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:

• 

  Get One! - 2006 Honda Element
  By ClrlyCnfsd - August 15 - 2:45 pm

  When I bought this car I figured Id only need the storage space every so often but now that I have it I am hauling stuff all the time with ease. I fit a large dining set with 6 chairs in this little guy. The interior is so well thought out. For a compact you have an amazing amount of space. Only thing I could gripe about is the gas milage. Im only getting 16 to 18 mpg. That being said, I am hauling stuff all the time so it isnt too bad. Fun to drive and everyone who checks it out just loves it. Its a little sluggish compared to past cars Ive owned but Id say it has enough get up and go for just about everyone.

• 

  Good Country miles/Poor City Miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By AJ Ware - August 15 - 2:25 pm

  I really like my Pilot LX 2wd so far. Great interior, good acceleration. This SUV drives like a car. Got this car because of the 3rd row. The back row will fit two adults under 60 comfortably or 3 kids under the age of 12. Be aware that if you are transporting more than 2 car seats in the middle row access to the 3rd row is practically impossible. This car is perfect for the family of 5 or less that still wishes to add a couple of adults on board (i.e. grandma and grandpa) on weekend trips. The only problem Ive had so far is with the phone voice recognition system. It absolutely doesnt work. The system will not recognize voice prompts to make out going calls. I have been using aux port and Hey Siri to make calls through the car speaker system instead. As for MPG, this car is awesome on the clear highway but stinks in the heavy rush hour traffic of Los Angeles (405 and 10 freeways) Traffic free trips will get 22-25 mpg. Traffic jams will burn 14-17 mpg. I average 18.75 mpg calculated by hand - per tank. Oh well, I guess thats the price of owning a bigger car. Not bad but was hoping for 22 mpg. The base LX model gave me many standard features I wanted but I do wish I had the EX features of auto unlock doors and Siri voice command. Other than that most other features were overkill for my taste. Coming from a 2007 Toyota Rav 4 SUV Id say Honda did a good job in making a versatile family hauler. If they fix the tech problems I dont see how this car cant be a winner among families that want the opportunity to open the door for an extra friend or family member to tag along on the next outing.

• 

  damn good cars - 1990 Honda Civic
  By george jetson - August 15 - 12:54 am

  Ive owned my civic for almost 8 years now and have had few problems. I do all the work myself and its very easy to maintain and parts availability is good. the only weakness Ive experienced up to date is cv axles, upon which Ive replaced both sides the one side twice. I also did my head gasket and brakes. I dont know what causes head gaskets to blow but it was an easy repiar. By doing it myself I saved over $800.00. She runs as good as when I purchased it about 130,000 kms ago. I would recommend this car for anybody looking for a cheap reliable car.

• 

  Disappointing Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Marshall - August 14 - 10:48 pm

  I traded in a Land Rover Discovery II for this car. I was hoping to get mid 30s gas mileage and have been extremely disappointed. I drive equal highway and city and hoped that I would hit the mid-range of the EPA estimate. I have only made more than 30 mpg on three tanks and I have tailored my driving to keep the "Econ" light illuminated as much as possible. I actually thought there was something wrong with the car and took it back to the dealership. I was told that additives in the gas lowered the mileage. I like the "get up and go" of this car but am truly diappointed with the gas mileage. The odometer and the computer differed in their mpg rating, by as much as 1.5mpg.

• 

  Gremlins - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CR - August 13 - 9:30 am

  6-speed transmission sometimes "popped" out of third gear the moment it was engaged or was just difficult to engage. Problem began on day of purchase. First two dealers unable to duplicate problem, so American Honda customer service unhelpful. Third dealer service department was eventually able to duplicate and pursue the problem. Shifter cables and then transmission replaced under warranty. Unexpected noises from rear end corrected with replacement of suspension linkage, exhaust componenets and strut. Total of eight warranty service visits and sixty days in the shop before 5,000 miles were on the odo. Honda service departments vary in quality. Find one that gives fixes, not excuses.

• 

  BestBuilt - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Tom T - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and it is a justified success story. It always starts and runs smoothly,getting great gas mileage all the while(36-40mph hwy). All I do is change the oil,rotate the tires, and wash it occasionally while driving about 15k mi. per yr. My original tires lasted 49k miles and I will not do a tune-up until 60k miles. Overall, its a very solid car for a reasonable price. I have friends with over 200k miles on their Hondas, so I expect to keep this one awhile. The only problem I had was a loose front passenger int. door panel which was replaced quickly by the dealer at 5k miles.

• 

  what is with power lock solenoids ? - 1999 Honda Accord
  By honda99 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car overall. However, as soon as the warranty expired on my Honda 99, the power lock solenoids started to go bad one by one. I thought it was just a sticky solenoid. But, now, I have all four solenoids that are inop. Has anyone else experienced this ? What is the estimated cost to replace these ?

• 

  Had major problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By SSK - August 12 - 2:06 am

  I was excited to purchase what I thought would be a reliable and great looking car, which also possessed an awesome Vtec engine. However, I was sadly mistaken. Gas meter broke around 10,000 miles and was fixed under warranty. Later engine was rewired free of charge due to potential fire hazards, according to the Dealership. Later I received a written notification that the engine switch had to be replaced due to complaints of stalling. Around 75,000 miles, the alternator had to be replaced along with the timing belt air conditior also broke (friend has same problem). Finally, the transmission is almost completely broken.

• 

  Flying Toaster on Wheels - 2005 Honda Element
  By Flying Toaster - August 11 - 7:32 pm

  Make sure you test drive this car before you buy! If you haullots its perfect. If for sheer driving pleasure, dont! The stock Wranler tires do a GREAT disservice to the car. The plastic in the car scratches EASY. You have to pamper what you put in or it WILL tear up. Gas mileage with K&N air filter is 24- 25 hwy and 21-22 city. Highway noise comes thru the cabin and the Wrangler tires dont help. Near 90-degree windshield catches rocks, bug etc that would bounce of more streamlined windshield. Engine in very adequate. For lots of cabin space, there seems to be little of for actual driver accessible storage, unless you put stuff on segmented dash-tray. Oil filter crammed in.

• 

  First Honda but Honda for life - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jonathan - August 11 - 1:30 am

  Have had car for about 6 weeks now - put on 2500 miles so far.Had an Olds Alero and was junk,bought this accord with 5400 miles on it.No real complaints but I have found some wind noise on both driver and passenger doors.Stereo is ok,takes getting use to.Dont like the auto-off lights,should just be automatic with no dinging when you get out.Decreased power with AC,but its the 4 cyl but still good once you get up on the highway and going.Really good highway power, goes 80 naturally without a heavy foot.Plenty of room,front and back.Fuel econ is sluggish in town,but picks up on the highway.Nice trunk size,and cup holders.