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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  Still great after 8 years and over 200k miles - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ldd12 - January 18 - 3:59 pm

  My 2004 Pilot EXL is still great after 8 years and over 200,000 miles. I bought it in spring of 06 when it had 50k miles, so someone before me drove a lot, too. Ive not had all the issues Ive read about, but I dont abuse the vehicle. I get oil changes every 5-6k miles, but do spread out the scheduled maintenances and fluid changes a bit more due to quickly rolling up highway miles. My Pilot replaced a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 that had the gas-guzzling 5.2 liter V8. The main reason I replaced the JGC was due to terrible gas mileage (9-15) and slipping transmission. Ive not had any transmission issues with my Pilot, but I dont abuse it, either!

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  2011 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) - 2011 Honda Accord
  By beachgirl100 - January 18 - 1:34 pm

  I am still debating if I like this car! I had a SUV for 12 years and downsized for fuel economy. The seats are very uncomfortable and the road noise is HORRIBLE. You CANNOT hear someone in the backseat talking to you on interstate without them almost yelling at you. If I had to do it all again, I would not choose this car based on the interior noise and very uncomfortable seat. I have read reviews and saw that others have complaints about the seats as well so I guess nothing can or will be done to correct my car (problem). Definitley take for a test drive on interstate if possible..

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By texashonda - January 17 - 9:15 pm

  I think its great. I bought a used 2003 4dr Lx with 119,000. And it works great and drives smooth...( Although I did notice my Transmisson stick was loose found out it was pretty common no biggy cost $15 at Honda.. **** I also feel a slight slip in the Trans but maybe im not use to it the Trans shifting ****

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  Enjoying it and Loving it - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By anydia - January 15 - 12:04 am

  I purchased my new CR-V Friday the 13th, but it turned out to be my lucky day. I am very pleased with it. I upgraded from a 2003 CR-V. Today I took it for a long drive (2 hrs away) for my hockey game. It has great cargo space for my gear and the seats fold easily. The ride was smooth and quiet. Seats felt comfortable even after the long drive. I used the Econ mode, but I didnt notice a difference in performance. I have received many positive comments on its looks because there arent any basque red color CR-Vs around here yet. I ordered a spoiler which will be added later next week for a sportier look although it looks fine the way it is and thats just my personal preference.

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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By will199104 - January 14 - 11:40 am

  The Honda CR-V is an excellent compact SUV. I have found that the CR-V is a simply compact SUV that serves my basic needed. There are many things that I like about the CR-V. The CR-V has excellent maneuverability, makes it very fun and easy to drive. In my opinion it has outstanding build quality, after eleven years I am amazed at how well it has held up. I like the design of the CR-V, the outside design looks great and the inside is design is very well thought out. All the controls are well placed making it very functional.

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  Redesigned CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jjohnw - January 13 - 9:38 am

  Examined, drove, negotiated, and bought a 2012 CR-V EX-L in White Pearl. Weve been driving BMWs - X3 & 325Xi Wagon - but Moms 2002 CR-V soldiers on with nothing but a new battery & tires along with routine maintenance over 10 years. Its still a great vehicle, right size, and enjoyable to drive. Our opinion is the new 2012 CR-V at $29k drive out instead of a X3 at $46k drive out is just as enjoyable and dare I say - a better driver as it doesnt pogo/bounce over rough roads as does the X3. Sure the CR-V wont win any drag races but 31 mpg highway is much more relevant.

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  Love it - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By centaur74 - January 12 - 10:46 pm

  Just bought the 2012 CRV EX (two wheel drive) today and so far Im loving it. Got it in the dark gray/silver-looking color. This is my first Honda. Ride is smooth and quiet. I needed a family car, not a roadster and it seems perfect. Drove with the econ feature and didnt even notice a performance change. The cloth seats have a nice velvety feel to them. Id considered getting a EX-L for the leather seats but actually preferred the cloth. Plus the EX came standard with a sun/moonroof. Cool option to pull a lever and the back seats simply fold down. The bluetooth is awesome. The car read me a text on the way home from the dealership. Tons of room in the trunk too!

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  love my CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jennypennygirl - January 12 - 8:57 pm

  bought mine in 8-2011 and have 10k on it already. I love driving it, it rides really nice. It is smooth and quiet. I was surprised to learn that the tires are only good for 20-25k. and how cheesy the seats are, they are hard, and a bit uncomfortable. lack padding and contour. cargo and gas mileage are great. It is good in the snow. I am spooked after reading 2 reviews about the engine bolts sheering off. that is a big worry for me now. hopefully it is not a common issue. overall I love my crv and its safety ratings. also the roominess is great. Im 510 & husband 65 and we fit & love it.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By cupcake617 - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  Loved my Pilot I traded it in at 95,000 miles never had any trouble with it. Very reliable for us. My biggest complain was the terrible access to the 3rd row seating. The seat moved up no more then 12 inches, once my kids got in the back I couldnt get back to help them buckle up. Also, gas mileage very crummy.

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  Great people hauler with some downside - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By navyhawk - January 11 - 4:56 pm

  Overall, we are very happy with our Pilot. Traded 2007 CRV to get more space. Also considered GMC Acadia (thought the 2nd row captains chairs would be better). Turns out actually liked the Pilot second row bench better because it is more comfortable. This SUV is very roomy inside. I also have an Audi A4, which has a quiet ride. I dont understand others complaints about road noise in the Pilot. Its quiet. Its great for family road trips and has a comfy ride rear entertainment works great for kids (DVD and can connect to gaming system). Honda really needs to give the Pilot more power and better fuel economy to compete in this class. We get 20-21mpg AT BEST on highway.