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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  Great Experience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By First Minivan - August 9 - 1:00 am

  This is a very good vehicle. Our family has owned Hondas in the past, but we got away from them to experience something new. What a mistake. After briefly owning a 99 Audi I sprinted back to Honda quality. This vehicle has been a pleasure to own & drive over the past 18 months. No problems so far. Yes, its a minivan, so the "fun to drive" factor is lower than most vehicles. But it handles very well for a larger vehicle. Weve taken long trips & found the RES to be a must when traveling w/ 3 small children. Two neighbors have since purchased the 05 or 06 Odyssey and are also very satisfied. This is the best purchase (car or otherwise) Ive ever made.

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  HRV EXL Navi - Dark Gray - 2WD - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Adrian - August 8 - 7:49 pm

  Overall impression of the car is very good. Typical Honda excellent engineering with the 2nd row seat design. Amazing cargo flexibility that is unmatched in anything in its class. Overall road noise is slightly higher than what I am used to, but not objectionable. Cross shopped the Mazda CX3 and HRV is way superior in almost every aspect. I do not like CVT transmissions in general, but Honda has made this CVT the best I have driven. Coming out of a VW GTI, I am missing the 70+ HP and the manual transmission, but am enjoying the increased fuel economy and cargo flexibility. HRV is the perfect size vehicle for my commuting and occasional car pooling needs. The CRV has grown too much over the last 2 redesigns, the HRV is about the same size as the first generation CRV but with way better use of interior space. The 1.8L engine is a carryover from the 2006 Civic and although not a technology masterpiece, it has been proven rock solid and reliable. I will probably keep this car for 10 years and put 200K on it with little more than basic maintenance. Only real dislike about the car is the choice in carpet. It is not a woven pile carpet but rather a black polyester weave, it looks and feels very cheap. Looks more like a sound deadener found in the trunk surrounding the spare wheel than a carpet covering the entire interior of the car. I will be getting the weathertech floor liners to cover almost all of the interior to cover this up. Update: After 8K miles, did first oil change (indicator was @ 40%), used Mobil 1 Synthetic instead of break in oil, mpg increased slightly. Navi System voice control is a total joke. Navi Maps are at least 5 years out of date and almost totally useless, why cant Honda use Garmin? Red rust is appearing on the MIG welds on the seams of the muffler. I think they used the incorrect weld wire to weld stainless. Update: Now at 22K miles. MPG has stabilized at 34-35 mpg. No mechanical issues at all. XM radio reception is worst I have ever had, will cut out if there is a cloud in the sky, never had this issue on any other car. Overall it is a great little car which serves its purpose well.

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  Civic Hybrid CVT - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Frank - August 8 - 10:43 am

  I expected much less performance and was nicley surprised with its spunkiness. A joy to drive, quick steering and comes with all the nice stuff at no extra cost. It is a solid car that is nicely put together. When you close the door it sounds good. I like the sound system, the electric mirrors aand the way it doesnt sound when stopped at a red light. My other cars are sitting around gathering dust because this beauty gets me 600 miles on a tank of gas. Love it.

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  Loved this car 250k miles - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Vicki Crawford - August 8 - 4:12 am

  I loved this car and put 250k miles on it without major repairs before I totaled it. :(

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  So far, so good - 2008 Honda Accord
  By keith graham - August 8 - 4:00 am

  Seems to be more roomier than a cambry, but not as sharp looking. Rides with comfort and motor will pick up if you need it. I purchased this vehicle with a lot of research comparing. We got 32 mpg on the highway the next day after we purchase it. It has enough room for me, my wife and my 18 year old son to go on a short trip. I am 6 foot, 225 lbs and I rode in the back seat some and had enough room. I hope I can get a few more mpg after the car breaks in some. The only for sure complaint I have is the seats seems to hurt my back after I drove for a period of time, this may be because I am use to my silverado truck with leather bucket seats. A big person may want to think of this when shopping.

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  Sports car or family hauler... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Barton - August 7 - 12:46 pm

  I was looking to downsize from a Honda Odyssey to something that could still haul a bicycle but was easier to park and maneuver. So I tried out a Mazda5 which was nice but claustrophobic feeling. The CR-V felt more open and cheerful inside. If you are looking for a cushy ride, this is not the car for you, however, if you want sports car type handling, this is it. The steering is light, direct and quick. The transmission shifts very smoothly and easily engages a lower gear without having to mash the pedal to the floor. To me, this is the Mazda Miata of SUVs. My fuel economy so far has averaged just over 25mpg and that is with 40-50% highway driving.

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  Excellent Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By dfreeze - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased one week ago. 450 miles so far. First tank of gas resulted in 23mpg in combined city/highway driving. Extremely versatile - Im able to fit my mountain bike inside, standing up, without removing either of the wheels. Excellent "wear proof" seat and floor materials.

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  I Love This Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By DrewC - August 7 - 10:00 am

  What I wanted: Something big enough to haul home stuff from Home Depot, easy to clean so my dog could play in the mud then get in, something people would notice on the street (and believe me they do...continuous comments), a good stereo, company with a good track record... This fits everything and more. Its fun to drive, handles well... if it got 50 mpg Id be in heaven, but it really does get 22/27.

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  best SUV for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jwahaus - August 7 - 10:00 am

  best SUV for the money

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  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DJS - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our new Honda EX CRV. We were concerned about it only being a four cylinder, but we have found that it has plenty of "get up and go!" Our one complaint are the head rests for the backseats, particularly the middle one. It tends to cause a blind spot, but it is easy enough to remove. Other than that, we love it!