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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  New 2015 Pilot - Love the car but lost confidence in it & Honda - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By jmcinpa - June 5 - 4:55 pm

  May 22nd I Traded in my perfectly working 2011 Element because it had Takata airbags ( which Honda never notified me of ) and couldnt afford to have the replacement complicate my drive out west in August.. I traded for a brand new 2015 Pilot EX with 7 miles on it. Drove the Pilot home that evening. May 23rd I drove the Pilot a few places May 24th Drove Early in the evening I went to move the Pilot and it wouldnt start. Tried many times to start it and it wouldnt start. We put the trickle charger on it overnight. May 25th It started in the morning and I drove to Agway. I shopped at Agway for about 20 minutes and the 2015 Pilot wouldnt start. Cont- in Favorite Features

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  All good except vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ctati - June 4 - 3:14 pm

  When people test drive usually its on A/C so you wont feel much vibration, once you drive without ac then its frustrating, as soon as red or stop signal I see I am scared to stop this vehicle. I dont think even diesel engine will make such vibrations.

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  I couldnt do it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By caine2375 - June 3 - 6:03 pm

  I live in Minnesota. I live at the bottom of a hill that turns into an ice rink during the winter. Last winter that got my civic stuck at least twice on days I dared to challenge mother nature. I was prepared today to trade in my civic for a 4wd vehicle, a hyundai touson. I couldnt do it. The honda has been an awesome vehicle. I bought it used and other than routine maintenance I havent had a problem with it. The MPG estimates are crap, though I still net 37.8mpg over the last 9kmiles. The car runs fine, it takes a little getting used to it shutting off at the light. It takes a bit to get going but hums along at 75 errr 65 just fine. I keeping it for my non winter driving thankU

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  So far so good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By phenom4 - June 3 - 11:52 am

  Ive driven the CRV for 200+ miles here in SoCal. Ive only come across the vibration while driving once when I was on the freeway at 60+ mph. The outside temp was in the high 50s. The drive felt very rough. All other drives and when idling have been vibration free. I find the infotainment system to be outdated and difficult to use along with the voice features. Lane watch is a distraction. I dont feel comfortable taking my eyes off the road. Move your screens! Otherwise, its got a comfortable interior, a good ride and good looks. Im happy. I purchased my CRV from Internet sales guru, Mike Skierka at Galpin Honda. He was very friendly, laid back and easy to deal with. Thanks Mike!

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  Miss Firing or Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By narotham - June 2 - 8:26 pm

  I purchased this vehicle (CRV - Touring 4WD) on March 31, 2015 I read all the comments, then I want to share my taught Im thinking that there is a misfiring (Spark Plug) Fuel supply is not correct in the vehicle, its in Parking or stopped at red light. In Parking: If you push the gas pedal. vehicle moves forward/backward....(an Inch or so) @ Stop light the vehicle in Vibration.... I want to go to dealer (Millennium Honda) in LI, NY Also I ordered the Remote Start, still now I didnt get that and I called several times and they are saying that you may get a call from the parts, also they are providing non Honda Remote Start and I have to carry 2 remotes/person(4 Total), not original.

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  Vibration when in idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By nishd - May 27 - 12:09 pm

  I purchased a 2015 CR-V EX on Memorial Day and only one day after owning it I am now experiencing the infamous vibration issues (here is a link to the problem posted by Honda on their YouTube page - youtu.be/a6K6JPh7zak). Clearly, Honda has known about this problem for a while (the video was posted in April) and yet they continue to sell the car. They say they dont quite know what the problem is but are confident that there is no operational hazard! Unfortunately for me, I didnt know about this problem until after I bought the car or else I wouldnt have purchased it. I spoke to the Sales Manager and Salesperson at the dealership and both say that there is no "cooling off" period in Cal

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  205k and counting - 2000 Honda Passport
  By megsmce - May 27 - 9:40 am

  My grandma bought this car used in 2008, and I inherited it in 2011. We had to replace the transmission in 2009, then it worked fine. More recently, in the past two years, the air has quit working and due to the poor road conditions and salt in the harsh winters of wonderful Michigan, Ive had several problems with the wheel bearings, fuses, axle, struts, shocks and rims. I know it sounds like a lot, but aside from the AC, they were due to very poorly maintained roads. Otherwise its been a great, reliable car considering the miles Ive put on it, and Ill be sad to see it go in a couple of months.

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  bad year for pilots - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilotfixer1 - May 26 - 6:01 pm

  If you have a chance to buy another make of small SUV you will be money ahead to go with that make. We have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle from the doors locking while charging the A/C, to when the battery is going bad the oil light comes on and the oil level and pressure is fine, to the ignition not accepting the key that I have been using for the last 3 years, to the transmission making a rumbling noise if the oil is not changed every 10,000 miles (the manual recommends every 30,000 miles). Not to mention the huge problem with mice getting into the interior of this vehicle. And these are just the major problems. And we have only owned it for 3.5 years.

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  Fit - A great car for City Dweller-Active Lifestylists - 2015 Honda Fit
  By linslewis - May 21 - 12:22 pm

  Traded a 2009 Fit Sport for a 2015 Fit Ex. Both are manual transmission & greatly enjoying the upgrades Honda in to the new generation. I live in suburbia USA & commute to a major city for work approximately 22 miles each way. Have enjoyed the peppiness of the new Fit, as well as the ability to transport 2 bikes, plus gear in the back for weekend bike rides. I am missing that extra 1.6" Honda took when reducing overall length. I am a driver at heart, & having tons of fun.

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  A Good (Not Great) Vehicle - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By dg4827 - May 14 - 2:21 pm

  Bought in 2011 with 40k miles, just turned 94k. Shes been fairly reliable, just oil changes/brakes/tires up to this point. I was told brakes were the weak point on Hondas. My brakes constantly warp. Interior quality is ok, seats are very sturdy and comfortable for long drives/trips. The armrests and center console have torn and bubbled, respectively. Enough with the bad though. Im a big fan of the automatic eco mode that turns off two cylinders while cruising to maximize mileage. I average 19.5/20 mpg a tank. I like the aux outlet for the radio also. Sound system is decent for a base model. It has surprisingly held its value over the years. Big safe vehicle that I would recommend to anyone