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 Happy with this car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By amit - January 7 - 9:42 am

  This is my first SUV (well, mini-SUV). I was contemplating buying between either the RAV4 or Honda CRV. Glad I bought the latter. The interior of this car is much nicer than RAV4. The spare tire is mounted internally under the trunk and not behind the trunk door (which looks ugly). Love the dash computer which tells you the mpg in real-time. I have driven the car about 400 miles. So far, I am averaging 27-28 mpg in the city. The only thing I do not like so far is there is a shudder/vibration upon applying the brakes. It was particularly bad the first day... it has gotten much better now. Maybe, it was just new brakes. The CD/AM-FM player is easy to reach and very good audio quality.

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  The Ultimate Vehichle - 2004 Honda Element
  By JD - January 7 - 6:20 am

  I cant say enough about this car! Im stopped by people in parking lots asking about my Element. Im an advertisement on wheels for this car. We purchased the Element to replace one of our 2 Honda CRVs, still love our CRV but the Element suits my business needs better. I am an artist, I sell my work at arts and crafts shows. With the back seats out I can haul all my inventory, my entire display, tent/canopy, chairs, floor mats, rugs, EVERYTHING I need to do a show including my luggage and a friend and their stuff! If it rains and the field gets muddy I know that the 4WD will get me home. The kicking stereo keeps us going and I never have to worry about gas money!

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  Known Glitchy Navigation & Pairing Issues! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JC - January 7 - 3:53 am

  Known issue with Android Pairing & Navigation Screen that flashes constantly when the car is started ... have to put the car in reverse to make it stop! WTH! Superstition Springs Honda Dealer doesnt know if the right hand and the left hand are connected. Dealer says originally a fuse and it happens, service says never heard of it before, internet knows about it Honda doesnt fix it! Android Pairing DOESNT WORK!!! Say its a Samsung issue ... I think Samsung is somewhat popular brand ...

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  Wish I still had it - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By SYL357 - January 6 - 11:44 pm

  I used to own one of these. Some dont know, but in 90 and 91 you could get a from the factory built up 2.0L that was actually closer to 2.1L that had 197 hp. That is what I had. The car was amazing. It beat damn near anything you could possibly race on the street. Sadly it was an automatic, but it still did 0-60 in 6-6.5 seconds depending on tire spin while taking off. All that I can say is that Im sad that I no longer have the car.

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  accord v-6 auto. 04 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By iiaftomcat - January 6 - 11:16 pm

  Very good car overall. Purchased this car last December and have been reasonably pleased with it albeit with a few caveats: The car is not as "quiet" as it should be. Road noise is excessive and additional undercoating did not help matters. Handling is very good. Good sedan, but this is no sports sedan. Engine is nice and the pick up is excellent, although I dont particularly care for steering wheel vibration during idling which the dealer claims to be normal. Fit and finish are good, with a few cheap touches around the back of the front seats. Finally, the two recalls (first the transmission and now the airbag) have me seriously concerned about the quality control at Honda.

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  Definitely an AMAZING car!! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By stevie333 - January 6 - 7:34 pm

  My dad bought me my Honda Passport EX 4WD in September 2008, it is my first car. I love this car very much, it seems to be very dependable and it is a great looking car. We bought it with 112000 miles on it. We had a huge snow storm and this car made it through it perfectly! I was shocked! I couldnt believe how well the 4WD worked! Definitely a great car for $7000. Honda Passports are great!

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  Solid Car but low resale - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy - January 6 - 7:00 pm

  Rides great, ridiculous mpg, I get 32 mpg to work and back. Going 70 mph on cruise I get 38. :) Nice smooth clutch, unlike the old flimsy Honda clutches. The only thing wrong with the stereo is that you need to replace the speakers and it will sound great for under $100. If it ever gets wrecked Ill be safe and Ill get another one, just not the new body.

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  2008 As Is Honda CRV 174,000 - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Deborah Jones - January 6 - 6:30 pm

  The mileage is too high for year of car. Overall and general maintenance not done for a long time. Needs 4 new tires (now bald), an entire engine break job (but only 3 calipers??), recharging and re-assessment of AC (compressor okay), oil change, transmission fluid level change, etc - otherwise it is a Honda.

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  05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By rd118403 - January 6 - 12:17 pm

  I have always wanted one of these cars since they came out in 2000. I finally found myself in a situation where I did not need practicality and had an extra car for rain/snow driving, so I bought a Certified Pre-Owned 2005 S2000 about 4 months ago with 30850 miles. Whenever I go out and drive this car I dont want to go back home. I just want to keep driving. People have called it a 4-wheel motorcycle based on its handling, high-revving 4-cylinder and open-air nature Ive found that it is also like a motorcycle in the sense that when you drive it you just want to keep going. (The only other thing thats given me that feeling was a motorcycle.)

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  Great SUV, just like all Hondas. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jda - January 6 - 5:33 am

  This is the 10th Honda our family has owned. First SUV. Have had it 3 months and it performs more like a car than an SUV. Has excellent performance and if fun to drive. So far, no problems, build quality is excellent. I think the transmission "hunts" for gears and downshifts more often than I would like, but I am told this should improve as the transmission "learns" how we drive it. We bought it as a 3rd vehicle to have when we have more than 5 people to take somewhere or need more space to haul something larger than a "breadbox".