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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  Disappointing 2014 Ridgeline - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By laxlasatl - January 7 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this vehicle because of the large amount of storage and cubbies, and smooth test drive. Im happy to say thats what the purchased vehicle delivers. Unfortunately, it falls short in nearly every other area.

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  Great Car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By tedert - January 7 - 9:55 am

  Ive owned my 2012 Honda Civic for approximately 7 months now and I love it. I get around 27mpg and anywhere from 35-42 on the freeway. Like most people have said, you know what youre buying with a civic. It doesnt have the flash of a Mercedes or the quiet road noise of a Cadillac but this car is definitely worth every dollar. Im 62" 240lbs and the vehicle fits me comfortably. I traded in my 2010 Accord for this vehicle and barely notice the interior size different. Bottom line, I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  bad batteries - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dangthieu - January 6 - 2:15 pm

  Car do not start in -9 degree even the car still 10 months old. (cr-v 2013).

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  Bang for the buck - 2013 Honda Fit
  By bmckeeman - January 6 - 10:46 am

  When looking for a roomy, efficient, and compact vehicle a year ago, I ended up buying a Patriot over the Fit due to power/space/SUV benefits. Well, I ended up trading the Jeep in to gain MPG benefits and to save a few bucks on payments. I couldnt be happier! I have wanted a manual again since my first vehicle some years ago. Very glad I switched back to a 5spd. MPG is much better, and on par with my old Corolla. I was concerned about highway performance due to the lack of a 6th gear, and it being such a small car, but highway tracking and noise levels are great for the class. Build quality is great, the interior is functional, and exterior styling is nice with the Sport trim. Great value!

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  Great car, great value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By toomuch2do1 - January 4 - 10:34 pm

  I read all of the 2013 reviews before purchasing my 2014. I decided to go with the EX-L without navigation. I couldnt imagine going without a passenger seat arm rest. The dealer got me a CR-V without navigation (since those reviews are terrible) and without the entertainment system, which I dont need. It looks good, runs well, has sufficient pickup even in ECO mode. One reviewer complained about the headrest--but on the EX-L the seat is infinitely adjustable so thats easily corrected. The sound system works sufficiently well for me. Headlights seem to light just fine, but I drive only in well lit suburban areas. Controls are easy to see and operate.

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  Dont see what all the complaints are about - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mattj2125 - January 4 - 8:12 pm

  I drove literally a dozen different SUVs, domestic, foreign, you name it I drove it. The pilot is the best you can get, hands down. We thought we were sold on the Tahoe or suburban, or gmc and ford equivalents, but they are incredibly expensive and totally unreliable. We bought our pilot used with 44k miles on it and you would think its new. Transmission is smooth as silk and the 4x4 is second only to jeep. We take our 4x4s to the beach every year and the pilot can almost hang with the wrangler and would if it had a locker in the differential. If you complain about this truck, you are too picky and should probably buy used. My only complaints so far is the ridiculous Eco mode.

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  Not much extra about EX model - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By don0xff - January 3 - 9:23 pm

  CRV EX-L. It has heated leather seats. Weve had hondas, Accords and Odyssey, before, which were very good vehicles: reliable, great value, good performance, comfortable, etc., so thought this would be a good choice. Issues: headlights, tranny, radio, info screen. Seems as though part of the headlights are blocked, and even more so with with the high-beams on. Tranny: test drive seemed very smooth, but later noticed that when decelerating then give it gas there is good amount of delay in the acceleration. Cant you go with 6 speed? Radio: Really? lower grad than what I had in my 1995 Accord. Why put that in top-end model. Info screen: was this project complete?

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  is perfect for me, except for some rattles - 2013 Honda Civic
  By white_tea - January 3 - 10:44 am

  the car performs excellent. I am hoping for the Honda reliability. So far, gas mileage is excellent. Interior ..... car is easy to navigate (viewing the i-MID system is ..... p e r f e c t .... when compared to others. It is clear, concise and simple. Well done! Bravo! So far, a perfect car except I cannot give five stars on interior design due to the rattling noises I experience in the area of the controls for the CD player, volume button and it really annoys me.

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  Great Car... but - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By polarbear14 - January 3 - 10:12 am

  Our 2014 CRV is a very nice, reliable and economical car. We have had a number of Hondas and find them to be a good value. The CRV has excellent seat comfort and seating position, great visibility, good ride and handles well ... as long as you dont drive aggressively. The sills are low - a good thing for over 60s getting in and out. It has a real key - not a fob and starter button, a good thing. We just did a 1400 mile trip and got great highway mileage (33+). As with all Hondas, there are minor annoyances that mar an otherwise great car. We considered similar Toyota, Mazda and Subaru models and liked the CRV best overall. There are issues (see below), but all cars have issues.

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  Clean, smooth running car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jstbnreal - January 2 - 10:03 pm

  Ive been driving this natural gas car for over a year now and it has turned out to be one of the best investments ever. I have two CNG stations by my home and my tank fills up with $12 and I get anywhere from 200-240 miles per tank. The only bad thing I have notice and have taken my car back to dealer for was the sputtering when you first start the car in the morning. It did hesitate in the morning sometimes, but the dealer did some adjustments and its all good now. Overall a great comfortable car with great steering/handling. The navigation and stereo is GREAT!! The carpool stickers in rush hour is the BEST part!!! Love this car.