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:

• 

  Expectations Fulfilled - 2006 Honda Element
  By Larry - April 1 - 12:47 pm

  After 3 years and over 70,000 miles I remain delighted. It has met all of my expectations and more. Other than a windshield replacement due to its vertical orientation and replacement of the original tires at 70,000 miles, I have only changed the oil/filter and had the major service done. Consistently get 24-25 MPG find it to be comfortable but a somewhat bumpy ride on longer trips and love the functionality for hauling gear and bulky items. Great value for the price and low cost of operation.

• 

  Rain Drops - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - April 1 - 10:55 am

  Has anyone experienced when it rains that you your inside driver door where the rubber drains that rain stands in the car and when you open the door rain drips (if too close) on my shoes. Plus the frame beneath my seat retain water and if Im getting in the door my dress/skirt or pants gets wet getting and/or of the vehicle. In the addition, the drivers rear passenger side does the same. Also, where the tail gate frame closes that somehow when I lift the gate it is wet. Im not happy about this since I bought my car a month ago. I took it back to the dealership and they said "oh! thats just the way they made the vehicle". I didnt agree and was told they would check with the engineers and get back in a couple of days - nope! NO WORD SINCE THEN. If I could turn the car back in I would in a heart beat because of this problem. Who wants to carry a paper towel in hand when it rains.

• 

  Great car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By John B - April 1 - 8:16 am

  I have owned this suv 3 weeks , I love it .great gas mileage , quiet and smooth ride , seats are firm and comfortable , great interior and exterior design .

• 

  Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JCL - April 1 - 5:16 am

  Weve had it only a few days but we love our new pilot. The interior room is surprisingly large. You can really get 8 people in it. The nav system is fun to play with and pretty accurate. The sound system is awesome. The whole interior is spacious and well thought out. Lots of room for things. The ride is very comfortable and car- like.

• 

  Nice looking, comfortable - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By kl - April 1 - 3:27 am

  Coming from an older accord this is a nice transition, without going to big and boxy SUV. Particularly like the blue dash lights, large nav screen, xm buttons, darkened rear windows, 3 view rear camera, right side camera on demand, safety rating. Banking on Honda reliability Ive had in past.

• 

  Very Refined Vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AngusDad - April 1 - 12:42 am

  I’ve owned my 2017 RTL-T for three months now and am totally satisfied. My previous truck was a 2005 Tundra, which was more robust, but much less comfortable to drive. The interior and ride quality of the of the Ridgeline is first rate. My only criticism is that the low beams on this vehicle are weak. Otherwise, it’s perfect.

• 

  I love it! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Boy and his dog - March 31 - 1:12 pm

  I have had for a little over a month. It is excellent and more people should consider it. I compared Tundra, Tacoma, F-150 and Chevy. Overall, best value by far! The trunk is awesome, ride is car like, it has more than sufficient off road (4x4) capability 99% of us. Towing ability is respectable. Interior features are a great blend of luxury, quirky, and utility truck. It is so easy and pleasant to drive this truck. After 5 years of a Tacoma and a lousy Chevy 2500, I have finally stepped up into a truck built just for me. Gas mileage is okay- average about 18.5. I can get over 21 on highway. V-6 has plenty of power/torque. A great truck, high quality and I even like the looks.

• 

  Like A Lemon - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michele Rent - March 31 - 11:43 am

  Less than 10,000 miles I had to to have the rear differential worked on twice, had to replace tire pressure and master tire pressure sensors at this time, the back Windows squeak like finger nails on a chark board when rolling down, the rear hatch has to be slammed shut, causing the plastic cover above the license plate to fall off, the brakes didnt even last up to 20,000 miles, I am now on my second set of pads, I can not drive at a steady speed between the shifts of the because the car vibrates, sensor that has controls the cooling fan had to be replaced, the plastic splash gaurd under to car came apart, the drivers seat is already wearing down, sad to say but I hate to drive this car - dont buy one.

• 

  A BIG Upgrade - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - March 31 - 10:15 am

  This is my 3rd (and best) Pilot. Its basically a luxury car (feel and look) on the inside and a truck on the outside. I took mine fully loaded with four adults and gear on a 700-mile round trip and got 22mpg, primarily due to the variable cylinder management. The added dash displays make the driver smarter and more cognizant of maximizing opportunities. Im very satisfied with this vehicle all around and recommend it highly. Its a buyers market and mine (fully loaded with crossbars, all-weather mats, side steps, wood trim interior, appearance package) out the door with all taxes, tags, delivery, prep, etc. was under $35,000. Leverage your buying power and get one for yourself!

• 

  Reliability Champ - 2001 Honda Civic
  By edmcohen - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After 103,000 miles of trouble-free, inconvenience-free driving, this car seems as good as it was when new. I had some of the same trivial build-quality shortcomings that others have described in these early new-generation Civics. I did have to replace one of the rear suspension links with an after-market adjustable link, to get a correct suspension alignment. (I would rather do that, than not have independent rear suspension.) While I covet the detail improvements of the subsequent Civics, I do not see enough reason to replace this car any time soon.