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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  Have Yet to be Disappointed!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Tom Rakip - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 02 Civic EX Coupe for a week short of a year and love it more as time passes! The seats are very accomodating (Im 510"/255lbs), interior is designed very egronomically, pretty peppy, nice drivetrain, excellent MPG (I average 31 MPG combined, right on par with the 31/38 claim). It has stood up very well for the mileage I put on it so far! I went with Eternal Blue w/Moonroof Visor, 15-Spoke Honda Wheels, Rear Wing Spoiler, Fenderwell Trim and Mudguards for looks :-)

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  None - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bob N. Whitehall Pa - May 12 - 2:30 am

  Have driven 1600 miles. Added Remote start and Back-up sensors at the dealer. Two things really bother me. I am getting no better gas mileage with this 4 cyl on the highway than the 3.9 6 cyl Impala I turned in. The other thing is the Remote start. Why would you have to turn off the engine before you can open the door and get in. You have to restart the car. Double work for the battery and starter. On the GM vehicle you just enter the car and insert the key and drive away. Come on Honda, if GM can do it, so can you. If they can correct this and add a 6 cyl like the Rav-4, I think I would be close to a perfect vehicle in this class.

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  Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR V
  By John Williams - May 11 - 5:21 pm

  Turbo-lag is very disapointing

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  so far so good - 1990 Honda Accord
  By sweetcheeks - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased with 123,000 on it, now has 176,000 and the problems are starting to occur, which I guess should be expected at such high miles. Things I have had to fix in the last year. 1. had to install new speed sensor. 2. alternator had to be replaced. 3. front cv joints. Power drivers window no longer works. Seems to be some problem with the electrical system, I am constantly putting new bulbs in brake, side marker and parking lights. Power locks, sometimes car will lock when shutting door, always have spare keey!! Lots of front end noise although I have had it inspected and there is nothing wrong! All in all though this has been an excellent reliable car.

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  My Passport - 2002 Honda Passport
  By SUVlady - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for me and has provided good transporation through a heavy snow season. The 4- wheel drive on the fly performed well and was easy to use by just pushing the button. No major mechanical problems. I am a satisfied customer.

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  Great truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By clifford carroll - May 8 - 12:26 pm

  Love it.

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  Lasts Forever - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Happy Civic ownre - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda LX 4 door with 55,000 miles on it.I now have over 340,000 miles on it. I maintain car as recommended. It does not consume/burn any oil. The last two sets of tires averaged 75,000 miles due to me not rotating them regularly. I have not yet had to replace the clutch or shock absorbers. I have had to replace the front brake rotors on two different occasions due to warpage and have had to replace the distributor and the alternator. This has been a phenomenally reliable and inexpensive car to own. I am wondering how many miles I can get on this engine. Has anyone heard of a Civic engine with more than 340,000 miles on it?

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  Almost perfect. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jon P - May 7 - 11:45 pm

  Purchased used 7 years ago, our 2005 Element has proven to be one of the best vehicle purchases I’ve ever made. Rivaling my 2003 Subaru Forester (the most consistent vehicle I’ve ever owned) in terms of drivability and reliability, and surpassing all other vehicle in terms of versatility. Pros: Amazing storage capacity and versatility. Outside of a cargo van, I can’t think of another vehicle that allows this much cargo space. I’ve spent night sleeping in it. I’ve moved beds, countless pieces of furniture, gardening supplies/equipment, etc… I’ve been completely, and utterly spoiled by the Element’s ability to transport things. It will be very hard to replicate when it comes time to buy another vehicle. Solid winter performance. The AWD system is reliable in getting through snow and ice. I have noticed it sometimes hiccups on wet roads, though that could be tire issues. Driving height is also a boon. You’re seated just a bit above sedan level and are afforded great view of the road, and the ‘widescreen’ windshield does a great job of exploiting all that visible space. Handling is responsive, and the turning radius is really good. You can tell this SUV was built off of a sedan chasis. The stock sound system is really superb. So-so: MPG is about what you’d expect. Nothing to write home about, but not exceptionally low. Doesn’t have a lot of get up and go. Not quite sluggish, but you’re not going to win any races with the Element. You’ve got to plan your traffic merges accordingly. Visibility is kinda subpar outside of the front seat. Lots of columns and little blind spots to be aware of. Only a 4 passenger vehicle. I knew that in advance, but an option for a 5th person would have been great. Cons: Brakes! Oh man, have we gone through brakes. About every 18,000 miles we’re investing in new pads. We’ve had to replace the rotors a few times as well. We’ve used the dealership as well as recommended mechanics. Doesn’t matter. The Element chews through brakes like no other car I’ve owned before. Suicide doors. Getting backseat passengers in and out, especially in parking lots and garages, is painful. I understand that they may assist with the loading/unloading of the vehicle, but for as often as you would actually need suicide doors to accomplish this it’s totally not worth it. Getting things in and out through the back isn’t much more difficult. All in all, I’d recommend an Element to anyone who wants a unique looking vehicle with an incredible amount of cargo space and utility.

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  Like the E - 2005 Honda Element
  By gkrum - May 7 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 5000 miles on my Element - it is working out very well. It has lots of room and gets about 23 mpg in mixed driving. My growing son loves the room in the back seat, and my dog enjoys the space too.

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  Miami Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By crad - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Our 2003 pilot has 29,000 miles and has been a pleasure to own. Other than regular scheduled oil changes and gas when needed, it has not required any maintenance at all. Our kids love the entertainment system (first one weve ever had) and they love the SUV style (again, first SUV weve ever owned). The pilot drives like a car and does not waste any more gas than our 2000 6 cyl. Maxima did. My wife and kids love their Pilot, I like it too!