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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  An understated Vehicle - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By C.N. - October 23 - 12:56 am

  I read several of the reviews before considering this vehicle, I didnt even know it existed until I shopped around. I am coming from a Pilot where we drove the wheels off of it and went on many adventures. I noted that people either loved or hated this car. I think this is a car many people will have missed and once its out of production people will look back and appreciate it for what it is. Fortunately, it is not a high demand vehicle so I was able to get a great deal to move the inventory from the dealer. We are an active family who does road trips and plenty of cycling. 15 years of driving trucks or vehicles that drive like a truck I was ready to get into a sedan style but with some cargo space for gear. The small SUVs were suggested but at the end of the day I didnt like the style or set up of feeling like I was driving a little box or a Pilot that was shrunk. I really liked the idea of a wagon or hatchback to load our gear and go. This vehicle drives well and I dont feel like Im missing out on anything that we like to do. The up side is better gas milage and a more comfortable ride. Plenty of room in the front as well as for the back seat passengers. The roof line may be a bit low for tall people back there. Enough cargo for what we do and the hidden compartments are nice. I opted for the roof rack for bikes, which can be noisy with the roof open but close the sliding roof liner and the interior is very quite, especially compared to the Pilot or the Tacoma I drove. Only two things that I do care for is fist the audio sound. The speakers are weak and dont have a great sound quality. Second, to get a 2" receiver hitch to carry additional bikes or cargo is near impossible. I know you cant tow with this vehicle but Its a miss for a cross over vehicle not to allow these for people who carry bikes or already have a rack. Fortunately, I found a manufacture that can do a 2" receiver for this car that I may try. Finally, the rear visibility takes some getting use to because it is split, but its not too bad. All in all Im very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Over 278,000 miles... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Stephen Wollman - October 22 - 6:30 am

  My wife and I are now Piloteers. I bought my first pilot--an03--in 2013. The guy I bought if from had sent his last kid to college and didnt need the extra car, otherwise Im sure he wouldve kept it. It had 245,000 miles on it. Since weve owned it (its been my wifes primary driver) weve rolled it up to 278,000. Other than standard maintenance, Ive put no money into it. It literally still handles like its brand new. The invinceable V-tech engine is very quiet, and the transmission doesnt slip in the least. As of a week ago, we are now piloteers for life. I gave away my perfectly good Chrysler Pacifica and bought my wife a newer pilot with half the mileage. The 03 is now mine. I will never buy another vehicle. When my oldest gets into high school (in the next two years) I will give him the 03 and buy another. Make no mistake, the honda pilot is the absolute distance you can take your dollar. It is well worth the money.

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  1st Honda, a bit of a disappointment - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Paul H - October 21 - 7:48 pm

  I bought my civic after quite a few Nissans and Toyotas, wanted a Toyota but could not get a stripped down Corolla with a manual transmission. My Civic started out good, but like other reviews the paint chips off quickly, after 2-1/2 years it looks like my Black Corolla did after about 8 years. Im on my third battery, I think there are plenty of reviews on here and the web about issues with batteries that the dealers just deny any issue, they run a load test on a known dead battery at the dealer and replace under warranty so I guess I am stuck buying a new battery every 8-10 months, and I drive 40 miles a day minimum. The car has developed numerous rattles that my Toyotas never had and a nice knocking sound out of the right rear strut, my Nissans had plenty of rattles and knocks but they were cheap. My brakes have developed a heavier pulsation and fade that the dealer says is normal, finding a good Honda dealer for service has been a challenge, I have found one but its a drive but they at least try to fix my problems. My steering wheel has rubbed and made a grinding sound since I got it, things have been replaced but it comes back after a few months so hopefully it doesnt end up being something that gets worse and causes an accident, the dealers dont seem to be to bothered they just tell me it should be fine until the warranty runs out. All in all the car is good out of the dealership but Im not sure it is going to hold up over time, I feel like a bought a VW, my car has been in the dealership more than my 10 year old Corolla in only 2-1/2 years. This may be the first car I get rid of, before it goes out of warranty, but I wanted a Civic and I liked the look of the car, I was planning to get an SI or an accord but I think I will look elsewhere for my next car. The 2012 received some bad reviews and I should have known better than to believe it was all related to the design of the car, I think Honda just doesnt build their cars like they used to and from my viewpoint they dont back them up very well through their dealerships either. One last thing, the fuel economy is all lies, the best I have got on mine is 33 highway, this car needs a 6th gear for a manual transmission, and my 27 mpg is real world driving in Southern California where you accelerate from one light to the next and idle for 45 seconds at each light.

