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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  20k miles a year and going great - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By G - October 28 - 12:48 pm

  Our 2015 CRV has been great. Initially I worried about he reports of vibration from some owners but thankfully Ive had absolutely no issues. Performance and comfort are great. Handling is solid. Quite happy. Only two things Id change: --the built in microphone for calls really has a hard time with any ambient noise. Wind or even air from the vents regularly disrupts calls and commands. -- The tan seats get spots too easily. I moved to the CRV from he Ody van and a Passat and Camry before that. These CRV seats definitely mark up more quickly than any of the others. Other than that, great car!

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  Quality slipped a bit - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EABTroy - October 28 - 10:48 am

  Note I also own a 2000 CR-V. Honda improved upon the last CR-V, but they also cheapened it up. Our 2003, bought new, has had more problems than the last 10 cars I have had combined. Alternator, door actuator, two door light switches, carpet is crap, dashboard "plastic" can be visibly scratched with a fingernail, paint is easily chipped. I also understand the A/C should crap out at any time. Honda also still have the 4wd service listed at 100K miles, not 30K like what is required. The dealer has been helpful, but its unbelievable for a Honda to be like this. Fortunately, my parents got a 2007 CR-V and, suffice to say, Honda learned their lesson!

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  Ignore the owners manual - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By EAB - October 28 - 10:39 am

  One caveat. If you follow the owners manual on this model, you WILL have problems and perhaps MAJOR problems. Some idiot decided that US CR-Vs (98-2001 only) get a 105,000 valve interval in the owners manual while all other countries manuals state 30,000 miles. If you attempt to go to 105K without the valves adjusted, the engine may not make it. Ask Honda if you dont believe me. Instead, have the local Honda Dealer run the valves every 30,000K. If you are not sure if this has been done, get it DONE ASAP. While youre there, have em do the rear 4wd fluid as well as they lied about that one as well. It needs to be done every 30K.

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  My Dream Car. Also My best Car - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By David in Colorado - October 28 - 3:06 am

  The most excellent combination of practicality and sports coupe. My car has been a dream for the most part. I have 215,000 miles and limited maintenance. The ignition switch at 80,000 was a recall item. I didnt listen to my mechanic about flushing the tranny at every 60K, and the filter finally clogged at 170,000 miles. Otherwise, I have had no other problems. One nagging issue, is the low tires make driving in snow of more than 3" difficult and the car is very hard on tires. The sound system is incredible and the performance is very titillating for those loving speed. Its a tribute to Honda craftsmanship.

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  Love My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NurseKristi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! If you want a car that gets the looks this is the one. Mine is green and I love its trendy look. It handles great, all except in a windy rainstorm. It tends to blow around on the interstate when the weather is bad. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  My Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By swatchnut - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Element. It is perfect for my life style. I use it for work with the seats out to carry plants and containers. I use it for fun to carry my kayaks and bicycles on top and inside. It drives like a car, but has the room of a truck. And it gets great gas mileage. I dont feel guilty that Im driving an SUV. I cant wait for it to snow to try out the 4 wheel drive. I live on a huge hill and last winter was brutal, leaving me to park at the bottom and walk home until the plows came thru.

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  My wonderful Honda! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Catlynn - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my wretched, gas-guzzling, cheaply-constructed Chevy Tracker for a 2000 Civic EX Coupe. Do I love my new car? OH YES! My Civic runs like a top, consistently gets 38 miles per gallon, and looks great. This is a fantastic little car.

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  Best Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Francisco Peralta - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best minivan. The Toyota Sienna can not be compared to it. Nice job Honda.

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  HONDA PILOT - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kit Martsolf - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I had a Ford Explorer Limited before I got he Pilot. I love Honda anyway and I just love the Pilot! It drives like a sports car! I actually got four friends, who were looking at other SUVs to but the Pilot and they all LOVE it!

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  Dont Do It!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DisappointedHondaFan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Buy new,in shop by 1200 In 18 days as we drove rental waiting for“Honda Tech” from CA.Trans slips/bucks & "Thrumming" noise from drive train while at a steady 45-55 while tach is jumping from 0to3.Gear shift wont go in D3.When accel. from stop engine revs,then it “catches”& shoots out.VERY dangerous when entering road/trying to pass.Wndshld, rearview & drivers side mirror replaced due to huge distortions.New-NO BETTER Dealer says,We drove it, no problem.You must come drive w/us to prove it.WE DID Now they say,we admit there’s a problem,but we dont know whats causing it,we cant fix it Heres your car back! Inside seating design is awkward & uncomfy.