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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  Basic, but very well done - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kev in California - March 17 - 1:02 am

  Bought this car is Oct of 2004 and have had no issues with the car. It is not fast, but handles good. I wish they would have had a 5 door version of this at the time. The interior plastic scratches to easily. Interior noise can be high at times. I get 30-35 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. The front break discs warped slightly. I had that problem with the 1998 Civic I had. Never had that issue with any brand of car I have owned which includes Mazda, Nissan, and Ford. If you want an excellent point A to point B car that will not break the bank, this is a great choice. I am sure there is a lemon 2005 Civic out there somewhere, but most people I know love the car. I love mine

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  Perfect Retirement Vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Apexshot - March 16 - 9:48 pm

  We purchased this vehicle as our last retirement vehicle. We needed a light duty pickup that has a 5000 lb. towing limit. I am 55 years old and wanted to be able tow our sports car around to shows and races. My bride had a few things that she wanted for her 1) comfort 2) passenger ability 3) resale 4) durability. So far we got it all from Honda Ridgeline

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  Hope the cvt holds up - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ricky Mcfarlane - March 16 - 3:07 am

  Gauges not great but happy over all so far

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  Boringly Perfect Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By PCampos - March 16 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car new 13 years ago this month. It has 164,000 miles on it, and like so many other Accord owners I can say its never had a major mechanical problem. It also gets very good gas mileage. The only real complaint I have is that its so reliable that it makes it hard to justify getting another car! After 13 years its acquiring a lot of cosmetic damage, but mechanically its still seems to be in perfect shape, and since Im only driving about 7000 miles a year right now I could probably keep it for another decade easily. Its hard to believe there could be a better car for anyone who ranks reliability and low maintenance at the top of what theyre looking for in a car.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By luvmycivic - March 15 - 11:24 pm

  This car has lived up to its reputation. I have been averaging 43 mpg driving to and from work. You cant beat that!

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  Cheap, head-turning fun - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mr Bigg - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It loves to be driven like a race car, but at the same time it is a great daily driver, smooth and quiet. VTEC gives this car a split personality above and below 4000 revs.

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  overall a good car, but some compromises - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By T. Hart - March 14 - 11:37 am

  I finally ended up with this car after going back and forth between the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda CR-V. Keep in mind this is a $19k (starting) car based off of the Fit. Interior quality is OK. Looks nice but lots of hard plastic, fabric doors on LX/EX trims (picks up dirt very easily), every panel flexes when you push it. Ergonomics are a bit weird: armrests are low and short and essentially useless. Seat bottoms are a bit short and theres no adjustable lumbar. Because the gas tank is under the front seats, it limits the adjustability. Passenger gets no height adjustment. However, there is plenty of space for passengers - check out the rear legroom! Gauges are nice, screen is easy to see in most conditions, the touchscreen HVAC is not my favorite - hard to use while driving - but looks nice and is responsive. I love the lighted vanity mirrors and the ability to slide them to block more of the sun. A/C and heat are fine. A/C will suffer in ECO mode for those in very hot climates. Seat warmers could be a bit hotter (I got used to the ON FIRE levels of German cars haha) but overall are fine. Tech is good enough. Spotify is not supported (only Pandora), so sometimes the song info doesnt show up from my iPhone. Audio quality in general is okay - typical Honda (mediocre). Bluetooth is easy to set up and sound quality is very clear! Everything is easy to use and I experience very few glitches. I love the backup camera and lanewatch is a must have! One MAJOR problem I have is with the safety ratings: check out the IIHS side impact test. Not sure what Honda was doing/thinking there... NVH is a bit poor IMO. The car is very rough over bumps and road imperfections. Noise levels are okay in the city but on the fwy at high speeds the wind noise is a bit much. Nothing crazy but Honda could do a little better. This car is AMAZING in the city. Its small, easy to park, maneuverable, gets good MPG, is peppy and handles well. I use it for Home Depot, IKEA, etc. trips and it has had the space for everything and then some. Magic seats are Honda at its best - I was able to shove a 55" TV (in the box) behind the front seats with the magic seats up! MPG is great!!! Driving conservatively on the hwy - 65mph - will get you about 40mpg. CVT is very relaxing, no lurching or shifting like traditional autos. I do not hear any "buzz" from the engine. Aggressive drivers will need to plan ahead if coming from a faster car - the HR-V is not "slow" in general driving but this is not a Ferrari or even a BMW. Cant be making split-second lane changes etc. Overall, if you understand the limitations this car is a good little CUV. Perfect for first-time drivers, older drivers, or those looking for more hauling capabilities in cramped cities. For ~$22k (EX CVT trim) its a great package.

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  Bobsled on wheels - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Guy L. - March 13 - 1:21 pm

  I previously owned an 87 Caprice and wondered why all the CR-Vs would toot their horns in snowy conditions. This thing can get up in go in any condition and handles excellent and gets up to 24MPG! It truly is a bobsled with wheels.

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  Great Family Vehicle Until..... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - March 13 - 1:11 pm

  Bought this 02 Odyssey during mid 2002. Roomy, great V6 engine, everything was perfect. Great family vehicle for a few years until the transmission went out on us. It took us a couple of months argueing to get our transmission replaced as the dealer refused too since our warranty was "expired". Finally our transmission was replaced since the recall has been issued. Also wind noise was another problem. When cruising in highway speeds. Gas mileage was average. Overall this van is not that bad until the transmission problem kicked in.

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  Great small SUV, terrible MPG - 2008 Honda Element
  By WW - March 13 - 11:53 am

  The Honda Element is a great vehicle. Handles nicely and has a great turning radius. The interior is well thought out, great to throw the kids bikes inside and not have to worry about dirty carpets, also works well with the dog. Tremendous amount of room for a vehicle with such a small footprint. The engine is somewhat buzzy when pushed. The gas mileage is not coming close to the sticker. 16mpg mixed driving and I have a light foot. Still breaking in, I have only 800 miles on it, I hope it improves. Not the best vehicle if you have a long commute.