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:

• 

  Missing some basic featuers and functionality. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By TariqZ - March 28 - 10:28 pm

  I decided to buy the 2016 Honda CR-V EX instead of EX-L as I didnt want the leather seats being in Texas. I bought a pre-owned certified vehicle with 28K miles. Vandergriff Honda in Arlington, TX made the buying process very stressful and unpleasant. If you live in DFW dont go there, the sales staff is incompetent and lack knowledge. I have only had for less than a month and so far there are 3 things I hate about this car: (1) No push button or remote tail gate lift? seriously Honda, its a basic feature which should come standard with the EX trim. My sales person lied and miss-sold me on this feature otherwise I probably wouldnt have bought this vehicle. (2) Interior storage, not many compartments to put stuff in the front especially the driver side, my Honda Civic has more storage compartments than this CR-V. (3) Poor road holding and handling. It is a comfortable vehicle with plenty of cargo space. I would recommend to get the EX-L trim or touring. BTW with only me in the vehicle on the highway it only does average 27 MPG.

• 

  You dont have to pay MSRP. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By supercrv1 - March 28 - 9:16 pm

  We were going to buy a 2001 and when I saw the 2002 and drove it I knew it would be perfect for us. Had to order since it is a FWD and that took 6 weeks. My wife drives it most of the time and she loves it no complaints so far.

• 

  Best Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Cliff - March 28 - 10:06 am

  Formerly owned BMW 3 Series, Infiniti FX and most recently 2006 Passat. After driving the new BMW 3, Lexus ES 350 and other more expensive sedans, decided on the Accord. From a value standpoint I could not justify spending $10+K more on other comparably equipped sedans. The Accord does everything well. Yes, the lux sedans are a bit quieter at highway speeds, but overall none can justify such a steep premium over the Accord. For the money this is without question the best value and can certainly be considered a "near luxury" model in its new 2008 configuration.

• 

  Almost 160K miles and still going - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Dee - March 28 - 12:24 am

  *Jan 2018 Update: still going strong...nearly 160K miles and still love this SUV. Minor issues such as a few burned out interior button lights. My 15yo daughter starts driving this summer and wants this one but not sure I want to give it up! Bought my SE Pilot in December 2007 with 4 miles on the odometer...and have about 145K miles now. Yes Im on my 4th set of tires in that time...but its a heavy truck and I also like having some chunkier tires for the snow and ice in Maryland so those dont have great longetivity. My husband complains about the body roll but I drive this SUV daily and love it. Weve done long trips and been comfortable overall, and I can certainly pack plenty of stuff in it, including the dog, when necessary. Weve had lots of preventative and routine maintenance done on it to keep it going. A few minor electrical issues, including one time when the rear A/C stopped working, but my husband looked it up and bought a $300 part from the deal to fix it himself. Some of the interior panel lights are out now, so at night I cant see all of the buttons (such as for the A/C or vent controls) but I havent bothered replacing those, and my front map lights stopped coming on when the doors opened. I know what it will take to replace that...but not sure I want the challenge of it quite yet. Also the very back bass speaker has always been just horrible, but when I read what it would take to replace that...again not sure its that big of a deal to me. We replaced the brakes a few years ago with some high quality after market ones that have been better than the original brakes. Overall I love driving this truck, its done great for me in snow and rain, and Im in no hurry to part with it as long as it keeps driving as well as it does. It has some great acceleration when needed. Ive started seeing a check engine light recently, on and off intermittently had the code read at a local auto store for free and it sounds like possibly the catalytic convertor isnt operating as efficiently as it should but since this only happens about once a month (maybe) and doesnt constantly happen Im just planning on dealing with it for now.

• 

  Honda Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof2Boys - March 27 - 11:46 pm

  This is my third Honda purchased within the last 6 years, as always, Honda never ceases to amaze me. I started with the Civic, a great small car, then the CRV, a great SUV, but this Odyssey has made me see how wonderful it is to drive a full size vehicle. I did not think I was ready for the whole "Mini Van" thing, being only 29, but this is not like any other mini van on the market. The second row windows even roll down! It is like driving a luxury automobile at an "average-Jane" cost. Once again Honda has done an AWESOME job.

• 

  My Third S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Tikigod27 - March 27 - 8:38 pm

  As the headers states My Third S2000 for a good reason you simply cannot find a better car for any amount of money. I now have a 2006 Laguna Blue and everyone from sidewalk shouts to parking valets at the finest establishments all say the same thing: That is a sweet ride! Everything about this car is fantastic except the MPG...but everything has a fault or two! I recommend this car for anyone but please test drive it as it is truly a rough riding sports car.

• 

  The Chevy Vega of the New Millenium - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - March 27 - 2:00 pm

  At a little over 18,000 miles this piece of junk needed its transmission and fuel injectors replaced. Now a few days and a few hundred miles after getting it back from the dealer, it appears to need yet another transmission as well as rear brake work (it was fine when it went in). This vehicle was delivered with some type of adhesive spots all over it, presumably from the delivery plastic. We had a roof rack installed at the dealer. This rack does not appear to fit properly, so I fear it is lacking in structural integrity, so we do not use it. The vehicle rattles and shakes at every opportunity. So much for reading Consumer Reports and following their "Best Buy" recommendation.

• 

  GREAT CAR, FUN TO DRIVE! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By joelsbarbier - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best deal we have ever had for a car! It has maintained its value very well, and been completely reliable. And its a lot of fun to drive!

• 

  i love it!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By zuzus - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I first saw Element back in January.I fell in love with its quirky look that reminded me of all the funny little cars in Italy.Got mine last week after doing tons of research.Every person (even the "cool" friends)that has chuckled or razzed us quickly changed their minds once we showed them the inside. It was supposed to be for me, but now we are fighting who gets to drive our funny little family mobile. (He likes bragging about what a "bang for our buck" deal we got).It reminds me of the 1971 VW Van I grew up in. How could I resist a car that puts a smile on my face? My 3rd Honda-wont buy another brand again-especially Mitsubishi!

• 

  Tranny Problems? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jules197722 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Had noise in front Right tire, dealer took apart and rebuilt, now its fine. Heat is TERRIBLE! never seems to get hot, brought it to dealer twice, said there is no problem??? Front struts were leaking and motor mount bracket was cracked...dealer fixed. Also car would slip out of 2nd gear frequently, dealer rebuilt tranny and fixed problem. Car would grind while shifting down to 2nd gear, dealer replaced synchros and all is fine now except my heat problem...Other than above I love the car, very fun to drive!