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:

• 

  Probably the wisest choice - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By applesnkids - May 15 - 11:25 pm

  We only have two kids and still chose this minivan after a TON of research. Overall, Im very happy with the van and it was probably the best choice. That being said, I sometimes wish I would have gotten something way more exciting -- but thats not really where my life is at the moment. When I drive by myself, its zero fun. When the van is full, it feels right for our family. Considering the other options out there including a plethora of SUVs, this is a solid choice and the best one out there. Its easy sliding doors, plenty of room, well laid-out for the most part, mellow drive. If I had three kids, I dont think Id look at anything else. Its a perfect beach/surfing vehicle.

• 

  Rack & Pinion failure - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bryanweston - May 13 - 11:54 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV has to have the steering rack replaced after 5 years / 70,000 miles. Seems premature. Costly..$1600. This is my first and last Honda. Low quality, loud road noise, not what I expected from a Honda. AC went last month. Should have bought that Hyundai with 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

• 

  Not what hoped for from a Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By thintz - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  Bought new for daughter. FIRST ONE- Had to pull transmission at 162 miles. Gave me a new one and many small items. Scratch in dash. Dimples on back side of steering wheel, right where you grab the wheel to turn it ( looks like poor molding/manufacturing). Have never had the day(s)where I was like...love the car due to too many items. Wish had cash back.

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By rockchalk7 - May 12 - 3:53 pm

  I got this car in 2010 with about 135k on it and drove it for 4 years and added about 30k miles. Overall, it was a great car. Lack of power is my main complaint - you had to floor it to get up a hill or pass someone, and it sometimes took the transmission forever to shift. The car couldnt maintain its speed on steep hills at all. My 2011 CR-V has eliminated these problems. I also didnt get as good of gas mileage as one would expect, but it is an SUV after all. Noisy ride. Several electrical problems including faulty power windows and locks - we finally traded it in because the car often wouldnt start and we believed it to be electrical. Nevertheless, I miss it!

• 

  Love My Honda - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover31 - May 9 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Honda CRV in Feb. 2008. It had 98,000 miles on it. Other than the timing belt and regular ware and tear it has been an excellent car. I now have 267,000 miles on it!!!! I recommend honda to anyone who asks..both my kids drive a honda and my dad just bought his first honda a year ago!

• 

  love the crv engine - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By robfromde - May 9 - 9:59 am

  Went from an 08 Odyssey LX to the CRV EX. This is my 3rd Honda. Ive always loved how Honda engines rev up so smoothly. This one is great, and shifts quickly. Its ride is firm, but normal for an SUV. Lots of storage in back, and plenty of leg room for all.

• 

  Good first car, amazing mpg, uncomfortable, struggles sometimes. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By heyimcameron - May 9 - 12:25 am

  Great mpg and easy to drive but the seats are extremely uncomfortable (lower back) after sitting for more than 30 mins.

• 

  Basic down to earth hybrid - 2011 Honda Insight
  By readykilowatt - May 8 - 10:04 am

  We have owned our 2010 insight for three years and have 37,000 miles on it. The professional reviews are right in that it is a lot like the early Japanese cars that were on the market in the 70s which were very reliable but very basic in design. If you want a reliable small cars for commuting back and forth, it is a great purchase. We use it to go back and forth to town and it gets us about 50 mpg as it seems to love going about 50 mph. Yes it rides a little hard and is short on sound insulation but for what we use it for, its ideal. I wouldnt use it for a long drive though. Well be passing it on to the children and probably getting another the last year of production.

• 

  Surprising Choice! - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By hrdrive - May 8 - 12:45 am

  My husband and I wanted to upgrade to a larger, safer, 4-door vehicle. We looked at smaller SUVs and station wagons. In fact, we almost bought the Subaru Outback 3.6R, however the gas mileage was not impressive at all. Our FJ Cruiser gets better gas mileage than that. And the quality was...ok. We happened to pass by a Honda dealership and seen the Crosstour out front. I had to test it out and to my surprise, it was everything we wanted and more. What a comfortably smooth ride! I have been averaging 23-27 mpg, depending on traffic. The interior is incredibly comfortable and the looks of Crosstour is very sleek. I feel like I am driving a very expensive, luxury car.

• 

  The new Honda Quality sadly - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By homersodysey08 - May 6 - 5:22 pm

  I have had a few significant problems. First is was the soft break pedal which was a known technical service problem "fixed" by applying silicone to the known leak. At 9K mi transmission quit. They tried to blame me. They said they could find out what I had done for $180/hour. Needed my car so 2 days later they found a loose wire connector re-connected it "under warranty". Shortly beyond the 36 mo warranty (13K mi) again a soft to the floor brake pedal. I found the original TSB for the brakes and insisted they perform that "fix"a new VSA stability module I paid $400 for the part. Now they say soft is normal but I just got a recall notice for a brake defect, they got caught 5 yrs later