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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  Great SUV but poor quality leather seats - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Linda U - February 23 - 10:05 pm

  I have had my 2016 CRV Touring model for less than a month and the leather seats are already tearing! They put holes in the leather, dumb mistake on somebodys part. I have 3 little spots that are ripping. Im so upset, the car is not even a month old. What if you spill liquid on it and it all soaks thru the holes? I have called the service dept. where I purchased but havent heard from them yet! I love my CRV so far except the seat covering.

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  02 Accord EX-V6 to 01 Prelude base 5spd - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Hwani - February 23 - 3:51 pm

  97-01 Prelude (5th generation of prelude) is a great car overall. It is stylish, yet sporty, and its got some punch to back it up. 200hp/155tq, its a great H22A4 engine. However, vehicle is too heavy for its kind (3000pds). Handling is still one of the best out there, ATTS is great too, but known problems need to be carefully reviewed. Interior is too out-dated, however, it is simple and easy to use as sports car supposed to be. Rear seat/Trunk space is useless, but hey, its not a family grocery getter sedan. If you are in the market right now for a reasonbly priced, reliable, stylish and powerful sports compact that will seperate you from others, this is the car for you.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cindy - February 23 - 10:31 am

  Ive now owned my Honda Pilot for 10 months and logged 20,000 miles both in town and on trips. Im finally giving up and turning it in. My major complaint is comfort...my 62" husband and two pre-teen sons feel like sardines on trips. At 510", I can barely stand sitting in the second row seat. My second complaint is gas mileage. Despite a 17/22 rating, Im lucky if we get 18 on trips...initially we were getting 15 in town. When I returned to the dealership they said the mileage would improve after the first 10,000 miles. It has improved slightly, but still nowhere near the stated rating. This SUV is fine for the driver and front seat passenger, but is not a good family trip car!

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  Great Car but.... - 2016 Honda Civic
  By BryG - February 22 - 11:56 pm

  So I went with the EX 2.0 sensing. Part of the reason was the 16in rim size allows for a little more tire which provides a softer ride especially on awful NY roads. This is my third Civic after an 09 and 14. It rides better and quieter than both. Unless you are comparing it to a Buick, Id say it rides great and is comfortable for its class. The 2 liter has good power but almost has that laggy feeling sometimes making me wish I went with the turbo. Im not a huge fan of the CVT but it works leaps and bounds better of the old 5 speed automatics. Normally I go with the manual but you cant get the EX Sensing in manual and I wanted to try that tech out. The adaptive cruise control is awesome! Im always behind drivers that cant decide how fast they want to go and adaptive cruise takes care of that. The lane keep assist is very cool and works best on state highways or Interstates as long as the lines are fairly visible. And its just awesome watching the car steer it self, keep a finger on the wheel and your pretty much good to go. It will get mad if you let go of the wheel for a few seconds. Very roomy interior, Im 61 and its fine and I can sit behind my normal driver position fairly comfortable as well. The gauges are awesome. The overall layout makes you feel like youre in a more expensive car. Now for the bad, the stereo! The connectivity to my Iphone almost always needs to be redone in some way, unplugging and plugging back in, it will just switch sources on me like from Pandora to Apple Music usually right when I get out of the driveway. Maybe Bluetooth will connect, maybe It wont? And lately the screen has been turning off on me for a few seconds here and there. Sound quality is ok at best. They should really offer a stereo upgrade for all trim levels like to a JBL or something as It is not east to upgrade modern car stereos yourself. So I give the stereo situation an F, it fails big time. Being someone who likes music, that is enough for me to start looking at other brands. That being said, I do enjoy the car very much. I lease, and can say Honda has had great Leases so far, saving you thousands of dollars especially if you are a new every 3 person it is the only way to go.

