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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  Quality and reliable - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Larry Calhoun - August 26 - 7:10 pm

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  Overall good vehicle, but some annoying items - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By DD - August 26 - 4:13 pm

  Overall, I am happy with the Honda Pilot, and would recommend. However, because of some of the items noted below, I am not able to give a rating higher than 3 stars. I really wanted to purchase the EX-L trim with V6. But ending up purchasing the Touring trim. With respect to the EX-L trim. Why is Honda forcing the consumer to select between one of: Honda Sense, navigation, or rear entertainment? These three options can not be combined on the EX-L. A Honda salesman tried to convince me that built-in navigation is no longer necessary with addition of Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you have ever traveled to rural areas without cellphone data coverage, youll understand the need for built-in navigation. The Honda Lane Watch. If this is such a great feature, why doesnt the Elite have two cameras (both driver and passenger sides)? Instead, the Elite adds real Blind Spot detection feature. I would much rather have the blind spot detection with large illuminated icon on the side mirrors, instead of the Honda Lane Watch. If the majority of your turns are in the right lane, you will quickly understand the annoyance (dont need to see grass or sidewalk). An illuminated icon on the side mirror is quick for the driver to process. Whereas, the "Honda Lane Watch" requires the driver to remove their eyes from the road, and look at the in dash monitor to determine if there is a car in the lane. The main point of safety features is to help the driver focus on the road. Which "Honda Lane Watch" doesnt, because you have to watch live video feed and make decision. The Touring and Elite has Engine Stop feature. The Honda Pilot isnt a hybrid like Toyota Prius, so not sure why Honda engineers felt this feature was necessary. Really annoying in stop-and-go city traffic. When you come to a complete stop, the engine shuts down. There is capability to disable Engine Stop, but must be disabled each time you start the car. In 2017, a lot of manufactures offer the motion activated rear lift gate. This should be included at the Touring and Elite trims. If you dont care about connectivity (Andriod Auto or Apple CarPlay), go with model year 2016. It is the exact same as 2017, without connectivity. I can confirm what has been said in other reviews: the active safety features are overly sensitive, and shifting is rough at low speeds.

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  Totally disappointed with CRV-EX-L - 2017 Honda CR V
  By cycruz - August 26 - 9:48 am

  The CRV uses more gas than expected. I am getting 27 miles/gallon in econo mode which leaves me with low power. Getting on the freeway in econo mode takes time but I dont want to have gas mileage lower than that. The gas tank is very small. When gas is getting low, you get a low fuel message and cant see how many miles you have left on the tank. The controls on the screen are impossible to see especially when the sun is shining on the touch screen. Sometimes it goes dim and you cant see the controls to change the AC or entertainment system at all. Or what they call an entertainment system. No CD player at all! The radio doesnt even play local stations that my 10- year old car played fine. The FM goes in and out and is really useless. You have to pay for Sirius to get any stations. But why pay for commercials?? The car is not worth the price I paid for it. I wish I had test driven it longer and checked out the controls better. If you use the USB for example to play a book, the order in which it plays does not follow the order of the book. It is ridiculous. Update: Several months later, still feel the same about not being impressed at all and do not recommend buying a 2017 CRV.

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  Nice Second Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Stan - August 26 - 5:46 am

  Overall very pleased with the Crosstour. We like the styling and the convenience of the hatchback. The car is comfortable to drive. So far - so good. The limited rear visibility tempers after a few drives. One learns to use the mirrors much more than other SUVs. The smaller cargo capacity does not matter to us as we have a larger SUV as our primary vehicle (Acura MDX).

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  8 Hondas and this will be our last.. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Calandra - August 26 - 5:37 am

  The good: Safety features, interior space / cargo volume, engine power The bad: Infotainment is slow and buggy, floaty handling. The ugly: Honda quality (or lack there of). Jerky 9 speed transmission that "surges" in certain down hill driving conditions - Safety issue! The vehicle has a highway vibration issue that the dealer cant figure out. Honda could care lees and claims its "normal". Paint quality - my dealer bought back the first one we purchased from them because of 30+ "spots" in the clear coat. Honda was going to pay to have 75% of the vehicle repainted, but we refused. The first vehicle didnt have the vibration problem and still Honda tells us they all do it, so its a "normal characteristic of the vehicle." Im guessing its VCM related, but Its hard to say when Honda wont help. We had "normal" vibration issues on both a 2009 and 2012 and both ended up requiring engine work at under 70k miles. Should have known better.

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  Honest Opinion - 1997 Honda Passport
  By David22 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Here are the problems that I encountered: power windows regulators kept going out & noisey lifters during colder seasons. I did research and found that the noisey lifters are a common theme with these vehicles, but no recall existed. I decided to get rid of the vehicle since different noises started to occur sporadically from the engine and no shop could diagnose the problem. I was concerned about reliability and longevity. Overall, if the vehicle didnt have the engine problems, I would still own this vehicle. Other than build quality issues, I loved the vehicle styling.

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  160,000K and still going stron - 1990 Honda Accord
  By DP Chicago - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The Honda LX Accord is a great car. Always reliable, very dependable. Only item Ive had to fix is the struts. This car just wont stop... If you are looking for a realiable car, think Honda. Theyre not the most stylish car, but will definitely be the most durable, reliable car youll own.

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  I love my Insight - most fun yet - 2002 Honda Insight
  By P.A.Ewing - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying my new Insight. I have had many people talk to me at stop lights, etc. The technology seems to fascinate them. I have only three criticisms: Upholstery snags easily - its good looking, but I expect to drive a car 10 years. I think I may have to replace the upholstery or seats before my 10 years is up. Gas mileage is about 41-42 mpg - it may be due to the extreme heat in Texas & the constant need for air conditioning. Ill see how we do this winter. As I remember, last winter I was getting 48-49 mpg. Speakers could be a better quality.

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  The perfect secondary vehicle - 2002 Honda S2000
  By s2kterpnut - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Perfect non-primary car for top-down, sporting fun. Everything one would expect from a first-rate sports car: powerful high-reving engine, great handling, rigid chassis, good brakes and sticky tires. Manual tranny, rough ride, noise and limited storage make this a poor daily commuter though.

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  Cant go wrong - 2007 Honda Civic
  By J & K - August 26 - 1:26 am

  Purchased in May, already 4000 miles (two long road trips), couldnt be happier. Yes, there are faster, flashier cars out there, but for overall practicality you just cant beat the Civic. Were actually looking at getting another. Its true, close to 40 mpg on the highway, about 30 or so in town. Granted, it doesnt have the pep that some may desire, but heck, its a 4-cylinder! The power, however, is plenty sufficient for merging onto the freeway, driving uphill, etc. And did I mention the gas mileage!? The EX of course has the sunroof as well as stereo controls on the steering wheel. The mp3 jack is a great feature as well. Honda is just doing it right. We love it.