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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  What is this ugly thing - 2004 Honda Element
  By Motomr - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Its ugly but I like the stares. It is dependalbe as all get out and has more room for the passengers than I have ever seen in a vehicle. Havent drove in the indiana snow yet so who knows about that. Good get up and go but wish it got a little better gas mileage. If you can take the ribbing by your buddies, its a good little car/suv/truck/van/whatever and I like mine so far.

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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nessman - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  Luxury on a budget. Lots of little nice touches. Nice standard options package. Nice interior. Fun to drive. Solid grip on road in snow/ice.

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  it keeps going and going and going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By auhollid - February 6 - 6:02 pm

  I love my civic, I have driven it across the country. It now has 208,000 mile and is still going. Just in the last year has it begun to need repairs. (Head work, air compressor, rear door interior)I am looking for a new car and hope my next car is as good as this one has been.

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  Great little suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By scott h - February 6 - 12:03 am

  So far I have have no problems at all with my 2005 CRV SE. Its bigger than it looks from the outside! Gets good MPG for suv also.

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  Saved A Life - Literally - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  A great car for teens. My brother, an 18 year old, was traveling at 40 mph down a road. Someone ran a stop sign in a large SUV going around 60 mph and they both plowed into each other. Both cars were totaled, but the Honda was so safe that no one inside was injured. The car never had a problem, mechanically or otherwise. It was well priced and drove well. It had a smooth ride and had great pickup. A real head turner. On the inside, it was for the most part comfortable and luxurious. We are going to buy Honda for life because of our excellent experience with the car. It saved a teens life. When the police arrived, they thought it was fatal. Note: incredibly easy to park.

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  Does and Does Not Exceed Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - February 5 - 2:38 am

  After test driving several vehicles in the same class as the CR-V, I chose the CR-V EXL because it has nearly everything or more than its competitors for a much lower price. In terms of fit and finish, the interior of my CR-V EXL is superior than the Kia Sorento or the Chevrolet Equinox. The technology my CR-V came with is seems very current and up to date, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. One major downfall as far as the entertainment system is that this car did not come with a CD player. In terms of road noise, my CR-V is very disappointing. You would think the EXL trim package would include better sound insulation than the lower trims. I paid more, so I should get more in terms of sound insulation - plain and simple. Im a fairly small to medium-sized guy, so the interior fits my body type very well. Taller people could fit comfortably, but this doesnt seem like a tall person kind of vehicle. Ive only had it for 4 weeks, so I cant speak as to the reliability of my CR-V. Front seat comfort seems adequate, but rear seat feels like sitting on a park bench. Rear climate control is ABYSMAL, as the rear vent located behind the front arm rest barely pumps out a breeze for rear occupants. There should be a control switch so that rear passengers can adjust fan level up or down as they wish. Gas mileage is adequate when in Econ mode, but acceleration is severely hampered unless you take it out of Econ mode. Funny, it has a turbo which is supposed to give the 4-cylinder more gusto in acceleration, but Econ mode eliminates the gusto altogether and youre back where you started: a gutless 4 cylinder engine propelling a smaller, but hulky SUV. I think I would have preferred a 6-cylinder engine. The exterior style is far superior to that of any competitor in its class, as far as Im concerned. Overall, my CR-V EXL has been extremely pleasant to drive. I still feel that it stands head and shoulders above any of its competitors in all aspects, though I have my wishes as to improvements that could be made.

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  Does and Does Not Exceed Expectations - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Scott - February 4 - 11:49 pm

  After test driving several vehicles in the same class as the CR-V, I chose the CR-V EXL because it has nearly everything or more than its competitors for a much lower price. In terms of fit and finish, the interior of my CR-V EXL is superior than the Kia Sorento or the Chevrolet Equinox. The technology my CR-V came with is seems very current and up to date, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. One major downfall as far as the entertainment system is that this car did not come with a CD player. In terms of road noise, my CR-V is very disappointing. You would think the EXL trim package would include better sound insulation than the lower trims. I paid more, so I should get more in terms of sound insulation - plain and simple. Im a fairly small to medium-sized guy, so the interior fits my body type very well. Taller people could fit comfortably, but this doesnt seem like a tall person kind of vehicle. Ive only had it for 4 weeks, so I cant speak as to the reliability of my CR-V. Front seat comfort seems adequate, but rear seat feels like sitting on a park bench. Rear climate control is ABYSMAL, as the rear vent located behind the front arm rest barely pumps out a breeze for rear occupants. There should be a control switch so that rear passengers can adjust fan level up or down as they wish. Gas mileage is adequate when in Econ mode, but acceleration is severely hampered unless you take it out of Econ mode. Funny, it has a turbo which is supposed to give the 4-cylinder more gusto in acceleration, but Econ mode eliminates the gusto altogether and youre back where you started: a gutless 4 cylinder engine propelling a smaller, but hulky SUV. I think I would have preferred a 6-cylinder engine. The exterior style is far superior to that of any competitor in its class, as far as Im concerned. Overall, my CR-V EXL has been extremely pleasant to drive. I still feel that it stands head and shoulders above any of its competitors in all aspects, though I have my wishes as to improvements that could be made.

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  Great car, but Id go with Acura - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris Smith - February 4 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased this car in January of 08. The pros: Stunning good looks. People everywhere tell me it looks like a BMW 6 series coupe. Great pick up (V-6 Version) and good handling. User friendly interior design. Cons- Doors seem light and flimsy when you shut them. Some small, but annoying rattles when you drive. New brakes squeak when slowing down. The VCM (Variable cylinder management) seems to lurch forward when the Economy mode kicks in and out of operation. Overall a great car. Its a Honda. However, being a previous Acura TL owner, Id cough up the extra $3-5K and get the Acura over the Honda, especially over the sedan Honda. The Honda coupe is sharp- Get the V-6 though!

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  Things to consider - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynda - February 3 - 6:36 am

  I called myself researching extensively prior to purchase and overall I am pleased with many aspects of my Odyssey. the things I am most unhappy with seem trivial but I find annoying. My 1998 Explorer had more features than my 2007 EXL. Cannot charge my phone with ignition turned off;the radio is horrible and believe me I am not one to complain about radio sounds but this is very bad. The lights do not come on or off automatically; No MP3 or bluetooth ( I just assumed most of these features would be present- purchasing the next to top of the line) would have bought the touring except did not have option on tires. the bumper is scratched & i see this with most I see on the road.

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  Problem starting - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jonas - February 1 - 1:26 am

  This is a brand-new 2008 Civic, only 4 months old, 10k-km (6k miles) yet it has more problems starting than my 15 year old Chrysler. As soon as the cool weather hit - bam, ran into trouble. You have to crank and crank and crank it before it finally starts and then it runs roughly before finally idling. Sometimes I crank it and just stop and wait before trying again. Today it was -15C (5F) and the engine would not even turn over. I turned the key all the way to "start" - nothing. Engine would not even respond. I am very disappointed in this car. If I cant depend on it to start in the cold weather, what else can go wrong?