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 First Impression - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By ptl3wis - August 22 - 8:41 am

  I began my journey reviewing the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4, and of course the Honda CR-V. Although many of these vehicles are great and capable vehicles for my needs, I found that the Honda CR-V beat them all in comfort, build quality, and value. My biggest liking is the gas mileage and the storage capacity. Both of these are outstanding for a AWD vehicle such as the CR-V. Also, the price point is great considering what you get in the EX-L package (Leather, Sunroof, Heated Seats/Mirrors, Etc...) After 3 years of ownership, I have over 60K miles and average 25MPG (30% city, 70% highway). Definitely consider the CR-V when looking for your next SUV.

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  Great SUV with some exceptions - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By azdesertguy - August 22 - 12:28 am

  My CR-V is great except for two issues that have really bugged me. 1. Noisy tires 2. No auto headlight turn off How in the world can a manufacture be so stupid to leave a feature off auto headlight turn off. I had the least equipped 2004 Vibe and it had auto headlight turn off. I figured the top of the model should have this feature. Talk about stupidity in the first degree!!!!!! Then noisy tires....yikes!! I have had people not wanting to ride with me due to the fact the tire noise is so high it would give one the impression the stupid wheels are going to fall off due to bad wheel bearings. Fortunately, I had this checked and all the noise is from tires....

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  best car I have owned - 1996 Honda Accord
  By arner - August 21 - 7:04 pm

  I have 427,000 miles on the Accord and have not had any major problems. I change oil at 7000 miles and use whatever I can find on sale. This car is a keeper.

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  Much better than I imagined! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rootdown - August 21 - 12:22 am

  Accord Sport w/ the 6sp is amazing! I have been a die hard Honda fan, but always liked the Civic model. Traded in the 08 Civic 5sp manual for this, and have been blown away by the difference in the first 650 miles. The manual transmission is smooth, the engine is quick to respond, and its got lots of power I often peel out in between gears when having fun with it. The quality of the cabin/exterior just feels like its going to last forever, and Im looking to push this car over 300,000 miles in the years to come!

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  Cant go wrong - 1994 Honda Civic
  By frankjfavela - August 20 - 12:52 pm

  I bought my younger brothers 94 Honda Civic Lx after he could no longer afford it and I my 2003 Ford Expedition XLT, the MPG was killing me I was spending about $100 a week just on gas and I was only able to use it for work. The Civic was a blessing the car even though its underpowered gets amazing MPG plus filling up with only $40 a every 1 1/2 for me makes it worth every penny, the car has cosmetic issues the paint was all burned and the paint scratched but she runs like if she was new and with 138K on her already I expect another 200K easy. I would sell my Civic for anything.

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  Great overall**excessive Road Noise - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By angiev3703 - August 19 - 11:25 pm

  Shopped around for a couple of months before deciding to purchase a new Honda Suv My previous one had horribly uncomfortable seats. That was 8 Years ago. Have only had this one two days so far no complaints on comfort. Overall great looking good fuel economy, love the technology. Very roomy. Good visibility. My only concern at this point is road noise. I would classify it as excessive. Ive had a Ford Expedition and a Honda Pilot both were 4-wheel drive and much less road noise. Im going to try my carpeted floor mats to see if that helps otherwise the car may be going back to the dealer on day number three.

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  1,200 miles & Wont Start. Back to the shop we go :( - 2013 Honda Accord
  By peaches04 - August 19 - 9:16 pm

  Overall great design & performance for the Money. Very disappointed with the reliability, and Honda service. Honda has by far the absolutely WORST customer service, I have ever experienced. Currently my Accord is back in the shop for going on four days, no updates, calls and the vehicle is still not fixed. Finally got a loaner on the third day,and dealt with rude, under trained associates who gave me a filthy loaner car, with no update on my vehicles repairs, instead it was still sitting exactly where it was towed. Cant wait to get it back so I can go get my 2014 Lexus Is

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  ABS VSA Lights are on @ ~110K - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By noahred - August 19 - 12:48 pm

  I had a PTTR (pull to the right) problem when I first got it - brand new. Dealer agreed to fix it after a few trips. Make sure youre driving the actual car youre going to buy - when youre buying a brand new car. ABS & VSA lights came on around 110K miles. Dealer asked $2000 to fix! These being said its a reliable car. I would buy it again.

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  bad reliability!!! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By buddhaphantom - August 18 - 7:30 pm

  I leased the 2013 honda civic hybrid in this April, but since the purchase, I had my taken into the sealers service department so many times on the brake and the forward collision alert, they said that nothing were wrong with the systems. But last month, warning lights came on related to the brakes and the IMA systems, then they had to fix them. I felt a little light braking feeling after the repair, but today I found out that the initial stiff braking came back, I will have to take the car to the dealer again if its warning comes out soon. the other problem is that I will have to smash my car into any front running car to get a forward collision alert. This is not a safe-guard measure

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  Beyond Expectations - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By commandoii - August 17 - 8:05 pm

  Okay, I bought this car for my wife and now I want one. Drove everything in this category, CX9, Stretch and non stretch Sante Fe, GM moon rovers, explorer. Big fan of explorer looks and big Ford fan in general, but it drove (actually rented) too big and sadden to say, My Touch is out of touch. This pilot was very well equipped and drives fantastic and the Consumer Report parking lot handling quips are BS - it handles them with no problem. Everything inside is just right. But most of all the wife "loves" her pilot and for me that is all that matters. BTW those that dont like the boxy look try a few add-ons (eg.visors) , they sweeten the look. You dont drive the look. Great product!!