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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  Legitimate complaints - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dewey24022008 - February 14 - 5:41 pm

  My wife and I enjoy the driveability, seating, storage and gas mileage. It now has 80,000km which is 50,000miles. We find the plastic used on interior marks easily. The plastic that surrounds the clothe upholstery is cracking.The seat belts do not retract without help. The Bridgestone tires had to be replaced at 66,000 or 41,000 miles. The brakes had to be replaced at same time but some of problem could have been a lot of downhill braking. When making sharp turns to park or move in slow driving there is an obvious rumble from the rear wheels more obvious on sharp right movements. My mechanic is not familiar with the Honda 4 wheel drive system. It will have to go to Honda for evaluation.

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  Element SC - Too many problems - 2007 Honda Element
  By iPhoneholio - February 14 - 4:25 pm

  Cons: The Element is my first Honda and probably the last. Reliability and build quality was surprisingly poor with subpar components. Tires wore out at 24,000 miles, all new brakes (rotors & pads) at 30,000, speedometer broke at 5,000 miles, windshield replaced twice with mystery cracking, drivers seat cushioning compressed and wrinkled, and scheduled services are over priced. The ride of the SC model is very harsh if the road is less than perfect - I had to stop drinking coffee in the car due to it too easily splashing. Brakes are noisy even shortly after replacement. Very uncomfortable for long drives due to no "dead pedal".

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  a buckboard with short range - 2008 Honda Element
  By kirkd1 - February 14 - 3:01 pm

  ...and bad gas mileage. Admittedly moving from an 04 BMW X3 was a questionable decision. But at lease turn back they wanted $3k more for the 04 than we paid for the 08 Honda. We were looking for a smaller carbon footprint. The BMW spewed 20 pounds per 15k miles where the Honda 6 pounds. We were not expecting the poor gas mileage (it is a shoebox but still). The absolute biggest pain is the range, it has a small tank, you would think they could find room for a little bigger gas tank.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Chad - February 14 - 2:57 pm

  We have had our Odyssey for two months and have 0 problems and love it. We had our second child in January and the Odyssey is wonderful for our boys. Overall quality has been excellent. Wouldnt own anything else after driving every mini-van available. Wish fuel economy would be better, but not a reason, not to drive it.

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  Still on the fence - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Gary - February 14 - 12:46 pm

  We have 3 Hondas - although this one looks great - couple of things: road noise (so loud yesterday that I couldnt hear my son on cell) - I know that road surface plays into it, but... really. Brakes squeal, seats are ok - but being short it is hard for me to find the optimal position for steering wheel without it blocking out speedo. Also, passenger airbag light comes on intermittently and some engine lights too. Keep thinking about that Bimmer... will give this a few more months.

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  Starts Everytime - 1996 Honda Accord
  By OvchkinLine - February 14 - 8:18 am

  Ive had this car in my family going on 14 years now, bought it brand new in 96. Shes going on 300,000KM by this spring, shes seen summers in 99 and the worst of Canadian winters in 01-02. Ive done my best to baby her (oil changes every 5000Km, routine maintenance and a few new cheap Honda parts here and there). Shes quicker then most cars on the road, drives incredible and cheap on gas. What more can you ask for in a car.

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  Used 03 EX I-4 115.5k miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By scott M. - February 13 - 9:46 pm

  First Honda Ive ever owned. This was the first year of this model so it had two design problems. The front motor mount had to be replaced and corrected with a stabilizer bar and windshield wiper motor had a new cover put over it because of water corrosion. I just replaced my front brake pads after 60k got tired of the new pads sitting in the trunk. I found I get better highway gas mileage with 5-30w 25cty/30hwy oil then using the 5-20w 26cty/28hwy. The only parts replaced because of failure was an O2 sensor at 63k and A/C ON/OFF switch. I do change oil at 3.2k to 3.5k and transmission fluid once a year.

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  I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Broncopam - February 13 - 9:08 pm

  I bought "Ellie" brand new and havent regretted it one day, in fact the closer I get to pay off the more excited I am to see how many miles and years I can keep her on the road, were only at 116,000 so far. I see us well into 250,000+. It is the most all around usable vehicle I have ever owned. It is transportation, out of the weather hauling, car camping,and a quick nap at lunchtime. She handles the snow and ice, the mountains and loves being loaded with camping gear. I see no reason to ever have any other vehicle.

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  Best Value Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wvu_phillies - February 13 - 8:53 pm

  Being a new graduate and starting my new job, my primary goal was to get a new car. Initially, I was planning to get a luxury sedan, however the payments are way too high. I decided to go with a Honda Accord Coupe LX-S because I got an amazing deal, reliability, and looks. I couldnt have asked for a better car. Although it lacks the power and acceleration that luxury cars offer, it is still an amazing vehicle. The handling is real tight and going from 50 MPH to 70 MPH is where the fun begins. When stopping at a red light, other motorist stare at the car probably trying to guess what kind of car it is. IMO the front looks similar to the Lexus IS250 and the side of the car looks like a G37.

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  Pure Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Hilferty - February 13 - 4:06 pm

  I really didnt drive it enought to really rate it, never had it in snow yet, so so far is pure honda, no rattles everything works. Not one item found not working since new.