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:

• 

  Okay, but needs improvement (regular guy review) - 2010 Honda Fit
  By cobraboy1 - March 8 - 10:09 am

  This is a really neat car that does an above average job of being an OKAY car. I purchased my 2010 Sport Auto about 18 months ago and Im starting to tire of it. Its not that this is a bad car, its not, its just that if you enjoy driving. I would suggest you look elsewhere. It also doesnt really have any frills. This car is never one that you would think is any nicer than a basic car should be. Its not upscale and its not trying to be, but it is very nice the way that it is. In the end Im left with wanting more.

• 

  2008 Honda Element EX automatic bought new - 2008 Honda Element
  By caged - March 7 - 1:17 pm

  I owned four Hondas before I bought the Element and like them all. The Hondas I owned were two Accords and two CRXs. The Element has too many blind spots, the clam-shell doors begin to squeak and rattle after a while, they blow around on the road when its windy, fuel economy is not that great and when facing a head wind decreases even more. The windshield pillars are large enough to easily hide a mini van and even a school bus depending on position. Vision to the sides and rear suffer the same. I took it on several long distance trips and it proved to be not comfortable. It pitches and yaws enough to make you feel motion sickness. I eventually traded it for another Accord.

• 

  Safe, comfortable and easy to drive and like - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaconvert29 - March 6 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased our CR-V new on 8/2014 after donating our 2002 Mazda MPV minivan which we purchased new and had over 170,000 miles on. The big jump in technology and efficiency has been great. The airy feel of the CR-V interior is an easy transition from our old minivan. Even the armrests built into the seats is reminiscent (though I think the 2015 doesnt have that feature anymore.) Gas mileage has ranged in the upper 20s on mixed driving. The engine is very smooth and relatively quiet and road noise seems reasonable. (More quiet than our old car.) We really looked at and wanted to like the Mazda CX-5 to stay in the Mazda family, but we found the interior to be cramped and dark.

• 

  Love, love, love my Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Gemma Kanzler - March 6 - 3:42 pm

  I have the Pilot EX-L w/RES. I dont have any children, but I like to do a lot of whitewater trips and I bought the Pilot because I can sleep in it, carry a lot of people for shuttle and carry a lot of boats. I have equipped it with a Thule rack that fits onto the already beefy luggage rack bars. Im thinking the RES will come in handy on boring car trips. Ive had it for 8 months and am loving the comfort and having just weathered 2 big snow storms, I can attest it is a beast in the snow, considering it doesnt have true 4wd. Mileage sucks, mostly because of my daily commute being stuck in stop and go traffic. When I get out on the open road, I have gotten 22 mpg.

• 

  EXL Sedan great value - 2014 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - March 5 - 7:46 am

  This is my 74 car !! Went back to a Civic Exl from an Accord sport 2013 I guess I like smaller cars. I see some complain about gas mpg and this is all about your right foot. the Accord could range from low 20s to well over 40 as to the Civic, high 20s to 41 42 when being careful. Love the keyless entry , blind side, the car really has great features, and has a sporty feeling. Plain and simple this is a lot of car for the money !!!!

• 

  A Terrific Compromise - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By George Falkowski - March 4 - 12:30 am

  With rise of gas prices, driving a true SUV became totally impractical even though thats what I preferred since the late 1980s. My last car was a Ford Fiesta and I loved it, but the small size began to worry me. I still drive a lot, so giving up 38 mpg on the highway was an issue. After much searching, I bought a used 2010 CR-V with only 13k miles on it. Ive owned it for 18 months as of this writing and have been quite pleased. It gives me the higher ride of an SUV and a solid 25-27mpg on the highway. Its seats are comfortable (an off-and-on bad back here). Theres plenty of room for storage and passes the all-important "two hockey bag test" with plenty of room for the family.

• 

  No More! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tony Cruz - March 3 - 7:11 am

  I bought my van with 30K miles, and now nearly 90K miles I had a major engine failure (cylinder 5 blew). Honda knows there have been problems with this particular year, yet, will not make me whole. My warranty, of course, was useless. I was over my miles by 200 miles, all highway miles en route to my father in laws funeral. They didnt do sqaut for me! Lets just say I will not be buying another honda again. Theyre no longer reliable to me and they produced an inferior product. Ive got two old Fords that are still kicking! Ill be buying American moving forward...thanks to honda.

• 

  Just keeps going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Amy La - March 2 - 2:18 pm

  Bought my second manual Civic HB in the summer of 1999 with 43,000. Its now 2015, it has 221k, and its still going. The major repair costs Ive had are exhaust systems and suspension, I blame both on living in a city with terrible roads and the car being so low. Its on its second timing belt, original clutch, and second radiator (the first rusted out around 5 or so years ago). Im about to buy a new(er) car because this one needs a lot of repairs that will add up, but I plan on listing it as-is to see if someone will buy it and give it the love it deserves. Friends bugged me for years about getting a new car, but why give up this one before its time?

• 

  A Great Little SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Liesman - March 1 - 9:48 pm

  Our CRV LX is used as our airport car, NY City car, bad weather vehicle and shopping center car. It gets none of the glory trips, only the tough errands. It soaks up the potholes and does not rattle. The cargo hold puts larger SUVs to shame. Fuel mileage is ok, we only get about 20 mpg, but mostly city driving and short trips. It is very impressive in snow. Very stable with great traction. All in all, a terrific value, but not a great long distance car. Head lights need a lot of improvement.

• 

  The Best Kept Secret - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgelineva - March 1 - 11:21 am

  I loved the smooth ride of my old Odyssey but wanted a truck (62"). My Honda dlr just got a trade-in gold 2010 Ridgeline. Score! Quiet, power sunroof, power drivers seat, in-dash Nav, dog-proof leather, power rear window (no squeaks), quality bed liner (up over sides) w/built-in HIDDEN & DEEP trunk (no leaks), gate opens 2 ways, chrome running boards, dark wind/rain guards on windows & hood, roof rack (I added), easy 4WD button, rear cargo lights, low front running lights (I keep on always), open feet area to switch drivers, quality 6-CD sound, V6 handles full load of people and heavy stuff. Handles GREAT on highway snow/ice (even not in 4WD). Get one!