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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  Watch Out for EGR and Transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jasony - June 17 - 6:03 pm

  I replaced an aging Toyota Corolla with a gently used 2001 Accord. I read that there were problems with the V6 trans so we steered clear of those and got a 4cyl. We were deeply disappointed when the transmission on the car went out at 139000 miles. It was the same failure that the V6s had. We also had the dreaded EGR valve issue and spent weeks tracking it down and getting it fixed. I currently drive a 1992 Chevy S-10 that has been far less trouble, and far less expensive to maintain, than this supposedly "reliable" Honda. I dont want to curse all Hondas because I know they had a bad run, but if we had it to do over again we wouldnt have bought it. And its soured me somewhat on Hondas.

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  Element Radiators - 2003 Honda Element
  By dandy4650 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Beware - there is no protection for the radiator! Mines already been bashed by road hazards!

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  The Element is just OK - 2005 Honda Element
  By rubio1010 - June 16 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my dogs. I bought it for all of my activities. Its just OK. Driving is fine, not fun, just fine. Take every turn slowly as stuff slides back and forth over the entire plastic interior easily. This is not a "Dog Car." The rocking back and forth and sliding makes them car sick. Cleaning is not nearly as easy as it sounds. "Hosing it out" is not an option. Comfort? On short drives, less than 100 miles, its ok. Anything longer and the plastic seats get stiff and sticky. Ive had two windshields replaced from highway pebbles. Thats annoying. The two reverse doors are awkward for passengers in the rear, and getting in and out of the back seats is very awkward.

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  Drives fine, but number of issues still - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By tobyward - June 12 - 9:52 am

  Subwoofer doesnt work for many people. Radio switches from Mono to Stereo sounding like volume is changing. Charging system issue keeps popping up and dealer doesnt know how to fix any of these issues. Honda is closing cases opened via corporate. This is very frustrating for current owners. Can read more here: https://t.co/JdvyKEMyCr Beyond that like the capacity in the interior, drive, and fuel economy. Breaks could be improved, and front seat comfort could have been better quality.

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  Room for improvement, but nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jaymar - June 7 - 6:42 pm

  Great little SUV, looks could be improved with front fairing wrap-around bumper (available in Europe). Not good if you need instant response from engine, one time I stepped on the gas and it seemed to take a second or two before it responded, if that is a safety feature its the most dangerous safety feature on any car, but you get a lot of stuff for the money...

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  Deeply disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Mr. Heiberg - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Third review and it has all been down hill. Latest problem entailed an engine rebuild that took 2-days. Taking back for forth time now (already had brakes redone, and seat belt problem),to have door alignment fixed, temp gauge/sensor replaced, and address paint color match fade issue on plastic parts. In my opinion this car is a disgrace to Honda and should not be called an Accord. I have the White Diamond Pearl finish and it is clear the paint on all of the plastic components were done from a separate batch and mix. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! I write this third review out of extreme disappointment and frustration. Our last Honda (Civic) was fabulous for 11 car-free years. We traded it in for CT.

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  Great except for gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - June 1 - 9:06 am

  Im surprised in other comments that most people get much better gas mileage than I do. I get around 17 in town and 24 on the highway, and I dont drive that aggressively. At first I thought it was winter driving conditions, but it gets about the same in the summer as it does in the winter, regardless of the ethanol in the gas or the snow on the ground. Im getting rid of it now that Im moving to a southern state and will be doing a lot of in-town driving. Its an okay car and I do like it, but totally not worth the gas- guzzling aspect of it. One good thing I have to say is that Im getting a better trade-in value than I had expected. At least other people think its a great vehicle.

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  Drive it before buying - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Emilio - May 31 - 11:52 pm

  Had quite a few Civics before so decided to buy the 2017 for its looks and power with excellent mileage. Should have asked to drive it for half a day before doing it.Did not take long to find a few things wrong with it. The main one was when I noticed the navigation system did not have a CD player like 99% of the others do. It actually looked like an after market unit on it. The steering wheel controls are not intuitive or in the wrong place. The volume control is very hard to adjust and the cruise control easy to turn off by accident. Should have gone for the Kia Forte which for about the same price it comes with Cadillac features, like seats with both A/C and Heat, memory power seats for two drivers and two remote controls for gates and garage doors. Not to mention the 5 year instead of 3 warranty. The main reason I decided not go buy it was for its lousy gas mileage. If you decide to buy the Civic I sugges you insist in getting at least two years of free maintenance from your salesman which is not hard to get.

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  Rather regretful - 2010 Honda Insight
  By kay - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  Really slow on the uphill. I gave up pep for top gas mileage. Although I have gone by the book to maximize my MPG I have been averaging 29 city and 32 highway. Needless to say I am very disappointed. The car has an odd feel on the highway - its hard to describe, but there is a play in the steering that causes it to feel like it has a slight fishtail movement which makes me a little motion sick. I love the exterior design but feel the interior has design flaws. I agonized over whether to buy the Insight or Prius. I loved many features of the Prius but didnt feel they were worth the price diff. I am regretting my choice.

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  I want to like this car, but... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Routerone - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car 4/14/02. In 3 weeks we heard a buzzing sound in the tranny. At the dealer, they opened the tranny and said they needed to replace a bearing. The part was ordered/installed and it was in the shop 4 days. 4 days and 100 miles later, the buzzing noise was back. Back at the dealer, I get word that Honda engineers in CA recommended replacing all the bearings in the transmission (10). The bearings were ordered and arrived in 4 days. Then, I was heard that 1 of the 10 bearings did not arrive. Its on back-order and would have to come from Japan and its still in the shop. My 11.5 year old Dodge is more reliable.