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:

• 

  Dependable, Fun SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - April 7 - 8:10 am

  Purchased new May of 2000 to replace a 1987 Civic w/235,000 miles. Its been dependable and fun to drive. Will give it to my 17 yr old son next year and get a Honda Ridgeline.

• 

  Most reliable car weve owned. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By gabriel zapata - April 7 - 1:44 am

  reliable vehicle, cheap on repairs. we bought it at 159k miles now at 256k miles we never did anything major to it just regular oil changes, starter replaced, power steering pump replaced 2 times, car never broke down on the side of the road, never ran out of gas only had check engine light on once for Oxygen sensor which was repaired by the dealer who sold it to us, i would buy this car all over again or a newer accord.

• 

  The Escape Craft - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Bunswha - April 6 - 11:45 pm

  Overall the only things that have been done to the car since I own it is regular oil changes. I live in the foothills of NY about 60 miles NNW of NYC. During the winter months I did find out the all season tires are not very good on snow covered roads. The car is very light and I would suggest studded snow tires in front for more traction and bite.

• 

  Its ok...read and youll see why - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom who loves anything with 4 wheels - April 6 - 8:49 pm

  Been a Honda/Acura owner many times over. Acura RDX, 2 Accords, Civics, Pilot..so, I know my Hondas. And usually Im very, very happy with my purchase. So, after having second baby I decide a mini van would be a helpful choice as I am petite and loading a car seat would be much easier. At the time I had a fully loaded 2015 Nissan Platinum & had to be on my tip toes to put the car seat in. I looked at Toyota & Honda to compare and went with the Honda. Of course. I do like the overall appearance of the OD but was a little worried about not having AWD for CT winters. Anyways, Ive had it for 9 months now and feel I can write this review fairly. After leasing, which Im glad I did. I was actually excited to get it home. So, here are my pros and cons. The pros-the space! It is truly amazing how much you can fit in the van..grocery store/whole sale club kids, dog, strollers..I will give it that! Gas mileage is on point!! Another plus!! And ease for a three year old to climb in and enjoys the big windows and auto doors! The 3rd row is very roomy and comfy for adults!! The cons, no AWD..come on Honda (that is why I was looking at Toyota) Awful entertainment/console with pairing with iPhone, extremely frustrating when driving to operate, from changing songs to phone calls, and Im on my game with tech. Cant move seat to get to third row/so you have remove and store to get to 3rd...that commercial on tv is so right! Creaking tailgate, annoying tailgate alarm...that you cant shut off/the whole neighborhood hears you when you get home late at night! Acceraleration-when needing to move, it bucks. Definitely not a smooth transition. Height position of driver seat-when my husband drives feels like hes way too high and head is close to the ceiling. Minimal alert when low on gas, it beeps once (kids talking, music on-you wont hear it) and if you miss it...only your common sense will let you know how low you really are. Basically meaning if you look down and its orange..god only knows how long its been on. And then when you get gas and click(S) the cap like your suppose to sometimes an alert will stay on. The back up camera is awful on so many levels..one thing Nissan has is that 360 degree camera which should be standard on every car on the planet! Actually beeps when getting close to something. I actually have to open my honda door get out and look..eye roll. I actually could go on..but, Im going to stop. Im rating it a 3 stars because the overall day to day stuff gets under your skin & quick. And that overrides my decision. Ive kinda been bummed for the past few months with our choice. So, if you need space this is it. But, if your thinking of getting a mini van loaded go with the touring. As the lesser trim levels are not so good, well for us. We have the EX-L & back in the day of the old trim levels EX-L didnt exist/but, now its just an upgrade of leather. If you need roof racks you have to get the touring, if you want charging tools for your company in 3rd, you have to get the touring. Where Im going with this...is..for the price you can get a loaded AWD/4x4 Platinum with wayyyy more stuff in it-then a kid wagon. Step up your game Honda-this mini is boring and that overhaul is taking wayyyy too long!! I think Nissan will be getting our business next time around. I do miss my platinum amazing snow handling 2 wheel, AWD and a 4x4, unbelievable access to the 3rd row with car seats in, heated seats in both rows, double moon roofs, storage, off the chart nav, iPhone, 360 cam, all accessible from steering wheel, alarms when carts, people and stuff behind you, gas mileage, the works! Come on baby, turn front facing so mama can get back to an SUV!

