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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  Excellent car until transmission goes - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Nathan - August 23 - 11:35 am

  We have loved this car-, early perfect reliability and fine performance. Could be more comfortable, but that was a small price to pay for perfect performance over 8 years. The transmission is gone, though, and the timing belt needs to be replaced. The complete repair/maintenance bill is going to run around 3000 or more. The car has basically lost all its value in 9 years. So the value could be better.

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  Best SUV of its Class - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Allan from Maryland - August 23 - 9:49 am

  I have owned SUVs from Expeditions to Escapes and this was my third Honda purchase (never disappointed with Hondas). I love this SUV. The exterior is nice, nothing too special but as a family man I dont really care. What matters to me is a great vehicle for me and the family. We have two kids and the problem was taking along their friends. This vehicle is large enough for the family with friends and their stuff. I also drive this daily to work through narrow city streets. Its a pleasure to drive. Good acceleration, great handling and fun to drive.

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  My little HR Vie - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By lmara - August 23 - 5:51 am

  Nice small crossover for its class with plenty of trunk space. Biggest downer on this vehicle is the trunk door. It is heavy and someone who is short like myself has a hard time closing it. Need two hands to close the door shut which is difficult if you have other things you are carrying. The car needs a power lift gate and should have been included in the EX-L trim.

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  Stay Away from 2002-03 - A/C Nightmare - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Crescentan - August 22 - 6:06 pm

  Weve had our 2002 CR-V for nearly six years and over 100,000 miles and have been quite satisfied with the car. It is incredibly roomy for such a small car, a decent road trip car and economical to operate. BUT Hondas a/c compressors for the CR-V and Element for 2002-03 were badly designed and fail catastrophically, requiring every bit of the a/c system to be replaced at a cost around $3,200. Our first such failure was under warranty at about 70,000 miles in September 2006 and the 2nd 18 months later. We paid $800+ plus labor this time since its out of warranty. Doubtless, if we keep the car, well replace it again in 18 months or so.

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  Total Satisfaction - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By BCB - August 22 - 2:33 pm

  I am not a car enthusiast, but this vehicle has made me one. I used to use my Ford Ranger to get from place to place and do occasional hauling. I now look forward to driving and Ive already used the vehicle for hauling, finding the bed capacity to be at least that of the Ranger. More importantly, this car is incredibly comfortable, in every way and smooth driving. It feels very roomy inside, with plenty of leg room in front and back. There is tons of storage room, especially considering the flip up back seats and lockable trunk. There are so many places to put things that are so convenient, its hard to explain. I cant emphasize enough how happy I am with this car.

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  Form following function - 2005 Honda Element
  By Colorado Dave - August 22 - 10:26 am

  This is a great urban cruiser with the short front and back overhang. The design is functional as well. On Saturday, it fits my road bike, on Sunday, it fits a 9.5 foot Kayak on the inside! We are all looking forward to our first camping trip. The seats are firm and confortable on long trips- the 270 watt XM Radio makes the trip go by that much quicker. The initial milage has been good- nearly 24 MPG for a combination of city and highway. As with other cars that I have purchased- the Honda has great fit- what is different is the great finish. Great selection of materials go together well. Hope this Honda continues to exceeds our expectations at 100k miles

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  US carmakers take note! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andy - August 22 - 12:04 am

  So my 1999 Chevy Blazer goes down with a broken crankshaft, which is funny cause I just about replaced everything else on it. Well I really cant complain 200,000 miles later. So a friend turns me on to the Ridgeline. Since the first test drive I still wonder why people buy Chevy and Ford. The Ridgeline offers a comfortable smooth car-like ride while keeping the power and durability of a truck. A wider wheelbase and higher elevation makes driving easier with better sight of the road and amazing handling. No blind spots and sweet take off power.

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  So Cute! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By iamlysa - August 21 - 11:24 pm

  I gaze out of the window at it all the time, it is such a cute car. It has a lot of get up and go and the A/C is so much better then my Escape was. The gas mileage is better than my 07 Escape Hybrid. I havent gone on long trips or up any mountains, but for getting from here to there, it is absolutely perfect and the 99 styling isnt outdated and still looks like a fairly new car. Just discovered the picnic table. So cool. I live in the Hippie community of Ocean Beach, Ca, and I think this care has finally found its permanent home with me.

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  I want to drive this off a cliff - 2002 Honda Accord
  By RicanZ24 - August 21 - 11:14 pm

  Where do I begin. At 60k the transmission went out on me. At 80k I have a crack in my engine block so I had to replace it. I had replaced the 6 disc CD changer 3 times now. I hear so much about how reliable Hondas are but this car isnt proving it. I cant wait to get rid of it. This car has done nothing but cost me more and more money out of my pocket. The amount of money I had spent already I could have bought something else. I will never buy Honda again.

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  Impressive - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Lee - August 21 - 1:31 pm

  Bought it as a new car in 2000 (first Honda car), with the idea to keep it for about 5 years. After 8 1/2 yrs and 100K I still cannot convince myself to give it away. As other people have mentioned, it only needs gas besides scheduled maintenance. I did not have to change as much as a light bulb outside maintenance. Great mileage 30-32 in suburban traffic, 36 on the hwy. Drove it 2500 miles across US during moving in only 3 days: no problem. Incredibly stable and agile considering its a small car with 106 hp. Next one will be a Honda for sure ...