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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  I Really Love This Car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Donald - September 4 - 1:46 am

  I own a Lexus RX and Infiniti G20 but this vehicle is more fun and practical to drive than either of the them. My wife hated for me to buy the Element. She felt that this car was ugly and she did not want to be seen in it. I bought the car in November 2005. Now, she really loves that Ugly Duckling!! She prefers to drive it more than her Lexus. She loves the 270 watt stereo system. She cannot get enough of the XM Satellite Radio. She doesnt even mind being seen driving or riding in the car. Needless to say, I loved the car the first time I saw it. I am really proud to own this car. I am looking forward to years of fun and economical trouble- free driving experiences.

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  Love Me Some CRV EX-L - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bev Victor - September 4 - 1:01 am

  Great vehicle! Honda holds its value so well, I got more than book on trade. Reliable, economical, and all you need in an everyday car, and then some!

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  I cant get enough of the Honda Civic EX - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Rosalia Sigler - September 3 - 11:36 pm

  I am so happy with this car, Ive had a Civic before and I will keep buying this car probably forever. It is so comfortable, great looking, great quality built, great performance and keeps its value far more than the rest of the brands. The new Civic comes with so many cool and modern features that you dont feel the need for a better or more luxury car.

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  Will buy a Toyota next time - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By FL Honda owner - September 3 - 8:27 pm

  Bought my 2003 Odyssey 11/03.Have had to bring in to be serviced by Honda several times for same problems. Problem dx ERG valve? Got stuck several times. Couldnt get gear shift to move. Cup holders in center where driver sits replaced several times (very poor design). Brakes replaced several times for noise. Resonator and exhaust pipe replaced at 50,000 miles despite car in Florida weather, in a garage not near seawater. Noisy ride. Interior door handles peeling. Front drivers seat has squeaked since new despite numerous trips to Honda. Dont think Honda knows how to repair its own vehicles. Bought new has 79,000 miles on it.

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  Run from Honda V6 engines ALL - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - September 3 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased used... so many issues with engine almost two years of ownership. finally died -1 week after a honda dealer warranty repair on piston rings...never had such a lemon...will never buy honda again.

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  Doesnt compare to my (previous) Chrysler 300 - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Karl Pritchard - September 3 - 3:52 pm

  The good - I love the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping features. The car handles well for an SUV with a high center of gravity, and it has a tight turning circle radius. The auto-walkaway locking system is nice - it just locks itself if you forget, and walk away. The sound system is not very good, certainly not like any of the name-brand ones, as in other brand cars. The road noise is vary loud, and may be due, in part, to the tread pattern on the tires. My back-up sensors work fine, but the warning speaker is in the rear of the car, and the volume (not adjustable) is so low the it cannot be heard over normal conversation in the front seats. I have the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems in my car, but they are inoperative even though theyre turned ON - *another* dealer visit soon. And, if they did work, the manual lists so many exceptions that their usefulness is uncertain. My mileage, in ECO (economy) mode is around 30 mpg, with the 1.5 liter turbo engine. The same mileage that I got in my big Chrysler 300 with a 3.8 liter non-turbo V-6. And the Chrysler was way quieter inside. Ill probably be looking at ways to add soundproofing to this car in the near future - it needs it. All that being said, I like the car - mine is the Obsidian Blue color - I didnt get the Lava (which looks really nice in the brochure) because I couldnt see one in person (none on the lot). One really bad thing I have discovered is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It uses the axle speed sensors used by the abs system. As the Honda book states - all four tires must be the same "brand, model, size, and of equal wear". So, if you, like I had to do, have to replace just one tire, it will not be identical to the others, and the TPMS warning system will constantly alert and alarm. This CANNOT be reset or turned off. I have confirmed this with Honda. This means that, if you need to replace ONE tire, you MUST replace ALL FOUR..

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  Love my Honday - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - September 3 - 3:28 pm

  I bought this last year and love it. Ive got 228,000 km on it and it still runs like a charm. Its the 5 speed and Ive still had new people drive it and thinking they stalled it, tried to start it again as the motor runs so quiet. Runs like a charm.

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  A worry-free car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By TJ - September 3 - 3:01 pm

  When you get in your car, you should expect it to work. Also, with routine and preventative maintenance, you should expect NOTHING to go wrong with the car. My Honda has been running strong for 3 straight years. I changed out the plugs, hoses, added a new muffler and oxygen sensor and at 174,000 miles it is running perfectly. I will definitely buy another Honda when the time comes, but I plan to run mine into the ground.

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  I LOVE this car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dr. Mammogram - September 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car in April. I had a long commute to work so ineeded something with good fuel economy. My last car I would have to refuel every four days, and thats if I came home and didnt drive it. With the Civic i can drive it to work and back drive around the neighbour hood do errands and still only have to fill up maybe once a week. It looks are stylish the interior is very roomy. I would say more but the car is so young I havent really had a chance to see if it has any major flaws. But from what I hear from other Civic drivers the problems are far and few between and are overshadowed by the overall performance and reliability of the cars.

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  Best rider and driver truck hands down - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By S. Sanders - September 3 - 9:06 am

  Purchased this truck for my husband. He loves the way it handles and I love the smooth ride. Living in Louisiana and driving on the famous I-10 roller coaster was always a jarring experience. With the Ridgeline you barely feel the bumpy road. There is plenty of room in the rear and for the driver, but I do think the front passenger could use a little more knee room. The swing out rear gate come in handy for easy access to the truck bed. The hidden storage in the bed is great. Overall it is a goid vehicle for our needs and is easier to maneuver and park then the bigger full size trucks. So far so good.