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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  2007 CRV - Believe me, youd rather walk - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tim.putz@gmail.com - May 30 - 5:27 pm

  Feel compelled to write a review, seldom do. I know that its probably too late for many, but this car must be avoided at all costs. I have a 2005 Pilot that is my all time favorite car with 267k on it and still running great with few repairs so I was a Honda loyalist, but this car moved me to Toyota. Known problems (I wish I knew them before I bought it) with: Air Conditioning - this will break thoroughly and completely, - 2k to replace Transmission - this will go out on you some time after 100k - 3k+ to replace. HVAC - this will break TPMS - this has never, ever, ever worked. And here is the worst part of this. When your TPMS light is burning brightly, like the 2007 CRV light will be, always, you cannot cancel stability control via some overthought, overengineered safety mechanism. However, this turns out to be pretty unsafe because if you are stuck in some deep snow and need to spin the tires a bit to get out, YOU CANT. The stability control will keep cutting the engine just as you gain some momentum. This turns your expensive AWD SUV into the handling equivalent of a 1969 Chevy Corvair with bald tires. There is no way to deal with this other than pulling the ABS/Stability control fuse. You will try to fix the TPMS light by replacing all sensors and that will work for a few days and then the light will go back on. This is a permanent condition with this car. Interior - the "leather" on the door armrest as well as the seat armrests will disintegrate. Mine started at 50k and is now completely shredded despite trying to repair before it got out of hand. You push the door open using the door armrest and it will just wear this cheap leather out in no time whatsoever. Brakes - I dont really know the story here, but this car seems to warp rotors faster than any other car I have owned. Maybe it is just bad luck (or bad driving!), so this may be piling on a bit because I loathe this car but I am going to say it. This car is a lean, mean, rotor warping machine, Performance - 4 cylinder getting only about 22 mpg. The car is an absolute dog, in fact my dog easily outperforms it. I mean I knew it was a 4 cyl, but cmon. Ok, thats enough. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2007 CRV. Forget the Honda name and rep for quality, this is one seriously flawed and awful car. I have no idea if Honda has improved the CRV, but 2007 is an absolute zero. Google around for the problems I have listed here, you will find many others having the same (especially the trans and air). I wish i had found those before I bought.

• 

  2007 CRV - Believe me, youd rather walk - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tim.putz@gmail.com - May 30 - 5:27 pm

  Feel compelled to write a review, seldom do. I know that its probably too late for many, but this car must be avoided at all costs. I have a 2005 Pilot that is my all time favorite car with 267k on it and still running great with few repairs so I was a Honda loyalist, but this car moved me to Toyota. Known problems (I wish I knew them before I bought it) with: Air Conditioning - this will break thoroughly and completely, - 2k to replace Transmission - this will go out on you some time after 100k - 3k+ to replace. HVAC - this will break TPMS - this has never, ever, ever worked. And here is the worst part of this. When your TPMS light is burning brightly, like the 2007 CRV light will be, always, you cannot cancel stability control via some overthought, overengineered safety mechanism. However, this turns out to be pretty unsafe because if you are stuck in some deep snow and need to spin the tires a bit to get out, YOU CANT. The stability control will keep cutting the engine just as you gain some momentum. This turns your expensive AWD SUV into the handling equivalent of a 1969 Chevy Corvair with bald tires. There is no way to deal with this other than pulling the ABS/Stability control fuse. You will try to fix the TPMS light by replacing all sensors and that will work for a few days and then the light will go back on. This is a permanent condition with this car. Interior - the "leather" on the door armrest as well as the seat armrests will disintegrate. Mine started at 50k and is now completely shredded despite trying to repair before it got out of hand. You push the door open using the door armrest and it will just wear this cheap leather out in no time whatsoever. Brakes - I dont really know the story here, but this car seems to warp rotors faster than any other car I have owned. Maybe it is just bad luck (or bad driving!), so this may be piling on a bit because I loathe this car but I am going to say it. This car is a lean, mean, rotor warping machine, Performance - 4 cylinder getting only about 22 mpg. The car is an absolute dog, in fact my dog easily outperforms it. I mean I knew it was a 4 cyl, but cmon. Ok, thats enough. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2007 CRV. Forget the Honda name and rep for quality, this is one seriously flawed and awful car. I have no idea if Honda has improved the CRV, but 2007 is an absolute zero. Google around for the problems I have listed here, you will find many others having the same (especially the trans and air). I wish i had found those before I bought.

