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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  96,000 miles in 4.5 years - 2008 Honda Accord
  By khansen0522 - January 21 - 11:41 am

  Great car, not excellent. No major problems after 96k miles. pluses are DECENT gas mileage. I get 27 combine with the 4cyl. very roomy, no mechnical failures. Good solid, dependable car. Minuses are the same as others (maybe my experiences arent quite as bad). i just put my 3rd set of rear brakes on. thats $260 worth. 2nd set of tires at 70k miles for $880 and a battery at 80k miles for $80. other than that its has been normal oil changes. I am slightly dissapointed with the paint, its not bad but i do a lot of highway driving and it doesnt hold up to the chips and bugs from the road. Paint seems very thin. also the center console bubbled on the leather, same as others.

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  Love it.. and Wife does too ! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By madogreg - January 21 - 9:11 am

  Bought my 2007 RTL (noNav) in July 2012. 47K miles on it - but it looks and runs like new. Last truck was an F150 - which I loved but life doesnt demand a full 4 x 8 bed any more. Nothing to gripe about with the Ridgeline. I see people think the MPG could be better, but at the same time they dont find that a sticking point. Its like driving a luxury sedan when youre on the highway. But you have the confidence of a truck both on and off road. My mechanic, and others I spoke to cant comment on them - I have to assume thats a statement of reliability !!

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  The CRV has Problems - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By ron1949 - January 19 - 5:21 pm

  Well after much research I took the plunge. The water was filled with disappointment. The dealer could not program the hands free phone, delivered the car dirty and not serviced, and tried to sell all kinds of useless add-ons. Not what I remembered from my last Honda. The innovation is just not there. Now for all of you poor souls who looked and looked for the wiper indicator its not there. Honda America has some kind dip stick to let you know if wiper fluid is low. Wont find out until you are in a dangerous situation and no way to clear your windsheild. The car was delivered with an empty tank. Watch out for tranmission surge while in Econ Mode.

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  Not what was advertised. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ckevc - January 19 - 4:59 pm

  The 2011 Pilot we purchased was advertised as habing 22 mpg on the hhighway and 18 in the city which we considered good for a SUV this size. We wer disappointed to find out that the car receives 18 highway and 15 in the city. We have also discovered that the tires need replacing after only 2 years and 28,000 miles. When I asked if theis was normal the dealer said it could be. Again, we were disappointed to find out the tires had no warranty from either the car or tire manufacturer. We have had to bring the cr n for 4 recall checks which seems rather high. Overall, a nice car but not worth the money and less than advertised.

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  Traded 2wd touring for 4wd touring - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By marias - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  Traded my 2011 2wd touring for a 2013 4wd. Just paying $25/month more on 36 month lease. (Now its $525/mo) I like the 4wd model much better. 2wd tends to spin front wheels on acceleration and pulls hard to right from stop. Like the 4wd much better, plus it can tow 2x more.

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  Love my Fit 07 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sharonartist - January 18 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Fit used with 45K on it. Mileage is 92K now PROS: Im 53" & find it very comfortable on my round trip commute of 50 miles and 4 hour trips. 2. It has huge cargo capacity for its size. Hauls all my art and display equipment. Brakes work fine. Tires were new when I bought it & still have them after 47K more miles. I rotate seasonally. It runs like a champion!!! Ill buy another one! CONS: the quality of the seat covers & floor covering - sub standard. Carpet has worn easily and everything sticks to it. 2. The front bumper is very low & doesnt clear average bumper stops -beware & stop before you hit it. 3. Automatic trans. shifts a bit rough...just minor problems.

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  149,000 Miles and still strong - 1997 Honda Passport
  By mfredrickson - January 15 - 11:09 am

  When purchasing a fifteen year old car, one must be wise. There are a plethora of aspects within an old car that can go wrong, no matter how well built the car is. However, I lucked out. I purchased my 97 Red Honda Passport 4x4 Loaded out with everything but leather and a sunroof over a year ago now. I bought it with a low 130,000 miles and since have put about 20,000 on within the one year of ownership Ive had. It has been a fantastic car. Only problems I have had was an old alternator and a bad window motor. My Suv has brought me through many a snow storm in one piece and keeps on running strong day in and day out. Overall, I love my passport. It isnt perfect, but it is darn good.

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  Do not purchase - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By brendaf123 - January 14 - 6:02 pm

  Cruise control drops up to 8 mph going up a hill and gains that much going down. Dealer says the 15 mph speed variation is "normal and within guidelines". I have been driving with cruise controls since they were introduced and have never seen dramatic fluctuations like this even when the technology was new. It is too bad that Honda finds this acceptable. Side window fogs making it difficult or impossible to see side mirror. Defroster doesnt help. Seems to be a design flaw particularly in humid climates. Heater works great unfortunately I live in the south and the air conditioner is not adequate on hot days. We thought we were buying a car that we could keep for years. So disappointed.

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  uncomfortable seats - 2013 Honda Civic
  By derekleeo - January 14 - 4:55 am

  It took a few days to realize how uncomfortable the front seats are in this car. I tried to trade it back in, and was told I would take a $3k loss. They also wanted me to pay full sticker on the new car. I would not recomend Ocean Honda of New Port Richey(Florida). I chose this car for the reliability and mpg. If it wasnt for the seat, I would love this car.

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  Water Leaks in CRV interior (no moonroof) - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By williamj62 - January 13 - 4:43 pm

  Noticed longterm musty smell in our one owner , one driver 2009 CRV. Found significant amount of water in spare tire compartment and front passenger floor board. Car in excellent shape w/22k miles, no moonroof, no accidents with dealer installed roof rails. Saw several similar complaints on internet. Took to dealer, cost $600 to "seal under rear bumper" and under windshiel lower cowl area. Hopefully the problem was addressed. Was told seams were not sealed by factory. Dealer had seen this problem before and was very through looking for the problem-not a dealer issue. Honda, however, would not cover the cost of any of this, although it is clearly a factory quality control problem.