• 

  Updating after 8 months of ownership - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Elvin - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have not made it to my first oil change (6K miles) and my car is in for some warranty issues. The engine has developed a tick/clack when starting cold, the breaks need turning, the drivers seat belt sticks, and my ambient temp read is often inaccurate. This is my first Honda and it is losing it luster. Has anyone else developed an engine tick? :-(

• 

  Best family sedan for a young family - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ism4212 - April 6 - 7:33 am

  I love my new Accord. The Special Edition package has enough feature for me. No need to go overboard with the EX. I have been driving Hondas all my life, so my review might be a little biased. 88 Accord, 90 Civic, 92 Accord, and a 2000 Civic. I test drove the competition before purchasing my Accord. None compared to the Accord when weighing features, reliability, value, and performance against price. The engine is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Plenty of power. I like out running all the "punks" in thier tuner cars. The 5 speed automatic is so smooth. Drops gears fast for brisk acceleration. No regrets.

• 

  Summer fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By toydriver - April 6 - 12:23 am

  This car makes a mundane drive to the QuickShop a hoot! Ive driven 3K mi since buying it used last Fall. Couldnt wait to get it out of the garage this Spring. Every feature of driving with the top down is a pleasure. Accelerating on entrance ramps in 2nd gear to near redline will get your heart pounding. Its like riding in a very well built roller coaster, except youre in total control People still express compliments, envy,"wanna race", and cool depending on age.

• 

  2002 Honda Civic EX Coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Mike Callaghan - April 5 - 10:46 pm

  I bought my Civic after facing the facts. Insurance for someone under the age of 25 is outragous. I decided on this car in June of 2004. I was working at the local Honda dealership when an older women was trading it in for a brand new Civic. I saw the car and felt that this would be a wise investment. I bought the car the next day. I have loved this car since the day that I bought it. It has started up every single time and the car has run flawlessly. The car could use a little more power. But this car gets out of this world gas mileage. I keep a record of the gas mileage I get ever time I fill up. I usally average about 36 MPG.

• 

  Safe car for family! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MLopez - April 5 - 6:46 pm

  I recently had a major car accident in my crv and thankfully due to the stability of this vehicle myself and my three children only have bruises, and some back and neck pain to show. our vehicle was hit between the driver and rear passenger doors and did a complete rollover as well as a 360 degree spin before coming to a stop at a brick wall. The vehicle was totalled however I would definitely recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family to own due to how safe and secure we were! I will be purchasing honda again due to the reliability, and safety of their vehicles.

• 

  Great Sport Utility Midsize Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Skip M - April 5 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my RTL-T for 6 weeks and love it! My main disappointments are the technology and interior storage compartments. Cup holders need to be like the Odyssey with flapped inserts so you can put a standard plastic water bottle in them and not have it jump out on turns and speed bumps. they are to large and have no flaps to support the smaller cups and water bottles, the door cavities are very small and shallow, water bottles will not fit in any of the door cavities/pockets and there is no holder for them in the door. there is a shallow square french fry container holder which is not good for much. the Ridgeline could have done better in using the wasted space in the 12 inch thick door its sister the Odyssey does. The 8 inch touch screen is nice but it is kluge to use the volume controls are hard to fumble with and the tuning is hard on the radio. The Garmin Nav system had 2015 maps on it and the Android OS that runs the head unit behind the 8 inch screen was from 2010 android 4.2.2 and is incompatible with google play try to use it and you get no longer supported version. So the bottom line is i really like the ride, comfort, power, MPG, utility and looks the technology leaves a lot to be desired.