• 

  2007 CRV - Believe me, youd rather walk - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tim.putz@gmail.com - May 30 - 5:27 pm

  Feel compelled to write a review, seldom do. I know that its probably too late for many, but this car must be avoided at all costs. I have a 2005 Pilot that is my all time favorite car with 267k on it and still running great with few repairs so I was a Honda loyalist, but this car moved me to Toyota. Known problems (I wish I knew them before I bought it) with: Air Conditioning - this will break thoroughly and completely, - 2k to replace Transmission - this will go out on you some time after 100k - 3k+ to replace. HVAC - this will break TPMS - this has never, ever, ever worked. And here is the worst part of this. When your TPMS light is burning brightly, like the 2007 CRV light will be, always, you cannot cancel stability control via some overthought, overengineered safety mechanism. However, this turns out to be pretty unsafe because if you are stuck in some deep snow and need to spin the tires a bit to get out, YOU CANT. The stability control will keep cutting the engine just as you gain some momentum. This turns your expensive AWD SUV into the handling equivalent of a 1969 Chevy Corvair with bald tires. There is no way to deal with this other than pulling the ABS/Stability control fuse. You will try to fix the TPMS light by replacing all sensors and that will work for a few days and then the light will go back on. This is a permanent condition with this car. Interior - the "leather" on the door armrest as well as the seat armrests will disintegrate. Mine started at 50k and is now completely shredded despite trying to repair before it got out of hand. You push the door open using the door armrest and it will just wear this cheap leather out in no time whatsoever. Brakes - I dont really know the story here, but this car seems to warp rotors faster than any other car I have owned. Maybe it is just bad luck (or bad driving!), so this may be piling on a bit because I loathe this car but I am going to say it. This car is a lean, mean, rotor warping machine, Performance - 4 cylinder getting only about 22 mpg. The car is an absolute dog, in fact my dog easily outperforms it. I mean I knew it was a 4 cyl, but cmon. Ok, thats enough. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2007 CRV. Forget the Honda name and rep for quality, this is one seriously flawed and awful car. I have no idea if Honda has improved the CRV, but 2007 is an absolute zero. Google around for the problems I have listed here, you will find many others having the same (especially the trans and air). I wish i had found those before I bought.

• 

  2007 CRV - Believe me, youd rather walk - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tim.putz@gmail.com - May 30 - 5:27 pm

  Feel compelled to write a review, seldom do. I know that its probably too late for many, but this car must be avoided at all costs. I have a 2005 Pilot that is my all time favorite car with 267k on it and still running great with few repairs so I was a Honda loyalist, but this car moved me to Toyota. Known problems (I wish I knew them before I bought it) with: Air Conditioning - this will break thoroughly and completely, - 2k to replace Transmission - this will go out on you some time after 100k - 3k+ to replace. HVAC - this will break TPMS - this has never, ever, ever worked. And here is the worst part of this. When your TPMS light is burning brightly, like the 2007 CRV light will be, always, you cannot cancel stability control via some overthought, overengineered safety mechanism. However, this turns out to be pretty unsafe because if you are stuck in some deep snow and need to spin the tires a bit to get out, YOU CANT. The stability control will keep cutting the engine just as you gain some momentum. This turns your expensive AWD SUV into the handling equivalent of a 1969 Chevy Corvair with bald tires. There is no way to deal with this other than pulling the ABS/Stability control fuse. You will try to fix the TPMS light by replacing all sensors and that will work for a few days and then the light will go back on. This is a permanent condition with this car. Interior - the "leather" on the door armrest as well as the seat armrests will disintegrate. Mine started at 50k and is now completely shredded despite trying to repair before it got out of hand. You push the door open using the door armrest and it will just wear this cheap leather out in no time whatsoever. Brakes - I dont really know the story here, but this car seems to warp rotors faster than any other car I have owned. Maybe it is just bad luck (or bad driving!), so this may be piling on a bit because I loathe this car but I am going to say it. This car is a lean, mean, rotor warping machine, Performance - 4 cylinder getting only about 22 mpg. The car is an absolute dog, in fact my dog easily outperforms it. I mean I knew it was a 4 cyl, but cmon. Ok, thats enough. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2007 CRV. Forget the Honda name and rep for quality, this is one seriously flawed and awful car. I have no idea if Honda has improved the CRV, but 2007 is an absolute zero. Google around for the problems I have listed here, you will find many others having the same (especially the trans and air). I wish i had found those before I bought.