• 

  Great Car but.... - 2016 Honda Civic
  By BryG - February 22 - 11:56 pm

  So I went with the EX 2.0 sensing. Part of the reason was the 16in rim size allows for a little more tire which provides a softer ride especially on awful NY roads. This is my third Civic after an 09 and 14. It rides better and quieter than both. Unless you are comparing it to a Buick, Id say it rides great and is comfortable for its class. The 2 liter has good power but almost has that laggy feeling sometimes making me wish I went with the turbo. Im not a huge fan of the CVT but it works leaps and bounds better of the old 5 speed automatics. Normally I go with the manual but you cant get the EX Sensing in manual and I wanted to try that tech out. The adaptive cruise control is awesome! Im always behind drivers that cant decide how fast they want to go and adaptive cruise takes care of that. The lane keep assist is very cool and works best on state highways or Interstates as long as the lines are fairly visible. And its just awesome watching the car steer it self, keep a finger on the wheel and your pretty much good to go. It will get mad if you let go of the wheel for a few seconds. Very roomy interior, Im 61 and its fine and I can sit behind my normal driver position fairly comfortable as well. The gauges are awesome. The overall layout makes you feel like youre in a more expensive car. Now for the bad, the stereo! The connectivity to my Iphone almost always needs to be redone in some way, unplugging and plugging back in, it will just switch sources on me like from Pandora to Apple Music usually right when I get out of the driveway. Maybe Bluetooth will connect, maybe It wont? And lately the screen has been turning off on me for a few seconds here and there. Sound quality is ok at best. They should really offer a stereo upgrade for all trim levels like to a JBL or something as It is not east to upgrade modern car stereos yourself. So I give the stereo situation an F, it fails big time. Being someone who likes music, that is enough for me to start looking at other brands. That being said, I do enjoy the car very much. I lease, and can say Honda has had great Leases so far, saving you thousands of dollars especially if you are a new every 3 person it is the only way to go.

• 

  Great Vehicle at a Reasonable Price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By freelanceinsa - February 21 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my graphite pearl CRV three months ago after months of investigation and test drives of all small SUVs in this category. Ninety days after purchase, I believe I made the right choice. As a former owner of a Chevy Silverado pickup, I had an adjustment period in the shorter wheelbase vehicle--ride a bit choppy and tire noise more intrusive, especially on coarse pavement. But I liked the much improved fuel mileage-- about 22 in town (I drive very conservatively.) and 26--27 on the highway at a steady 65 mph. Handling is tight, steering a bit heavy, fit and finish exceptional, seating firm but comfortable, controls smoothe and intuitive. Of course, ita a Honda, so it will last!

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  Good Value, Great Reliability - 1992 Honda Accord
  By R. Hunt - February 20 - 9:28 pm

  In 13 years of ownership, I had no significant mechanical repairs on this car. With normally scheduled oil, filter, and coolant change, the only non preventive work on the car was muffler and brake work. Although winter salt took its toll on mufflers and brake rotors, I never had a speck of rust on the body. The car started and operated reliably in all extremes of weather.

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  Its the Ugliest Car Ive ever Loved! - 2005 Honda Element
  By The Rat - February 20 - 3:00 pm

  I am a retired female age 63. I needed a vehicle to transport a lawn mower and after looking at various trucks, I decided for the $$ the Element was the best value. It had what I needed to haul large items and run the rough roads to my lake home. I am very pleased with the Elements preformance. The steering is a little looser than my car. ButI love the visibility it gives the driver and handles well. Still checking the gas mileage. Love the tan color! Would have liked a light enterio

• 

  Rattles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Josh - February 20 - 12:13 am

  I love the car except for the rattles from the passenger side. I noticed the compartment under the glove box was not snapped shut properly so fixed that but it still rattles worse than my 2001 Nissan Sentra on certain road surfaces. Great handling and acceleration though.

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  CRV - great deal for SUV performance - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By hoya02 - February 19 - 8:16 pm

  Very reliable SUV. Fun to drive. Didnt realize it did not have a lock mechanism on the door panel of the front passengers side. Missed that convenience I had with my 98 Accord. Glove compartment is smallest I have ever had. The owners manual fits and little else. Miss the Accords roomy interior. CRVs great cargo area is the main reason I bought it. It uses gas a lot faster than the Accord, but as an SUV, its still more economical than most. Grocery shopping is sometimes a problem for putting away groceries in the back because of the swing out door. Other vehicles often pull too close to the back door, and it makes it difficult to open the door to put items in back cargo area.