changed the trans fluid. Now it isnt a sports car, but it wasnt built to be. If thats what you want, get something else. The minor upgrades (< $225) have increased my fuel economy to 27 mpg! Any car with 100,000mi that runs this good and gets 27 mpg is a great ride!

• 

  Tire Wear - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Amanda - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car brand new. Since I have replaced the tires twice. I have the tires rotated every other oil change and the guys at the shop say they have uneven wear. The rear tires are very noisy. I have had the alignment checked several times and its ok. It seems to be a factory defect. Also my sun visor broke. Honda needs to do a recall on this model year because I will never purchase another Honda if theyre no going to stand behind their product. Very Unhappy Customer.

• 

  Everything it is made out to be - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 1st time honda owner - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car about 2 months ago. This is probably the best & safest choice in this class and price range. As an owner of a large European sedan I must admit I grew to appreciate this car over the last two months. Got it mostly for the price point & value but would highly recommend it to anyone, who is looking at this kind of car. Nothing really stands out, but the car, as the package, presents the best buy, from my opinion. (roomy interior, nice exterior, smooth ride, good breaks, excellent visibility, honda quality, 4WD for winter driving, good crash scores, great value, decent MPH) Whats not to like?. While it is NOT a luxury car by any means, it is a great "commuting vehicle".

• 

  Wont start again - 2010 Honda Element
  By Not Happy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new Honda Element in May and it has been in the shop 2 times this time over a week and getting response "we dont know the techs are looking at it". will not run if not started daily. Left me stuck in Washington DC and 3 additional times at home. Honda will not provide a rental call while they guess at issue. Also, purchases Honda Civic SI 2010 same time have had no issues with that so far. what a bummer!

• 

  Nothing could be finer - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dimo - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought our CR-V in 2003 at 35,000 miles now we have 197,654 hoping to go 1 million great travel auto can drive forever in comfort. Im looking for a 2nd one with about 50,000 miles on it I have 2 brand new cars and i love to drive this unit. nothing could be finer than to drive to Carolina from Mass. in my CR-V

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jason - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new May of 03. I have 155,000 miles on it currently gas mileage has always maintained 33-34 no matter the driving environment.I have had all the schedule maintenance done by the dealer. I have replaced tires, battery etc... No problems what so ever!!! The interior material could have been a little better the paint is thin and the bumper paint is peeling like acid was poured on it.