Honda Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.47/5 Average
31,869 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 31771 through 31780 of 31,869.00
  • Simply Elemental!!! - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased my Element on Dec. 19, 2003. I became the first to take delivery and put one on eht eroad in Lexington, KY on Jan. 20, 2003. I have put almost 5,000 miles on my Element since then.My wife and I have moved, taken a road trip to Florida, and made many trips around the state! The gas mileage has been excellent (about 20 around town and 24 on the highway), the hauling capacity is enormous (especially with the seats folded up) and I love the looks I get in it. THe four weel drive is incredible when you need it! In all, Honda has done a great job creating one of the mopst versatile and best built vehicles available.

  • Blizzard of 2003 Report - 2002 Honda CR-V
    By -

    We traded our 98 Cherokee in this summer. On Feb 15-17 2003 we got over 3 feet of snow and my first thought was "wish I had my Jeep back." Wrong. The CRV jumped snow banks without hesitation. We also took it to Cape Cod this summer and packed it so full of junk, we NEVER could have made the trip in the Cherokee. Weve had ZERO problems with the car.

  • The Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
    By -

    This is a fantastic SUV. I have had it for nearly a year now and Ive had no problems whatsoever with my Pilot. The ride is supple, the interior fit and finish is top notch, the handling is wonderful. Im very pleased with my purchase. If youre in the market for an SUV, the Pilot wins hands down over the Highlander!

  • Cant beat it - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I did a lot of research on which mini SUV to buy, and it finally came down to the Forester or CRV. Ultimately, I liked the interior features and comfort better than the Forester. Also, since this was replacing a 13 year old Civic Si I had loved, I thought why mess with success. At 5000 miles, so far so great!

  • Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
    By -

    Just wanted to let anyone thinking of buying this car that i thouroughly enjoy it and have had zero regrets 4 months into it. This site helped me with its many opinions and I just wanted to help out. Its a simple car with not much gadgetry and performs effortlessly and so far, flawlessly.

  • GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
    By -

    I traded in my 2000 EX-V6 Coupe on this model, and cant believe the difference. This car is smoother, quieter, more sleek, and more comfortable than the previous model. The extra horsepower in the V6 makes a huge difference, and the navigation system is easy to use and helpful. Its a great car and definitely a head- turner on the road.

  • Fast Car - 2003 Honda Accord
    By -

    This car has everything that is needed. Very well thought out car

  • Amazing all-around car - 2003 Honda Accord
    By -

    I had test driven just about everything else (Passat, Camry, Altima, etc.) when I finally got to the Accord. I had seen the commercials on TV and the exterior styling just didnt stir me enough to want one badly. But the test drive convinced me! I felt the ride was nearly identical to the VW Passat and all the convenience features inside (storage spaces, power ports, 8 cup holders, etc.) and all the creature comforts of the LX give you the sense that youre getting too much "bang-for- the-buck" to pass on.

  • First 18K very good - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
    By -

    We purchased the car new in August of 2016. Since then we have logged 18000 miles at an average of 42 mpg. The only feature we dont really like, but are willing to put up with to get the engine/power train we wanted, is the lack of rear fold down seats, which I believe is "fixed" on the 2018 models. On hard acceleration the engine makes itself known but with normal driving one hardly knows it is there. Using Apple Car Play to get the navigation system is a bit awkward but worth it given the expense of the built in system. We really would prefer knobs to the touch screen. Last July while driving to Boise our sunroof exploded for no reason. We were lucky to have the inner shade closed so we werent showered with broken glass. Overall we are pleased with the car and hope that the innovative power train design proves to be as reliable as the one used by Toyota. It is difficult to understand why one doesnt see more Hybrid Accords on the road? If I were buying again I would also consider a hybrid Camry.

  • love it - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    It is like this car was designed just for me. I love it. It drives like and feels like a car but with the room of a van. Its stain resistant seats, and easy clean floors make this the perfect car for slobs like me. My job requires me to haul around lumber to a sofa all which fit perfectly into this car.

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