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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  Pretty, Peppy but Too Techy - 2018 Honda Accord
  By m.j. gosdeck - July 20 - 9:53 am

  It sits low on the passenger side but weve had worse with KIA several years ago. At least you can see out of the entire window . A short person like me has good visibility and feels comfortable even with the low slung look. Like Hondas weve had before, it has a lot of pep, as though it wants to take off if only youd let it. It isnt quiet compared to Toyota, Hyundai or KIA even with the white noise adjustment. I looked everywhere to find how you know if it is on. Only the service tech could find it. I look at the manual a lot. In other words it has too much tech stuff for us that young and younger people like to play with but well never use. But then it is aimed at persuading the younger driver to switch from an SUV. We looked at Toyota too but liked the Hondas styling better.Ours is pretty to look at (red) and people have come up and asked about it. One day I found forehead prints all over the windows. Hope they werent planning to steal it.

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  Great appliance - 2006 Honda Element
  By iggyst00ge - July 19 - 9:31 am

  My Element is the definition of the car-as-appliance. Its an unbelievably functional car that has been the perfect toddler and dog transportation for our family. Not as awkward as an SUV, rides like a top-heavy Civic, more interior space per passenger than anything other than a bus, decent MPG (around 23), room to carry bigger cargo, the interior is plastic, but its solid and takes a beating. With the AWD its also great in the snow. Think of it as a downsized van with some nice creature comforts thrown in. Yes, its a little underpowered, and yes it can blow around on windy days. The lack of a fifth seat is an inconvenience, but it does everything else so well, I forgive Honda.

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  LONG ISLAND , NY. DRIVER... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RALPH J RONGA - July 19 - 6:56 am

  I previously owned the 2000 CR-V SE, and this current 2005 model I find to be a very great improvement over the 2000 year model. The interior is much quieter. I find the horsepower jump of 17 more horses to have made a significant improvement in acceleration from dead stop and demand for acceleration on the road at speed. I like the outside shape and the color I chose (pewter) actually more of a grey color. I enjoy the airbags all around the vehicle (standard and side curtains) and the vehicle ride has a more solid feel than the 2000. The handling is very tight and responsive. All in all I actually love this vehicle.Only time will tell the true story. Have about 2000 miles.

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  2005 Honda LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Rhonda - July 18 - 1:53 pm

  Vehicle is excellent on gas compared to old suburban I was driving. Would not consider for my college bound daughter though. Was disappointed to find out that the Civic had no daytime running lights(available on Canadian models though?) nor do the doors lock automatically upon driving vehicle. During this time and age you almost consider this to be part of the package, Id rather get running lights or auto door locks over mud flaps...or pin striping

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  They dont build them like they use to.. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Reggie-D - July 18 - 5:30 am

  I like this vehicle.. believe it !! But Honda does not build vehicles like they use to. I understand they may have to make concessions to keep their vehicles affordable. But they maybe getting close to the edge. The CR-V has too much PLASTIC !! ... On the dash, in and around all 4 doors and the cargo area. The interior fit is not always even. The emergency brake is a petal, you push it to engage it, and push it harder to release it - concession? Dont expect a posh ride, it feels like a small truck (which it is). No center console in the EX trim A DEFINITE CONCESSION... Steep learning curve for some controls.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nice Car - July 17 - 4:30 pm

  6 disc CD player very attractive, nice interior design/layout, love steering wheel audio controls, very quite engine (almost too quite), heated seats are very nice in a state with crappy winters, love headlights and front end, the rear end looks strange but a new 2007 update is on the way. Roomy interior. Some whine about the moonroof buttons awkward location but put it this way: the driver doesnt have to move their left arm much at all. Only problem areas were CD player jammed at 44000 and the transmission slipped and refused to go more than 30 mph at 38000, but that was a new transmission design, and all the above was covered by honda, with free loner car

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  Not what I expected from a HONDA. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Normand - July 17 - 2:21 am

  Little things bother me about this vehicle. The GPS does not work well, gets confused, then shuts down. Wind noise is worse than it was in our 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015 Pilot. Road sound is better. Push button gear shift is a pain, slow to respond and will make you scream...guaranteed...if you hane to maneuver in tight places. You must take your foot off the accelerator to set the cruise control (so if you are going 70 and want to set the cruise on 70, you have to spped up to about 78, take your foot off the accelerator, push the set button, and then hope that it engages at about 70. Sheer craziness. And once the cruise is on be very careful not to try to spped up a little as if you touch the accelerator, you will disengage the cruise. The second time I took my Pilot in to the dealer for the idle stop not working, I was given a three page list of 42 parameters as to why it may not be working. 43 These include things like "If the front window defogger is on, the idle stop will not work. If the speed of one of the four tires is different (?) the idle stop will not function, etc." Why have it? Why it is important to me is that I went a model up for about 4 to 5 grand more for the better gas mileage. Since the idle stop is mostly responsible for this, I wasted my money if it does not work....and it does not. Overall a great looking vehicle, comfortable, rides well unless on a deeply rutted road, lots of storage, but way too many things that are not refined, do not work, work only part time, or work, but not all of the time. A little better thought and engineering tweaks could easily resolve these issues. That things are as they are is a big disappointment. After years of other brands building quiet vehicles, why cant Honda get it done? I am losing confidence in the brand.

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  bullet proof - 1993 Honda Civic
  By dave jones - July 16 - 2:35 pm

  I just sold my 93 ex with 282,000 on it. Never touched the engine and I drove the heck out of it, spent about 3,000g over 175,000. Have an accord now, would recommend an accord over a civic, much nicer ride/ comfort for very little penalty in gas consumption.

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  Too much fun (and funktional too) - 2004 Honda Element
  By World Glass - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Im finally back in a reliable Honda again after years of not driving one (my mistake). The Element is a total blast to drive; cool, reliable, great for work; Im always packing stained glass and tools in it to go to clients homes. Theres a ton of storage space and the large door panels work wonderfully for my World Glass logo; people really stare at this vehicle.Its a sure bet for all your utility needs! Mmmmm, and it has a sweet sound system! It looks fun and drives outstandingly for an suv. I get about 24 mpg hwy. It gets blown around driving on windy highways!! People turn and look all the time; its very unique. I love it!

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  Great Van - Poor Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mzapx1 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The ride is smooth & powerful. But you pay for that with a lower gas mileage (17-18 MPG). The gear shift lever is in an odd position. Missing some of our 95 Caravan features (auto door locks, pwr rear hatch, remote start, etc). Yet, with these "issues", the Odyssey is a great van, and would have been excellent if the gas mileage would have been nearer to 20 MPG...