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:

• 

  Reliable, Solid, but not comfortable - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Alex K - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I really like how well this car performs and how solid it feels. Superb fuel economy, solid engine, trans... BUT, its not really comfortable. The seats are hard and awkward. Honda needs to put more foam in those seats.

• 

  Hate to sell it! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Glossybird - August 17 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this Honda from a private party two years ago, it had 183,000 miles. He had taken excellent care of it and I took the chance. Now it has 217,000 and is still going strong. I have had to replace the brakes, radiator, master cylinder, the AC and tires but I dont consider those major expenses, just regular wear and tear. I put it up for sale for $2000 today and so far people who have called seem interested in paying that price for it. Overall, I love my Honda and I hate to see it go. Ill get another though, definitely!

• 

  keeps going and going.... - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Tonym - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 4 years now and have had to make no repairs outside of standard maintanence. This honda is by far the most reliable car Ive owned. While the ride is reasonably peppy, the styling is pretty sedate and I cant say I find the car particularly exciting. I have no doubt that it will last as long as I want it to though -- great buy and Ive never once been sorry for the purchase. --left passenger automatic window sticks a bit but still works. --Some groans and squeaks at cruising speed.

• 

  The Best - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Marion - August 16 - 6:35 am

  Its the best car I every brought brand new.

• 

  2010 Crosstour AWD without NAV - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought Opal Jade new --- Rear view is poor without the NAV.. Really surprised that the on board computer does not have fuel calculations for MPG, FTE etc. For all of the electronics this seems to be a simple one. Drives well through snow - 12 inches and not a slip .

• 

  honda turtle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ed Bejsovec - August 15 - 7:20 pm

  my honda is the perfect vehicle for hauling...with the seats removed there is tons of room..as much as a pickup. the ride is a bit choppy becuase of the short wheelbase..the engine is good and if you need the power the engine reacts quick enough to get you in traffic..the seats and the interior is washable making it great for all kinds of loads.. the stereo in the ex is supurb great sounds with XM..the car sits up nicely and it is easy to see traffic. Ive been averaging 23mpg in mixed driveing. the only drawback is the silly moon roof which is lcated in the rear of the vehicle instead the front because the Element has alot of headroom.

• 

  Great all around car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Juan - August 15 - 5:46 am

  Ive had this car for about 5 months now and its a pretty nice car. It has decent speed with a really smooth motor. I dont really feel the VCM kicking in for the most part, so I really dont mind it. Gas mileage has been a bit disappointing, but it has been improving. Ive averaged about 23.5 mpg, but was expecting much better with the VCM technology. Ride and handling are great. Im still getting use to the "bigness" of this vehicle as I still sometimes feel like it is just too big for a coupe. Nav has been very useful, but at times has trouble finding everyday stuff like a Costco. Overall Im pretty satisfied with the vehicle.

• 

  A smart choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Akk - August 12 - 11:30 am

  A perfect SUV! Reasonably styled, exceptionally built. Very smooth and powerful engine, good pickup, smartly placed controls, comfortable interiors (I have Pilot EX-Navi). Versatile SUV with good fuel economy for an SUV. The only maintenance has been routine checkups. Wish side airbags, moonroof were available. Size is a plus... large interior and cargo room, but looks/drives like a midsize. Paid close to invoice price.

• 

  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..

• 

  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..