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  Love the toaster,! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Karen - October 21 - 6:53 pm

  Fun, easy to drive and so versatile with the large cargo area, its like having the storage space of a minivan but the compact exterior for smaller spaces. The only tricky part for me is getting in and out of the back seat (having bad knees) is a bit awkward. A backseat heating/cooling vent would also be nice for ventilation, but Ive travelled back and forth across the country several times and it has been a great ride every time. The all wheel drive makes snow and ice travel possible, where Ive had other vehicles unable to do the job in bad weather. Honda Element owners seem friendly and happy - many Element drivers wave to me as if to say, "isnt this a great car to drive!" Ive also found it humorous when I come out to the parking lot where Ive parked far away from cars, only to find two to three other Elements parked around mine.

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  BEST car Ive ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By abel - October 21 - 10:18 am

  I have driven them all. From mustangs to chryslers, chargers, rams, cherokees, etc...all v8s. I never knew of the 4 cylinder life and this honda made me realize how much money I was spending on gas! It runs great! I purchased it with 172k miles and it has no problems whatsoever now at its 200k miles and is pretty quick for a 2.4 engine. Love the woodgrain trim all around. My only complaint would be the vibration on stop lights. Other than that Im very pleased with this honda accord.

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  2012 accord (bad power steering) - 2012 Honda Accord
  By syed - October 21 - 7:05 am

  i bought a new 2012 accord .it only have 29000 miles on it .and i have to replace the power steering pump 3 times.and rack and pinion 2 times.thank God it was under warrenty so i didnt have to pay out of my pocket.but i cant belive it happend to me that many times in 3 years.

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  honda civic coupe - 2015 Honda Civic
  By elise - October 21 - 6:28 am

  its a great car

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  133,081 miles, $3,000 warranty refunded, no probs - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Doc - October 20 - 6:22 pm

  This was the most undervalued vehicle from 2010. Bought new. Get 41mpg still with Eco on. Driven all over US. Highway excellent. Safe. Still have original rotors. No problems except when 1st bought recall on a rubber trim. Just bought a Pioneer radio with Carplay. Amazing vehicle. I expect will see 200,000 miles plus. Got $3,000 back from extended warrantee because I never used it. Mine made in Japan before tsunami. Best investment. Replaced a crappy BMW convertible that nickled and dimed me.

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By J.Booker - October 20 - 4:18 pm

  Do your research - search 2015 CRV vibration problems! It is terrible! When you are in drive and stopped in traffic or at a stoplight, the front seats vibrate so badly it is terrible. This is an issue Honda knows about and yet they keep selling these. The dealers "seem" to be in the dark because they dont want you to know. Do yourself a favor and if you still want one of these cars, take it on a good long test drive so it warms up. This starts once it is warm because the rpms drop so low. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.

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  Great SUV for a growing Family - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - October 20 - 2:54 pm

  My wife and i bought a 2015 CRV back in May 2015 and it has been a great SUV. My wife at the time was pregnant and could not get in and out of our midsize Mercury Milan. We looked at the Toyota Rav4 and Volvo XC60 as well. When we looked at the Honda my wife drove and we both loved the seating position of the front seats and the rear seat room. The CRV had more room then the other 2 in rear and frontal room. It as well overall scored higher in the crash tests then the Toyota. I love how the seats fold flat easily and how easy a stroller and car seat go into this vehicle. My wife as well is beyond pleased and very much enjoys this car. Definitely worth the money