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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  Very Peppy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald Wise - February 4 - 8:39 am

  I have had the CRV for a little over a month and 1,000 miles. Great handling, amazing engine and well thought out interior. My daily commute has 6 miles of city at the start, 40 miles of highway in the middle and 4 miles of city at the end (50 combined). The CRV has been averaging 29-30 mpg between fill ups. This is far and above the average of 22 mpg I was getting with my 2005 6 cylinder Ford Escape. Because I was used to a 6 cylinder engine, I was skeptical about going to a 4 cylinder. I was absolutely floored when I discovered that the gas pedal didnt have to be floored to achieve unbelievable acceleration. The fact is, I have to be mindful of my speed so as not to accidentally get a ticket. I have felt very little vibration while idling. The sound from the sound system is fantastic, but it does have small buttons and a quirky menu system, as others have stated. I still havent figured out how to change the default time zone from Pacific to Eastern. My care came with 17" Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires, which are fantastic. So good in fact, I am dreading that day, 5 or 6 years down the road, when Ill have to replace them ($$$). I have experienced no technical problems to date. Any questions I have had regarding a function I have been able to find at the Honda website or from the CD owners manual that was provided (except how to change the freaking time zone). The back up camera is a nice standard feature and the right side camera automatically comes on when the right turn signal is engaged or can be turned on using the button a the end of the turn signal handle. Being able to manually engage the right camera is particularly useful when you want to see what is in the right lane, if you dont want to use your signal for whatever reason (no ninjas can sneak up on you in traffic). The climate control buttons/controls are large and easy to use, unlike the entertainment/information screen buttons. My model comes with heated seats, for which I have only the highest praise. My smartphone seamlessly connected to the bluetooth and the steering wheel mounted controls/voice recognition gives you true "hands free" communication. I hate telephones as a whole, but I was still impressed. I have been so happy and confident with my new vehicle, that my wife decided to check out the 2016 Honda Accord and ended up buying one because of styling and features. Up until the CRV , I had been a staunch Ford truck buyer and my wife a Toyota fanatic. We have both drank from the Honda Kool-aid cup and are happy we did.

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  Great car best Ive owned - 2014 Honda Accord
  By David Younce - February 2 - 9:03 pm

  Great value

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  My second crv - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Ohioflora - February 2 - 6:37 am

  Love this car! Have had it only three weeks, but the safety features are excellent! The electronics are logical and the car rides smoothly. A little road noise, but so far, it’s a great car!

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  My Baby - 2002 Honda Accord
  By PSU98 - February 1 - 10:07 pm

  This was my first new car bought in 2002. I could not be happier with the purchase. It seems to run as well as the first day I owned it, and it now has over 50,000 miles. I plan on owning it for at least 5-7 more years. The handling is outstanding. The power is not overly impressive, but very adequate for daily driving. Passing on the interstates is not a problem. Another strength is the resale value, which reflects the outstanding build quality of this car. I just feel smart owning this Honda. A great blend of economy and reliability.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By lchapp34 - February 1 - 7:36 pm

  I average about 30.5 mpg with a heavy foot in hwy and city driving. This car meets all my needs and I love my dealer added XM radio w/the display. This baby keeps up with the fast cars. A quiet ride and stylish- I like the fact that Honda re-added the silver strip to the back of the car like the old Civics had. I love Hondas and would re-purchase this one.

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  practical and reliable - 2005 Honda Element
  By C.Y. - February 1 - 7:30 pm

  After thorough research, I decided to purchase a Honda Element before making a 650-mile move last year. It turns out to be one of the best decisions Ive made. Last year alone, I made countless long distance trips in it. Most of them at least 9 to 10 hours, and sometimes with the car packed solid. Through snow, and thunderstorm, Element delivers. I feel safe and comfortable in this vehicle. The mileage is better than other comparable models. and it offers great features while reasonably priced. My sister is even thinking about buying one after driving mine.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mark - February 1 - 10:56 am

  Most people who buy trucks think bigger is better. However, they never take advantage of the extra payload, power, size, etc. The ridgeline offers everything someone who wants the utility of a truck can offer. If you indeed need your truck as a "work truck," this isnt the right vehicle for you. If you need a family vehicle that will exceed every expectation of other family vehicles, the Ridgeline IS for you. How can you beat Honda reliability, resale value, safty and versatility? I have never owed a vehicle better than this one! And for all those people who claim the ridgeline isnt a truck, Honda has just redfined what a truck is!

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  New pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By weed - January 31 - 2:16 pm

  After narrowing down the search to the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot we chose the Pilot for its cargo capacity and value proposition. A like equipped Highlander was several thousand dollars more. After a month with the new Pilot we are very satisfied. Comfortable ride, good performance and improved gas mileage (from the previous year). Honda quality is readily apparent everywhere in the vehicle. A great choice

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  SC is Sweet! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Jesus Murrieta - January 31 - 12:38 pm

  I got my SC in Galaxy Gray. I love it. It has style, and safety. Great handling. I wish it was a bit FASTER!, but for a 4 Cylinder it has pretty good kick off the line. The lower suspension than the other models is cool. but you feel the bumps more than you would like. Buttons are all easy to understand and perfectly placed. Glove box too small, but you get plenty of nooks and crannies to put your stuff at.

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  Goodbye Sienna - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TKevinC - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 2000 Toyota Sienna. The worst vehicle ever designed by the japanese for what could be the absolute best. The Pilot is wonderful! Great power, ride, utility and comfort. Thumbs up all around. Managed to get mine for $2000 below MSRP after some SERIOUS negotiations. The dealers are definitely proud of the Pilot.