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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  This is my second one - 2008 Honda Element
  By Dave Perry - August 31 - 6:02 pm

  This is my second Element. My first one was a 2006, same equipment, different color and traded for an S2000 which was fun while it lasted. I use my 2008 Element as a daily driver and I also sell a high-end Swedish car in my day job which I know inside and out (this will explain some of my suggestions later on). I think the Element is the perfect vehicle for me for a lot of reasons. It gets reasonable gas mileage (27 highway, 24 overall), it has reasonable power, is a blast to drive (no S2000, but what is?), is reliable as motor vehicles get, and has great ergonomics and fun to drive.

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  Milage better than advertised... - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Paulzfun - August 31 - 3:38 pm

  Really enjoying this car... have driven 2 BMW 3 Series and MB SLK350, but decided to go smaller for the mileage. This car has TONS of room and is even fun to drive. Not super fast, but certainly adequate, and handles well. I had the back windows tinted and it looks sharp that way.

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  Chiming in on transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Family - August 31 - 2:44 pm

  Like many other owners we too are having transmission issues. We just had to the dealer for the transmission "judder" fix, but guess what? Its worse than it was before! Vehicle shakes at 25 MPH while transmission hunts for a gear, especially on hills. There is also an intermittent shake at highway speeds (70 MPH) that I no longer believe has anything to do with tires or alignment, but with the drivetrain itself. Like others when entering/exiting ECO mode there is too much noise from the transmission. The VCM system does not seem to improve gas mileage so I say Honda should eliminate it. Weve had 7 Hondas now and this is the first and only Odyssey we will own.

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  just purchased - 2016 Honda Fit
  By marshall walker - August 31 - 6:54 am

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  This could have been a great car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Shaun - August 31 - 2:46 am

  I made the error in purchasing the 2017 Accord SE Sport without really putting my foot in it and letting the car run. I found out all too quickly that the car was all show and no go. the styling is great the car is beautiful on the outside. interior is par for the course I upgraded to leather I believe a wise choice for the money, the instrument display is easily readable and the fuel economy halo around the speedo is a nice touch. the main display screen is totally useless unless you are in reverse other wise it will show a massive clock or a tally of MPG totals. This could have been a cool feature if they would have spent a little more time on the software side of the car. auto system sounds good with clean high and bass notes blue tooth pairing often fails and requires rebooting the device or the car. the touch to talk button on the steering wheel is worthless as once again the software that drives it is junk. Driving comfort is marginal at best the car is prone to wind noise and if you are driving on anything that has the least amount of bumpiness to the surface you will feel it in your kidneys. All these short comings could be over looked except for the first statement in this review all show NO-GO! This car is equipped with the most powerful I-4 available in the accord but still makes less than 200 horse power. the engine isnt the issue however because when coupled with the manual gear box as I found out later the car can come alive. The problem with the car is the CVT transmission this thing is junk and the worst part is I paid an extra two grand to get it over the 6 speed manual. The CVT transmission makes this car feel like it is in a constant state of slippage dont pull out in traffic if to have a car coming because you will most likely not make it. want to pass someone good luck your stuck behind that person doing 10 under on a two lane road because the car accelerates so slowly. Sure you will eventually get to speed but it will take you awhile. speaking of taking awhile 0-60 times on this car have been exaggerated to say the least plan on spending just over 10 seconds to get from 0-60MPH in drive mode, you will spend 9.89 seconds going 0-60 in sport mode and the best but still poor using the paddle shifters you will eek out the best time of 8.96 seconds 0-60. a far cry from the advertised 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. But hey we didnt buy the accord to race we bought it for fuel economy right? While it would be nice to be able to pass grandma on a two lane without risking sudden death, if time is on your side than by all means get an accord at an average 32MPG driving with the eco button on. This would be my only reason to keep the accord but dont buy the sport version without the manual as you will just feel like crap getting passed by everything in sight and have no ability to do anything about it .

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  Mixed review - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Wayne - August 30 - 11:54 pm

  Vehicle is pleasant to drive, flexible interior layout, with useful space and fair gas mileage for a vehicle of this size. Have had issues with seat panels repeatedly falling off, clunking sound when selection reverse, early brake and tire change (PAX). Second set of tires are wearing very fast. Steering pump was changed, battery replacement after 2.5 years. CD player quit 2 months after warranty expiration. Some small interior parts repeatedly falling off.

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  Still Going Strong - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MikeM - August 30 - 5:47 pm

  Coming up on 4 years and overall still happy with the Pilot EX-L (non-Nav). The only issue has been the "auto up/down" switch on the drivers door so not bad. Plenty of room for family of three + large dog. Superb handling in the snow and drives/rides like a car, comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is awful, we have never come close to the advertised mpg even under optimal conditions. Nothing overly jaw- dropping about the Pilot--simply Honda quality, does what is designed to without fanfare.

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  Perfect for dog lovers! - 2008 Honda Element
  By MastiffMobile - August 30 - 3:12 pm

  If we had purchased any other vehicle, wed have ruined the interior by now! As an active, young military couple we are avid beach-goers, dog lovers, and spend lots of time traveling 13-15 hrs to see family when we get leave time. This vehicle is perfect for it all! We easily fit our two English mastiffs in the back with room to spare... The waterproof interior holds up great against all the sand, ocean water, and drool! Its comfortable to ride in for all of our long trips, and its been great for driving to and from dog shows! Weve actually had the discussion about "what will happen if Honda stops making the Element by the time we want another one," and we dont know what well do!

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  Best choice for $20K! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jamie - August 30 - 1:36 pm

  Ive had this car two weeks now and Ive put 600 miles on it. I got the Fiji Blue Pearl coupe. This car is really fun to drive. I got 28 mpg on my first tank of gas. I havent been letting it rev high. Im really impressed with how the car handles. The build quality is great, as Honda is known for. Ive added a few things to this Civic. I put 18" chrome Acura TL wheels on it, HID headlights, and LED taillights. Ive had a lot of vehicles. Ive had BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, and Acura. With gas prices going higher, and the economy going lower, this is a wise choice if you still want fun and dont want a hybrid.

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  Solid little car with one nagging issue! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By graywolf781 - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  Ive had my LX-S sedan for a few months now, and all has gone well except for one persistent issue that has popped up since the weather has become cold. When the car has been sitting for a few hours in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the car will often not start on the first try, or the car will start and then die out. The indicator window on the battery states that the battery is fine. On a brand new car, this is unacceptable. Come on Honda dont skimp on batteries with decent cold cranking amps.