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:

• 

  Not what I expected - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By The Shoe - July 31 - 8:23 pm

  Honda does not have a power adjustable seat for the passenger. The steering wheel controls do not light up enough to see at night. The instrument cluster and the radio and temp controls do not match. The radio and heater look like something from 20 years ago. (Dim and dull.) The gas mileage is not what they claim. I dont have a heavy foot, but can only get about 15 in town and 24 on the highway. The interior is very good for hauling 7 people, and comfortable. All in all, this is my first Honda, and with a few improvements I would buy another. I was afraid of the run flat tires, and it is too bad that you have to get them to get more bells and whistles. Lets hope they change.

• 

  Step up from a porsche - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Randy - July 28 - 6:03 am

  I purchased this car as a run around car and as a car my son can learn to drive in a few years. It surprised me by how nice it is. I get 32 MPG driving the mountains of the Sierra Nevada mountains and 35.5 on longer trips. I like the navigation system and the stereo. For $22,000 this is an amazing car. It corners and steers almost as well as my 2005 Porsche. In fact, had I driven a Civic before I bought my Porsche ( I picked the Porsche up in Germany), I might have saved a lot of money.

• 

  Middle of the Road - 2003 Honda Element
  By Fitz007 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Not really an SUV, nor a highway cruiser, the Element seems to work best in speeds between 20 and 50. Drives at highway speed (70) show the weaknessess of box-like areodynamics (wind can push you around). Definitely not an off- roader, the element still manages to do well on worn terrain. Base model equipped like a box (no standard AC, stereo, ABS. The fuel efficiency is somewhat low considering the 4 cyl engine....

• 

  Good Car But Beware of Air Cond Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By L. Adkins - July 25 - 11:13 am

  For the most part I have enjoyed my CR-V. It is great for road trips and hauling a lot of stuff. Its very comfortable to drive and I love sitting up higher than a car. My main minor complaint is noise in the cabin, especially on the highway, but I knew this was an issue before I bought it. Also, the 4 cyl engine seems to struggle at times, especially when accelerating. My major complaint - at 55k, the air compressor just blew and the entire system has to be replaced. Estimate is $3,000.

• 

  A good, decent car! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bob Aldridge - July 24 - 11:12 pm

  This is my second Honda Accord. First one was a 2001. Very pleased with that car. I got this one because I wanted Apple CarPlay (love it), V6 and leather. Overall I like the car, its an accord, pretty standard vehicle, you cant go wrong. Three dis-appointments: 1) The leather is a cheap leather, not like I had in the 2001. Feels like plastic. 2) There is no change box (strange I thought all cars had a place for change), 3) There is not quick way to mute the stereo, you have to press two buttons. Pain to do when your driving. Other than those things its a great car.

• 

  Ground clearance - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stewart Mark - July 24 - 2:05 pm

  Love the truck for highway and town driving - BUT. Gravel roads which are poorly maintained are a problem. Roads which can be driven uneventfully by Toyota and Big 3 trucks cause the Honda to scrape repeatedly and in my case a rear strut broke. Great highway vehicle but dont go too far from maintained roads.

• 

  Only one problem - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mr. E - July 24 - 12:33 pm

  I hate the instrument cluster. When are automakers going to get a clue, and start mounting the instruments so we dont have to peer through a tiny hole in the steering wheel to see the gauges? Counterexamples: Scion xB and Mini Cooper, whose instrument visibility is unmatched. So, even though the Elements steering wheel can "adjust" (DOWN, helpful if youre 4 feet tall) and the drivers seat can "adjust" (UP, improves visibility using the generous headroom), the only way I can see the speedometer is with the seat DOWN and the steering wheel UP. So no adjustment is actually possible, if youre an average 58" guy like me! If youre taller, youll likely never see half the speedometer...

• 

  Bought New - 1998 Honda Accord
  By arthur - July 23 - 12:10 am

  Had this car since new, now that they are older this car is not as comfortable or as quiet as the Camry, also had to repair this car more than the Toyota, great styling in and out but needs better reliability, also both service and parts cost more. I guess thats why the resale value is better than the Camry, owners have to spend more maintaining this car.

• 

  Happy van man - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cinquini - July 19 - 4:16 pm

  I need a car roomy for trips, hauling items, economical, dependable, comfortable, etc. I researched using Edmunds and other sources and realized the Odyssey was the choice! Had it 3 weeks and so far I am very pleased! It handles very well for a van and is so quiet and comfortable. I like the rear seat that is easy to fold down and have room for our two bikes and tons of stuff. On the road it wants to get to 75 without even a whisper! Just 2000rpm at 70mph. Great car.

• 

  Fuel Eco not as advertised - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - July 18 - 5:24 pm

  Bought the Pilot a few months ago. Have been pleased with the comfort and standard reliability of the Honda. I know it is an SUV but the fuel economy is horrible. Averaging about 13 in the city. Might as well have a Hummer. Also, rear door does not shut without some force.