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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  Dont knock it till u try it.... - 2007 Honda Element
  By in love w/ a element - May 19 - 10:27 am

  I fell in love with the Element when the very first one came out, with the exception of the panel on the vehicle. In 07 when I saw the SC I fell in love all over again. This car may look like a toaster, but from the inside out it is an exceptional vehicle. I love the room it provides on the inside to how theres no panel on the outside. Ive had my SC since Nov. 06 and still have it today with over 37,000 miles on it and I havent had to this day any problems with my SC, except taking it in for regular maintenance. I feel its one of the best investments ull ever make and u wont regret it one bit. For everyone else whos had problems I think its the driver not the car!

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  Civic exceeds my expectations! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By da_doo_dah_man - May 19 - 9:00 am

  I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for a more gas sufficient car. I was considering getting the Hybrid Civic, but after seeing how the hybrid engine sounded with 3 people inside I decided to go with the Civic LX. I am very happy with the purchase. The LX exceeds my expectations in every way. The only thing that I feel bad about the whole deal is trading in and leaving the old car behind, after so many years together it seems like such a cheap way to go out.

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  Honda did it again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Raphael - May 19 - 1:06 am

  It took Honda engineering a few years to come up with what I call the best truck on the market today. I test drove the Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma and the Nissan Titan and when I drove the Ridgeline I knew that was the one for me.

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  No buyers remorse - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Prescott - May 18 - 12:51 pm

  Ive held off on buying a car most of my adult life, for a variety of reasons, most recently because it has been near impossible to find a vehicle that ticks off all the boxes, but also because auto technology is changing so rapidly now. But living in New England and tired of driving of failing to get hybrid Camrys and Prius Cs through the snow and ice so I can get to my clients, I realized that I couldnt let perfect be the enemy of the good, so I made a list, I checked it twice, and the CR-V came through on everything but the mileage. And, even then, it has no peers in its class. Even the RAV4 Hybrid gets a mere 10% bump, and for that you pay a premium on a base model without all the great features included in a CR-V EX. Having owned the vehicle for a month now, I dont see how I could have done better. Sure, the entertainment and settings interface is terrible, but at least it is CarPlay compatible, so I am using that most of the time, and really looking forward to seeing if that sticks around and how it develops. I like the ride height and feel of the road. The steering is solid and the wheel feels good. The adaptive cruise control is a feature Ive come to really like, as well as lane departure and collision warning, none of which were available on the RAV4 hybrid. Loving having a sun roof now, too. Cargo could be a little more convenient, despite its volume. Theres a ledge keeping me from laying a folded 6 table totally flat in back, even with the seats down, which is annoying. Even the hybrid Camry allowed me to lay the table flat, with room to spare on every side. But I do like the vertical height. Took advantage of it to go car camping. Because of that height, we were able to load up the back without putting down the seats. Everyone remarks at the design and the Obsidian Blue color. People cant believe its a Honda. Neither can I. I should have seen it coming with the new HR-V style that got my attention (not a great car, but a nice design for a small SUV type vehicle), but I thought that was a one-off. Not so. I even like these wheels better than any previous CR-V model. This car went from boring and not on my list to the top of my list when it first came out, and I am not disappointed. Again, Id love to have this exact car with better acceleration and fuel economy (mid-30s seems reachable), but until that perfect car exists, this one will definitely do, and I have no remorse about buying it with the intent to keep for a long, long time.

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  Quality - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By DH - May 18 - 12:11 pm

  This is a reliable car. It is comfortable with kids and car seats, or adults on the commute. The gas mileage is better than listed. With a roof box, we fit 2 adults, 2 kids, a large dog, skis and equipment.

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  Odyssey Excellent!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Olavanman - May 18 - 10:22 am

  We just love our 2009 Odyssey EX-L with RES. It feels just like our Accord. Drive: The drive is smooth and comfortable. Accelerates well. Comfort: We just love the leather interior, really comfortable seats. One drawback though is - the Steering Wheel should extend out a little farther for a little more comfort. I am 5-6" and sometimes I find it hard to rest my arms on the arm rest and still be able to grip the steering comfortably. Anyone looking at buying the Odyssey should consider this. Interior Design: We just love the design. The fold-away center tray in the first row is a great thing to have. It makes moving from the front to the back so much easier (especially with kids).

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  transmission fails - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mtttt - May 18 - 10:00 am

  multiple transmission problems and poor customer service/support

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  CRV or Sorento?...CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jason&Jenny - May 18 - 10:00 am

  We were torn between the CRV and a Kia Sorento. The KIA was much nicer on the inside with many more standard options and a more luxurious feel to it all for the same price. Although we finally went with the Honda pretty much based on the gas mileage factor and the Honda reputation for quality. Although the CRV has a much smaller engine because of the weight it had better acceleration than the KIA. Our biggest problem was the availability of the EX AT model in the color we wanted (waited a month through 3 dealerships). We got the Mojave mist with saddle interior and added wood grain (which looks GREAT), roof rack, fogs, splash guards and a cargo cover.

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  I love my honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By i_love_my_honda_04 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice car with good fuel economy. in my opinion ABS is worth the extra cost. Engine is very quiet when idel.

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  Best value in its class - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CriticalDriver - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Okay, for a sedan with good comfort, excellent gas milage, reliability, excellent styling, and some pep below Its got a great crash rating and the exterior and interior styling will make you feel you got more car than you paid for. This car gives you the most bang for your buck. I did a lot of research and drove all the other entry level sedans (corolla, Mazda3, Focus, elantra, cavalier, etc...) If you want small car performance the Mazda 3 will beat every1 in this class. But for that money I could by a Nissan Altima and get better overal value. This years LX Civic will hold its value, give you years of service (take care of her), and make u look