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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  Perfect for Mature Drivers - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Peter Moore - June 19 - 2:17 am

  This is a great automobile for those who are not obsessed with making it from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds. It is easily maneuverable, quiet, and comfortable. I have previously owned SUVs that required a major step upward in entering the car, and this was difficult for senior or orthopedically challenged adults. The right side "Lane Watch" feature is a major attraction. Parking and cornering are immensely less stressful than larger vehicles. I would recommend going "all the way" with the EX-L, for the beautiful leather interior, and the great navigation system and touchscreen controls. I have averaged 38mpg, even with AWD. I generally use the ECON setting, since power is a minor issue for me. The paddle shifters at the wheel allow me to accelerate more when necessary, or to downshift when driving down steep grades on mountain roads. Ive owned two CRVs and loved them, but I no longer needed the additional bulk and storage. The HR-V has been the remedy for many minor issues for me. Availability of the EX-L was limited, but it was worth the wait.

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  best in class - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmartine - June 18 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second civic, being the previous a 2001 which served me well and never gave trouble. The change is dramatic. This generation is a bit upscale. Some features in security, the performance and the building quality are better that ANYTHING on the market for the same price. Handling feels better, even though I still miss the handling of the models previous to the 2001 when the fron suspension was redisigned. The only awkward thing found so far is the location of the parking brake release, which I was not very comfortable when the cruise control is activated. It comes with "extras" not advertised like the automatic lock of doors after 9 mph and the CD player that works great with wmas

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  chev tahoe to honda element - 2005 Honda Element
  By bill - June 18 - 6:43 am

  If you want to own an suv with low cost then this is for you, I have driven for five years a 2000 chev tahoe and this element delivers room plus!! All the room inside without cost! My tahoe had all the bells and whistles but the element delivers!! The only negative is with the 285hp in the tahoe I could just pass or pull out without pause whereas the element is slow but on open highway it is the same. but one thing to remember is getting in out if you have children, mine are grown so it is a pain to the sucide doors, I just wish I bought the element five years ago. I do miss the sitting up higher in the tahoe but the element can move in and out of traffic easy.

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  Probably my favorite car of all time - 2004 Honda Accord
  By gtj - June 18 - 1:18 am

  This is our 2nd Accord and this one has all the toys that the other didnt - V6, leather, white (other one was black). We actually traded an older Lexus in for this one, is it a Lexus? Sure its not but its the best buy around for 1/2 the price. Even drive a Camry V6 XLE before buying this one - this one is just plain fun to drive! BTW, did I mention that Im getting 24mpg around town? Thats the same as the 1992 4-banger above.

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  Winner - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bobby - June 17 - 7:06 pm

  Third CR-V. All have been excellent especially fuel consumption. Excellent acceleration from on-ramps to merge into faster traffic. No difficulty with rear view, as this was a suggested shortcoming with current design.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bbishop - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Having previously owned 4 large SUVs (2 Jeep Wagoneers & 2 GMC Yukons) we were looking for something that offered the same or similar capabilities, ie., trailering for a boat/trailer (approximately 3000 lbs), seating for 7 or 8, driving comfort and all weather driving capabilities. Additionally, I was looking to improve on gas mileage. The Pilot has not dissapointed us in any way. Its size and maneuverability is an added plus. My wife wouldnt drive the Yukons because of their size but loves driving the Pilot. My only criticism is the annoying "clicking" of/at the rear brakes when under way after reversing direction or releasing the parking brakes.

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  Outstanding Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Scowboy5150 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Leased this car after looking at BMW 330, Acura TSX and Infiniti G35 Coupe. I used to think the BMW manual was the slickest shifting unit out there until I got my Accord. Clutch is effortless and the shifter moves into each gate with a satisfying mechanical click. Honda really got it right with this car. Fit/finish is what youd expect from Honda- superb. Very mild mannered during normal driving but the 3.0 V6 will stand up and roar if you get your foot in it. This car is every bit as good as its higher-priced competitors. If you dont care much about status symbols like BMW, definitely look at this car and save 10 grand.

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  The nicest car Ive ever owned - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jennifer Faircloth - June 16 - 2:41 pm

  I bought the 2016 after selling my 2004 EX-L, a car I drove since it was brand new and loved dearly. The changes in the model over 12 years are enough to give you whiplash, but most are for the good. The technology alone is mind-blowing: back-up camera and right-side blind spot camera, display screen, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, memory drivers seat, push-button start, and "smart key". I love not having to dig through my purse for a key in order to get into the car or open the trunk. The ride is so quiet that you almost wonder if youre actually driving. Driver visibility is good; the windshield pillar on the passenger side isnt as much of a blind spot as it was on my 04. Seats are super comfy and the sound system is amazing. And the styling is anything but boring. I really love the way this car looks. A few downsides: the touchscreen is kind of wonky. It really stinks not having a volume knob (though I do appreciate the mute button that pops up when you adjust the volume). CarPlay needs some work. Its easiest if you tell Siri what to do, but Siri doesnt always get the message right. And its difficult to navigate the Artist list on the music app. You have to select the first letter just right; if you dont, it wont let you scroll up or down to another letter. The Apple Maps navigation is decent, but doesnt really substitute for a good GPS unit. You cant type anything directly into it; you either have to scroll down to an address youve searched previously, or you have to pray that Siri understands the address. Hoping Apple improves this with future updates. My only other complaint is that the center console is really small, about half the size of the one in my 2004. The top of the 04 console could also slide forward to provide an armrest for someone (like me) who has to pull the seat forward. This one doesnt move. All in all, I love this car; the irritations are minor to say the least. Honda continues to provide great value. I cant believe I got such a fine car for under $30K.

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  PAX Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By J. Moore - June 16 - 8:50 am

  My wife and I really like this vehicle. Perfect for talking the family around town or on trips. That said, I would not buy the touring model again because of the PAX tires. They do not give good mileage. I replaced mine at 21000. And they are overpriced. This fact was not made prior to buying the vehicle. The replacement will probably be a crossover and a Toyota. Sorry Honda.

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  Good All Around Vehcle - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JohnJ - June 16 - 7:53 am

  After purchasing this vehicle I drove it from the Calif central coast to Oregon and the Seattle Washington area and back to Calif. The car drove effortlessly thruought the trip giving me and average of 39 mpg in open road and city driving. The car was comfortable and has enought power to cruise at ease. Im very satisfied with the overall performance of this car and would not hesitate in purchasing it again. The only problem is that there can be excessive road noise when driving on certain asphalt (worn/marbled) surfaces.