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 Car for Long term Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By zhenchok - December 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this car off lease when it had 18k it now has 150k with no issues. I keep saying to myself Ill buy a new car when my current car breaks, but it still works perfectly. Sure itt not as smooth as it was when I first got it, but at 150k this is the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made. I recently bought 90k warranty tires because I know that it will last another 100k without any issues. I basically did my oil changes, regular maintenance, break replacement, and tire replacements. Two years ago my a/c went out and I had to replace a rear door lock sensor, but other than that I have not had any mechanical issues at all. If you want a reliable car for long term purchase, get a CRV!

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  Over the Hill - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ukyagr - December 2 - 11:36 am

  The first year of ownership was great, but it has since been in steady decline. I bought this car based off of reputation, but unfortunately it will soon have to go. No longer can Honda claim reliability and high build quality with this vehicle. Problems include failing door locks, window motors, visors, blower fan electrical components, and A/C compressor failure. Honda has mailed extended warranties on paint and visors already. I expect eventual class action or warranty extension on the AC/blower issues - very common on this model. My dealer does not even charge me diagnostic fees on the AC or fan anymore. The car was babied and often garaged. All of these problems with only 62,000 miles.

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  Honda all the way! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By metro21 - November 30 - 1:26 am

  I had an 09 Odyssey that I traded in for a Dodge product- worst mistake ever! Ended up trading the Dodge in for this one. The 14 is so much better than even the 09. The 6 speed tranny is now standard which bumped up MPG and the drive. The 3rd row seats also fold down much easier. The dual screens are a unique touch which I like. HondaLink is kind of a joke at this point (downloaded the app on my I-Phone) but I do like that the car will read you text messages and let you respond while driving. I looked at other vans but no one was even close to the Odyssey when all is considered. Note: The CoolBox does NOT make things cold, it uses the car A/C to keep things cold.

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By milkshake - November 29 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car to replace a loved but worn out 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Drove a 2012 Kia Sorrento, a 2012 Chevy Equinox, and a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (which was really my 1st choice) in addition to this. Settled on this because of the price and because it had the most space of any of those cars. This was my first-ever brand new car purchase. Ive never loved this car, and I was never truly excited about it, but Ive come to totally hate it due to how uncomfortable it is. You feel every bump, pebble, and crack in the road. My dad has been a truck driver for 40 years and has complained about how uncomfortable it is. Owned less than 2 yrs, looking to trade or push off a cliff soon. Mistake.

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  Great Small SUV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By spin24 - November 28 - 1:34 am

  Purchased June 2012. Driven over 10,000 miles. Fun to drive, comfortable, safe, reliable, with good gas mileage and lots of storage room for tools and spare parts.. I use it for personal transportation and as a work vehicle for real estate maintenance. Back up camera and maintenance minder are nice features. Replaced weak OEM headlight bulbs with X-treme power Phillips bulbs and @ 10,200 miles replaced surface cracked rear brake rotors with new , manufactured in Italy, brake rotors and new brake pads.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By jjcaddy - November 27 - 10:26 am

  How could a guy whos used to Cadillacs and Corvettes end up with a Honda Crosstour? Believe me, Ive heard this more than once from friends and Family. Im actually a little surprised myself. But the plain truth is this... Cadillacs just arent Cadillacs anymore and Corvettes are priced higher than my first house... And Im not THAT old. I went looking for a new car for <$30K. What I found, after going from dealer to dealer, was this... They all looked alike... Ford, Chevy, Toyota... It didnt matter... They all ran together in my head like a myriad of counting sheep. Then it happened... Driving north on I-75 one Saturday afternoon... Im clipping along at a speed slightly higher than the

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  Junk - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By kadamec - November 27 - 8:26 am

  The Bad...This is easily the worst car Ive ever owned. The active fuel management does not work properly. After many trips to the Honda dealer, they say that the car is OK and nothing is wrong. At 60 - 70 MPH the car vibrates and sounds like its gasping for air. An audible sound from the engine compartment is easily heard when the engine transitions from 6 cylinders to 4. Dump the tires too. They are so rock hard for milage purposes that after 25,000 the ride is rough.

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  Its been excellent, with some exceptions - 2013 Honda Accord
  By fuguf1sh - November 26 - 10:25 am

  I just ticked over 17000 miles with my 2013 Accord EX-L V6 (with Nav). Other than the initial connectivity problems with the audio head unit they have been trouble-free. The car performs well and is capable of some excellent fuel economy. I have had highway drives of over 42MPG which is extraordinary given the 278hp V6. The 6AT trans is smooth and responsive. It has excellent fit and finish, a smooth and quiet but busy ride, reasonable handling given LRR tires, excellent interior and trunk room. The interior remains tight and rattle free.

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  LOVE my accord. - 2011 Honda Accord
  By vegas71 - November 24 - 4:50 am

  I had a 94 accord ex coupe as a first car- literally could not kill it. So after some not so great luck with a nissan, and deciding a toyota was too bland for me, I decided I wanted another accord. Got an awesome deal on this one! Love the heated leather seats and the leg room (Im 61). I didnt think a 4 cyl could move a car this heavy, but it actually has some pretty decent power (for what it is). Love the safety features, especially after a recent wreck. I wanted a safe, reliable car and the accord is just that.

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  2005 Hondas - NoNo - 2005 Honda Civic
  By butler83 - November 23 - 5:32 pm

  I have an 05 Van and Civic. I have been disappointed by both. The van is below average and poorly reviewed in the van section. I wrote honda and they did not stand behind their product. My Civic has been steady, but the road noise is terrible. I am really starting to hate this car and Honda. If you buy one get earplugs.