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:

• 

  Happy Honda Days! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Chris S - December 7 - 11:24 pm

  Great car! My only complaints are: Lane departure doesnt seem to read properly so I turned it off. Went off constantly when I was well within my lane. Chalk it up to buggy new tech perhaps. The "brake" warning feature is nearly as unreliable. Interior engine noise during acceleration is a bit loud. The audio touchscreen buttons are a tad small, making touching accurately while driving a bit tedious. That said, excellent gas mileage coupled with plenty of power. Very well appointed vehicle. Only 2 months in and very happy thus far.

• 

  I LOVE MY CR-V!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KT - December 7 - 7:30 am

  This is my 2nd CR-V to own.. I recommend it to all my friends. It offers so much space/storage but does not feel too big to handle. I can park in any space! The pick-up improved with the newer style. My old CR-V (2001) was the old body style w/4 cyl and NO pick-up. I always said I would not be the 1st off the light but would outlast any of them! Honda quality can not be beat! The acceleration in the new body style is a welcome change and was the only thing I felt needed to be improved! Thanks Honda for making an excellent, yet still affordable Compact SUV! GREAT JOB!

• 

  My lemon Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hallba24 - December 7 - 6:43 am

  I thought I was buying quality with Honda, however when a new vehicle needs new rear brakes at 27000 miles that is unacceptable. Especially when the dealer ship admitted it was a flawed design but still would only fix the problem for $330.00 before taxes. That is insane to think customers will come back to Honda with a reputation they are getting by not dealing with the brake problems. Honda needs to recall the brakes and reimburse all of us who made the mistake to purchase this vehicle. My advise to people is do not buy a Honda until they gain my trust again.

• 

  If only the seat were more comfortable! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - December 7 - 5:56 am

  7000 miles on it since September, 2006. For travel convenience, space, interior flexibility, and features its a perfect 10. It handles well, has good power, and lots of cool features. So far, perfect Honda reliability. The kids can climb in without help and play Nintendo on the DVD player. The worst thing is front seat comfort, with not enough thigh support and a seat doesnt go back far enough. Temp guage and odo cant be seen together. Dash contols like rear AC system can be confusing. 28 mpg is a lie! We get 21mpg on highway at 75mph. DVD screen rattles/squeaks when down. Nav system boots up slow and repeat disclaimer a nuisance. Rear visibility not great, but rear camera helps.

• 

  Great vehicle at a great price - 2004 Honda Element
  By AgElement - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I hate to think that I was a victim of corporate advertising but it happened. Honda marketed the Element for the 21- 30 year old male population, and I bought it hook line ans sinker. Although I have to admit, my Element is by far the most fun to drive and the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I gave it a great review because it dserves it. I am looking forward to many years of this sUv (emphasis on the U) giving me ample cargo space, great gas mileage, and lots of fun!

• 

  Common sense on wheels - 2004 Honda Element
  By inframan - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Great use of interior space. Simple reliable AWD. No-frills fun styling. Good gas mileage.

• 

  Perfect Family SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mtbdad - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Honda and I am thoroughly pleased with my decision to keep with the Honda brand. I whittled down the list to the Volvo XC90 and the Pilot, with my wife going for the Volvo. Because I would be driving and paying for it, I decided that the Pilot would be best in value and function. After I bought the car, she concurs with my decision. If you look at the Volvo reviews, it sure seems that there are alot of problems with the car. I really enjoy driving my Pilot. We feel safe not only from collision, but also because of the reliability. The smooth and quiet ride makes my long commute much more bearable.

• 

  Worst Car EVER - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 2cents - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned/driven and my first car was an 88 Isuzu Pick-up. Performance is terrible. Engine has no power. Suspension is trash. It bounces everywhere like a cadillac. I have a 5sp. It never likes to go into reverse or 2nd. Im luck if I get 25mpg. The car rattles everywhere. At 48k miles, my transmission needed to be rebuilt.

• 

  Tough to Beat - value, comfort, reliabil - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By waynoo - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 92 Honda Accord new, now my 18 year old son is driving it. NEVER, had a problem, ONLY regular maintenance items, at 125,000. Why wouldnt I buy another Honda. I want the S2000 but my practical side won out. I bought an 04 CRV last November and Ive put 16,000 miles on it in 6 months. I have had no problems, except my girlfriend driving 30 miles with the handbrake on, caused rotors to warp. The dealer fixed it for free. Thank you Jeff Wyler Honda in Florence Ky!

• 

  My Second CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By grb - December 6 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 is my second CRV. Its the best car Ive owned in 40 years of driving. The first one, a 99 with 105,000 miles, required NO repairs--not even a burnt out light bulb. Perhaps, some day the American manufacturers will figure it out.