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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  Horrible Engine Vibration - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck P. - September 15 - 4:38 pm

  The engine in this 2016 CRV vibrates considerably while stopped in drive and foot on the brake. The front seats vibrate to a point that causes my legs to go numb. The doors and center console vibrates, as well as the dash which is creating a noise from the dash/steering column area. The dealership says this is normal, but I wonder what component/s this vibration will cause to come loose later on--electrical connections, fuel line connections, a/c connections, etc. (not to mention my legs)? I bought this CRV because of a presumed reputation, but am left gravely disappointed. I will never buy or recommend Honda vehicles.

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  2000 CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mary - September 15 - 1:21 pm

  I have loved my CRV since the day I bought it. I have only the normal wear and tear, such as tires, battery oil changes. I now have 103,000 miles and intend to drive it for another 100,00 miles. I get 25 miles a gal around town.

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  Best car ever owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rickmoitoza - September 15 - 11:56 am

  I just got back from a 3000 mile road trip from California to Sandpoint Idaho. The Honda was very comfortable to drive and averaged 32.5 miles per gallon. I have the v6 - manual sticker said 25 hwy, 22 in town... I get 27 in town. This car is the best I have ever owned.

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  S - Big U - V - 2003 Honda Element
  By BlackElement - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Utility is the word. Its a station wagon. Its a van. Its a camper. Its a SUV. Its a music listening room. I like this vehicle. I have had people ride in the back seat who are well over 6 feet tall and their knees do not hit the back of the front seats. It is fun to drive and has adequate power.

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  STOP STARING AT ME!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lex13 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The c Element is great overall. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The audio system is great in the EX, but it doesn come standard with remote entry. I love how u can turn all of the seats into a bed. The car rides great and doesnt tilt at all, but what was Honda thinking by putting only 160 hp into the car... come on you got to have at least 200 in an SUV. If you want attention, this is the car to buy. Everywhere i go people are just staring at the car, and within 3 weeks i have talked to about 30 people (that ive never met before) about the car and they have all said that they liked it.

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  Great SUV, The right size. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gbnutter - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just perfect for everyday use. Honda quality, great gas mileage, although we would love a hybrid CRV. More than enough power for highways, climbing, everything, we have never wished for more power! We did have an after market leather added, a really nice addition!

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  First SUV and happy w/ choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sherd538 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It deffinetely handles as nice as any car that I have owned. Fun to drive and my kids love riding in it. Plenty of cargo space. Easy access to 3rd row but 2nd row should be adjustable. smooth driving but makes an unusual amount of under carriage noise. Also the rear passenger side wheel well area rattles an awful lot (appointment setup to check problem). Other then noises and rattles the pilot is a good reliable suv. ($30,000 for cars/suvs is obserd but what can we do). Compared to the other suvs its the best bang for your buck. Buy it you will like it.

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  comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alender - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to have for families. I enjoy all the amenities that it has like plenty of room in a relatively small body, power, handling. However if you are like me and this is your first SUV after years of driving sedans, be prepared for some bumps. The ride is not as smooth as I was hoping. I do feel the minor bumps on the road, but I guess that is what you get with an SUV. Sound system is great, cloth interior is great. Tires are wide and give you great handling. Make sure you get the cross bars on the roof rack, it is very usefull. Overall great vehicle and highly recommended, just a little bumpier than I thought.

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  Honda Hits Homer with CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mohusker - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After 8,000 miles, nary a squak. Power tops many competing V-6s while delivering decent fuel economy. We considered Escape (attractive but pickup interior and too many recalls), Santa-Fe (roomy but unproven reliability) and RAV-4 (cute but cramped with hard-pressed engine). CR- Vs roomy rear quarters, quality, efficiency, and stellar powertrain won out. Few of 30 dealers contacted would bargain, however the CR-Vs sticker is $1,500-$2,000 below competitors. We needed a tall wagon with a higher step-in height rather than an off-roader. We made the right choice.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Hondaacord - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has all a driver entusiast could want, with its peppy V6, semi what styling on the outside and reliability expected out of a Honda. The factory tires were poor but other than that its just a fun car to drive.