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:

• 

  Honda Civic Coupe Lx - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Patrick Smith - July 22 - 9:06 am

  This is an awesome car! Very fuel efficient and I love the way it handles....it has a very soft ride and responsive steering, brakes, and gas. Overall great car and I dont have any complaints.

• 

  I LOVE my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Leslie - July 21 - 6:07 pm

  The Element is a great car all the way around. I have the EX AWD version, and it handles great in the snow. It has never left me stranded, period. My car has over 200k miles, and you cant even tell at all. The engine runs like a million bucks and doesnt leak or burn any oil at all. It gets really good gas mileage for an AWD SUV (I average 20 city, 25 highway). I think it is a very sharp-looking SUV. I will say that it does seem to be prone to dings. This is a great SUV for you if you have animals that are going to be riding in your car, since it doesnt have any carpet. I love that feature! The seats are also water and stain resistant. I think the seats are comfortable despite this feature. I have taken my Element on road trips and it has been very comfortable. This is a great SUV and I definitely recommend it.

• 

  Wanted an Escape got a CR-V - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Cincinnati or Toledo is where I am. - July 21 - 9:19 am

  For the longest time I had wanted a Ford Escape. When my mom finally talked my dad into getting me a new, fuel efficient car he suggested a Honda CR-V. I was skeptical at first, so we test drove an Escape which we then decided had too much road noise, funky wipers and my dad (whos a diesel mechanic) said it wasnt a quality build. Later we went and test drove the 2013 CR-V, and I was more comfortable the second I sat down. The sales guy was very helpful and showed me how to work the driver seat, steering wheel, wipers, turn signals, radio and more all for a test drive. Obviously I chose the Honda CR-V. I make a round trip of 400 miles from Toledo to Cincinnati a few times a month. Ohio is pretty flat and I average about 30-31 mpg going between 70-75 mph (sometimes with the cargo space and back seat loaded down with boxes for a college student). In the city I get about 20-25 mph depending on where Im going. I havent had any issues with the mechanics of the car. There was a simple recall when I first got the car and it was corrected right away for free. Oil changes and tire rotations arent too costly and the service staff at either Honda I go to are very friendly and helpful. Toledo has pretty snowy winters and the CR-V handles very well in the feet of snow that can come down in one day. The traction control has saved my butt a few times in the Toledo winter. I have had a slight issue with the USB port but its easily resolved by restarting the car. The Bluetooth comes in handy except when the microphone doesnt transmit to the person on the other line. Overall the electronics have been pretty solid. I love my CR-V, Ive had it for almost three years this thanksgiving and its been a damn good car.

• 

  2011 = bullet proof - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Hikerguy - July 20 - 3:19 pm

  Terrific little SUV. 60,000 + miles and no repairs. Service has been only recommended factory oil changes, etc. Took a trip cross country last month and the V averaged 27 mph with pretty aggressive highway driving. Could be a little quieter but we like the ride. We have the ex-l trim and the seats are very comfortable and supportive over long distances. Added Honda all season floor and cargo mats and haul around whatever we can fit with no issues.

• 

  You cant go wrong with a 2006 pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Carl - July 20 - 2:59 pm

  Over 150,000 miles on our 2006 Pilot and it still rides like a new. Changed the oil, tires and brakes thats all that has been needed. I just purchased the best SUV tires money can buy, and Im sending it to the body shop to have the paint freshened up (no rust just faded) . Im going to hang on to this dependable vehicle.

• 

  Dead Battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ggage - July 18 - 1:11 am

  i love my CRV except for the battery going dead occasionally for no reason at all. Have had it checked. Dealer did an update , but it still happens. They also checked the battery and it is ok. I am tired of calling friends to jump start my car when I go out and it wont start. COme on Honda, admit you have a problem and fix it.!!!

• 

  My 3rd CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By KB - July 16 - 8:46 pm

  This is the 3rd CRV I have owned. Jimmy Sears at Autonation Honda in Chandler, AZ was my sales person and the experience was exceptional. Now I am the proud owner of a 2014 CRV. I have owned two others previously and traded them in to drive other vehicle I thought would be THE vehicle for me. Obviously I have come back to the CRV. In my opinion it is tough to beat the convenience and reliability of these vehicles. They give you the comfort of a sedan with the convenience of an SUV and the gas mileage of an economy car. Im done experimenting with other vehicles. I have my CRV and this what I plan to drive from now on.

• 

  My favorite car EVER, and Ive had quite a few - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chris K - July 15 - 6:06 pm

  My first car was a 1981 Accord coupe. Later a Civic, then a Prelude, Another Accord Coupe (all were manual transmissions). This EX is an automatic. Luxurious, comfortable, fast with the V-6, and has only required normal maintenance aside from a power steering pump/hose (recall), starter, a couple of belts and tires. At 11-yrs-old and 96000 miles, it is still our chosen "road trip" car, although our other car is newer. Huge trunk, back seats that fold down, you cant beat it. I bought it at 3-yrs old from a friend and still just love driving it. Close to needing the brake pads and timing belt replaced, but so what! Drove a Saab for 3 years in the middle, and after all the breakdowns, sold it and went back to Honda.

• 

  You can pull a boat with one of these. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Carl Redding - July 13 - 5:09 pm

  Have owned since new, 10 years. Last year I put a trailer hitch on and started pulling my 17 fiberglass fishing skiff with it. Boat, motor and trailer weigh 1600 lbs and it tows and stops well. Easy to launch and retrieve boat.

• 

  Finally have some color in my parking area. :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Judy Knox - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  Its not just the color thats great (Got the Copper) but the car is, IMHO, outstanding so far. Have only owned it since June 27 so have only come across a couple of things I dont care for. Have to agree with the other poster that the console compartment is extremely small compared to my Acura RDX which had 2 compartments - one in the dash area and one between the seats in front. Other than that, I dont find any door noise or road noise going on yet. I was concerned about how quiet it would be when the windows were up. In my Acura, there was virtually no road noise. My CR-V is, far as I can tell, is just as quiet. LOVE the MPG!!! Acura - 18 mpg (maybe) in a good week.....CR-V (so far )25 mpg which is 85% city driving. Dont care for the rear view mirrors automatic dimming during night driving. My Acura allowed me to adjust it to whatever "visibility" I wanted, which usually meant Id use the day driving mode most of the time, at night, as I liked seeing lights, whether bright or not. At least I had the choice and control. Other than those 2 things, so far Im a happy camper with my CR-V Touring. The safety features are outstanding!!! The safer the better. Got a great warranty with Honda of Riverside - 8 yr bumper to bumper - no deductible and loaner car while its in the shop. What with all the electronics guiding the cars these days, an 8 yr warranty, at my age, is a must have. Dont want to have to come up with $600 to cover a $6 part in a few years. :) Cost $2500 more but brought the finance charge down from 2.99% to 1.9% and since this is the last car Ill own, it was well worth the extra money. For me, this car is just the right fit!!! Not too small, not too large. And another plus - Ill only have to fill up my gas tank about every 2 months. :)