• 

  2007 CRV - Believe me, youd rather walk - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tim.putz@gmail.com - May 30 - 5:27 pm

  Feel compelled to write a review, seldom do. I know that its probably too late for many, but this car must be avoided at all costs. I have a 2005 Pilot that is my all time favorite car with 267k on it and still running great with few repairs so I was a Honda loyalist, but this car moved me to Toyota. Known problems (I wish I knew them before I bought it) with: Air Conditioning - this will break thoroughly and completely, - 2k to replace Transmission - this will go out on you some time after 100k - 3k+ to replace. HVAC - this will break TPMS - this has never, ever, ever worked. And here is the worst part of this. When your TPMS light is burning brightly, like the 2007 CRV light will be, always, you cannot cancel stability control via some overthought, overengineered safety mechanism. However, this turns out to be pretty unsafe because if you are stuck in some deep snow and need to spin the tires a bit to get out, YOU CANT. The stability control will keep cutting the engine just as you gain some momentum. This turns your expensive AWD SUV into the handling equivalent of a 1969 Chevy Corvair with bald tires. There is no way to deal with this other than pulling the ABS/Stability control fuse. You will try to fix the TPMS light by replacing all sensors and that will work for a few days and then the light will go back on. This is a permanent condition with this car. Interior - the "leather" on the door armrest as well as the seat armrests will disintegrate. Mine started at 50k and is now completely shredded despite trying to repair before it got out of hand. You push the door open using the door armrest and it will just wear this cheap leather out in no time whatsoever. Brakes - I dont really know the story here, but this car seems to warp rotors faster than any other car I have owned. Maybe it is just bad luck (or bad driving!), so this may be piling on a bit because I loathe this car but I am going to say it. This car is a lean, mean, rotor warping machine, Performance - 4 cylinder getting only about 22 mpg. The car is an absolute dog, in fact my dog easily outperforms it. I mean I knew it was a 4 cyl, but cmon. Ok, thats enough. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2007 CRV. Forget the Honda name and rep for quality, this is one seriously flawed and awful car. I have no idea if Honda has improved the CRV, but 2007 is an absolute zero. Google around for the problems I have listed here, you will find many others having the same (especially the trans and air). I wish i had found those before I bought.

• 

  Windstar Rules - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Coolperson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Gave me a ton of problems.

• 

  Not ready for Prime Time... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Thedogpack - April 10 - 3:44 am

  Wait another year until they figure out the quirks. There are some serious issues with the 9 speed transmission as well as a creaking issue the car has been back to the dealer for twice. I wanted so much to love this SUV but unfortunately there are some serious issues with the vehicle -Honda Engineering know about the creaking -The transmission accelerates when you are slowing (What the heck?) - Technology (radio) is very buggy - We have the Tech package. -Poor design when third row is folded - there is a big gap that makes loading difficult - No third row floor mat? Really, even on the touring? I paid 40K plus for a vehicle and I am treated as if I just walked off the street. I should have purchased the Infiniti! Buyers Remorse

• 

  Honda goes down hill - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Honda owner unfortunately - April 7 - 12:34 pm

  This is my 4th Honda and after owning this car for 5 months I truly will never buy another Honda again!!!! What a joke. I can5 even believe this carries the name Honda on it. I so disappointed with the car that Ive tried trading it 3 times and I would be losing a substantial amount of money. The car is uncomfortable on long rides, there is a rattling noise in the dash that just started last month and the service department cant fix it. The gas mileage is not what is on the window sticker. The acceleration on the highway is horrendous. The only good thing about the car is the exterior styling. Like they say never judge a book by its cover. What a mistake it was this time. Looks like I will be going American for the 1st time.

• 

  Disappotined - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Raguu - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I thought Id love the Honda. My last minivan was a Dodge and boy was I wrong. The biggest selling point is the fold down 3rd row and I think the reason is its the only thing better than the dodge!

• 

  HONDA FAILURE-Avoid-$34,000 Hybrid that semi works - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Renae - March 7 - 3:11 pm

  My brand new Hybid has been in the service center 10+ times. experience has been bought the car on Friday and returned it on Monday. Instead of 700 miles to a gas tank I got 440. Im always using gas instead of the battery as my battery never fully charges and drains extremely quick. I have talked to the Poway Dealership (dont ever buy a car with them) whos response is "thats how its supposed to work" and will no longer do service on it as they have already replace a module for the battery and the seat warmers, speakers as they were not working either and now it has a rattle. Honda really failed with this one. Now I have to look into Lemon Laws regarding my brand new purchase. Please save your money, time and lots of headaches and do not buy this car. Also Honda America refuses to help even though the car is brand new.