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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  Not really xm ready - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By anthony - March 31 - 6:13 am

  I love my CR-V, I really do, but Honda left a bad taste in my mouth with the "xm ready" feature. The advertising as well as the OWNERS MANUAL make it seem like you just call up XM to activate your radio, the radio even has an xm button on it. You do have to call XM to activate it, but you cant call untill you have them install the $539 xm receiver.

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  So sorry - 2016 Honda Civic
  By lydia - March 31 - 4:46 am

  This is my 3rd honda, 2nd civic ex-l. i had a 2015 civic ex-l and traded in for 2016 civic ex-l. I am so sorry i did that and paying a lot more for no difference in upgrade. the trunk is small, no power seats on the drivers side. I think they cut the size a lot! I think in 3 years going to change to a different make car. I am so sorry i traded my 2015, : ( big big big mistake!!! only thing good it has 8 speakers and turbo and faster than the 2015 and has Sirrus! that is it. Dont waste your money.

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  Very reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lynn - March 30 - 1:41 am

  I am the second owner of my Honda Civic. Ive had it for over 3 years and I have never had to get repairs. Very dependable and great for fuel economy.

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  Rock magnet - 2003 Honda Element
  By MsShawnPhx - March 29 - 11:11 pm

  I had my element for almost 2 years. I got a lot of comments on how ugly the exterior design was, but it wasnt nearly as boxy as Land Rover, XB or even Hummer in my opinion. The classic min-woody quality is what drew me to it. I was able to fit my 450 lb 63" husband, as well as a 65" friend in the front as well as back seats. I am 53" and had no issues with my height in the vehicle. The large windshield will attrack every rock on the road. I did have to have the drivers seat replaced, due to some of the stitching coming apart, and the track bent.

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  Great Family Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By mary - March 29 - 10:19 pm

  We bought this van new and have 129,000 miles on it. Its been great transportation - comfortable, roomy, great for hauling people and stuff. Have had problems with the doors but the dealer has been very reasonable. Had to replace catalytic converter at less than 100,000 miles and now it needs a new transmission. Thats not covered by warranty but we are getting a deal ($500)plus labor. Only complaint is performance in snow - not great even with TCS. Plymouth Voyager was much better in snowy/icy conditions.

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  Bought my Civic used in 1998 - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Wayne Lewis - March 28 - 3:49 pm

  The most annoying part of this little 4 door sedan is the automatic transmission.Though it has been trouble-free, it is underpowered from ramp speed up to highway speed. It will cruise nicely at 120 kilometres an hour just over 70 miles per hour. I bought the car used privately with 110,000 kilometres (65,000 miles). I have had few problems with it and it now has nearly 300,000 kilometres or 180,000 miles. I plan on keeping it another 2 years and with the Krown rustproofing the car has seen since it was 4 years old annually, it still looks great! The car has had an axle and upper ball joint replacement on one side front- end. The remainder has been normal maintenence!Great car!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2016 Honda Accord
  By JOMY JOHN - March 28 - 6:08 am

  Pleasantly Surprised with the features it have which even an Audi dont have (Adaptive cruise control and emergency braking) Plus a 35+ mileage in Highway )I got 42 on my trip south) With Apple Car play you dont need navigation anymore as an option, Rearview Camera , Keyless entry, Remote start, Push button start ,

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  An ok van. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By An ok van. - March 27 - 9:16 pm

  The 2000 Honda Odyssey LX is a van that has good days and bad. Some days when it is not even cold out, the sliding doors will not open, and the person must use excessive force to open them. Honda just says "there is nothing we can do about it." The paint on the van is also very thin and scratches easily. The same can be said about the interior dashboard and door panels. They all scuff or scratch easily. The good things are the van is very well built frame wise. After being in two rear-end accidents the van still looks as it did before the accidents, minus a few scratches. The amount of cargo space is probably the best feature. Other than that the van is pretty good.

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  Brilliant! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Train2219 - March 26 - 3:22 pm

  I purchased my 97 Civic LX 5 speed when my 87 Pathfinder died w/170k on it. I purchased it used 83k on it. This car has been everything that I need it to be. Flawless reliability, outstanding fuel economy, and surprisingly fun to drive despite only having 106 horses to work with. The 5 speed manual makes all the difference in this car. Its a total dog with an autotragic transmission. I have just turned 100k and have no doubt that it will run for another 100.

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  Its Pretty Good - 1998 Honda Accord
  By big boy - March 26 - 4:40 am

  The car has good acceleration and handling. Automatic gear changes are a little harsh. Cruise control accelaration has too much response. The driver seat comfort needs improvement. Car looks good and has never left me stranded. The ERG device clogged several times which cost me but overall its been a good car through 150,000 miles. No recurring problems aside from (3) ERG problems.