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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  Great Used Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By GoGators - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car from a high school buddy with 78k miles. Put in some fresh plugs, runs great. 5 spd tranny is essential. I fully expect to get another 100k miles out of this puppy with minor repairs. Drove 300 miles going 75-80mph with the AC blowing and still got 32 mpg (205 size tires!). Im sure without the AC at a slower speed you could easily get mid 30s.

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  Seat belt issues - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Iain1 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I was totally satisfied with my Odessey up until very recently. The seat belts in the second and third row seats need replacing. They easily lock into position but will only readjust when completed reeled in. It appears that seat belts are a problem in the car. I cannot get them replaced because they are on national back order. I look forward to seeing the replacement to the Odessey in the fall but the seat belts need improving. Im not sure how much I can trust these seat belts with my kids. Come on Honda.

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  Nothing but love - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Steve B. - July 5 - 4:23 pm

  Weve had the CRV for 3 months now, and have nothing but good things to say about it. It handles great in the Buffalo winter weather, looks sharp and gets pretty good gas mileage. We compared it to the RAV4 and are very happy that we picked the CRV.

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  Nicest ride Ive ever owned...... - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - July 5 - 5:54 am

  This is a great vehicle. I dont see what the fuss is about the radio not having "buttons", just use the steering wheel controls. I bought a close out 2017 EXL as Edmunds recommended. I passed on the sensing but went for the AWD. No need to Nav or RES. I was able to get 0.9% financing along with $1,500 below invoice using Costco pricing and haggling with 2 different dealers. I looked at the Highlander and Acadia. No contest. Highlander is way to small and the GMC/Chevy dont hold their value. Traded in our 2013 Toyota Sienna, which I thought was a pretty good vehcile, until I drove the Pilot. After the test drive, I was hooked and had to have one. Besides the ride and fit and finish, I really enjoy the apple car play and the how you can customize a lot of the settings in the radio. That said, I have 2 gripes. 1. no 3rd row floormat AND you cant buy one from Honda unless you buy all the floormats? So, I bought one from Lloyds mats ($34). It is just really odd that this isnt included in the EXL. 2. No 12V acc plug in the 2nd row. My 2005 has one, why not my 2017? So, I bought a 6ft plug to put in the front and stretch back to the second row. Again, really odd. You get one with the RES but not in the base EXL. Other than that, you will love this car.

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  Very Noisy at 50mph - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack J. - July 5 - 1:53 am

  I purchased a 2005 because I had zero complaints with my first Odyssey, a 2001. I did not take a long test drive of the 2005 because: "its a Honda, it must be a good car". I wish I could have it to do over. For me there is a real annoying problem with the car. The overdrive kicks in at 50 mph, with the torque converter locking up very quickly. The RPM drops to 1300 to 1500 RPM and if feels like an old stick truck with the engine lugging/vibrating. The steering wheel actually vibrates along with a annoying audiable vibration noise. The dealer called Honda and they indicated yes this is an issue, wait 1000 miles to see if it gets better with converter wear. I wish I had it to do over.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By private name - July 4 - 8:53 pm

  I love my Honda better than my 1991 BMW. The Accord reminds me of a Cadillac CTS or Acura TL. It has a lot of the same features as luxury cars. I love the new Accord model!!

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  all out great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BiGJoKeR836 - July 4 - 6:30 pm

  I bought the LX because it doesnt have the V-tech engine. (I plan on throwing the 2.4 out of a CRV under the hood) Its a great car. Everything you do to the engine adds power. I definitely recommend this car to anybody. Whether you wanna make it fast like me or just drive it to work in the morning.

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  New member to our Honda fleet - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Tschirhart - July 4 - 1:52 pm

  Have had a Honda fleet for the whole family since 1990, loved and love them all. Quality and reliability of the CRV-EX attracted us and did not disappoint. Not a luxurious interior, but more than sufficient if you are a practical sort. Was a bit surprised and a little disappointed by the relatively small gas tank, about 13 gallons compared to the 18 gallons of our 4-cyl 2.4l 2009 Accord which has fantastic range 450 miles on the highway. The CRV with the smaller tank has a lower range in the 300-350 mile range. Happy with the price we paid after shopping with dealers on the internet, just ask dealers for a quote and compare, and ask others to match your best price. When negotiating with dealers, watch out for the relatively expensive (~$500) dealer package (up-scaled floor mats, locking lugs, a few free oil changes) that they may push on you at the end of the negotiation after a couple of hours invested. Ask about this upfront and walk if you dont want this package.

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  Luv the CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Fan - July 4 - 5:23 am

  I have recently purchased the CRV EX. I have an Accord and an Odyssey. I was very surprised at the interior room. It looks smaller from the outside than the inside. Ive driven it on dry and wet roads and it handles great on both. I had read some reviews about the 4 cylinder not having enough power but found it to have more than ample power to leave most people sitting at stop lights. The interior design is good, especially the center table that folds down. It is annoying to get in a car and have nowhere to put my purse and stuff. I would have liked to have gotten the EX-L instead of the EX for the leather but would have lost this feature for a console. Basically, I love this car.

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  This car is starting to fall apart. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - July 4 - 2:20 am

  Ive owned this car for 7 months now. This car pretty much seemed problem free up until when the weather gets really hot. Squeaks and rattles appear to come alive throughout the interior and pinpointing the area is difficult. Both sun visors came apart in the heat and failed to stay up. A/C condensation spills into the passenger interior instead of outside. Interior is very easy to scrape/scratch/scuff. Interior fabric and door panels will start to fade in the Summer sun. As for the driving aspect, clutch squeak, gear shifting hits a wall (all gears) and a/c belt squeak is becoming a common recurrence. Pedestrians will get lost in the large blind spots and the throttle response lags.