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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  Probably the wisest choice - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By applesnkids - May 15 - 11:25 pm

  We only have two kids and still chose this minivan after a TON of research. Overall, Im very happy with the van and it was probably the best choice. That being said, I sometimes wish I would have gotten something way more exciting -- but thats not really where my life is at the moment. When I drive by myself, its zero fun. When the van is full, it feels right for our family. Considering the other options out there including a plethora of SUVs, this is a solid choice and the best one out there. Its easy sliding doors, plenty of room, well laid-out for the most part, mellow drive. If I had three kids, I dont think Id look at anything else. Its a perfect beach/surfing vehicle.

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  Great Car for the Money - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By rockchalk7 - May 12 - 3:53 pm

  I got this car in 2010 with about 135k on it and drove it for 4 years and added about 30k miles. Overall, it was a great car. Lack of power is my main complaint - you had to floor it to get up a hill or pass someone, and it sometimes took the transmission forever to shift. The car couldnt maintain its speed on steep hills at all. My 2011 CR-V has eliminated these problems. I also didnt get as good of gas mileage as one would expect, but it is an SUV after all. Noisy ride. Several electrical problems including faulty power windows and locks - we finally traded it in because the car often wouldnt start and we believed it to be electrical. Nevertheless, I miss it!

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  love the crv engine - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By robfromde - May 9 - 9:59 am

  Went from an 08 Odyssey LX to the CRV EX. This is my 3rd Honda. Ive always loved how Honda engines rev up so smoothly. This one is great, and shifts quickly. Its ride is firm, but normal for an SUV. Lots of storage in back, and plenty of leg room for all.

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  Surprising Choice! - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By hrdrive - May 8 - 12:45 am

  My husband and I wanted to upgrade to a larger, safer, 4-door vehicle. We looked at smaller SUVs and station wagons. In fact, we almost bought the Subaru Outback 3.6R, however the gas mileage was not impressive at all. Our FJ Cruiser gets better gas mileage than that. And the quality was...ok. We happened to pass by a Honda dealership and seen the Crosstour out front. I had to test it out and to my surprise, it was everything we wanted and more. What a comfortably smooth ride! I have been averaging 23-27 mpg, depending on traffic. The interior is incredibly comfortable and the looks of Crosstour is very sleek. I feel like I am driving a very expensive, luxury car.

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  One of the Best SUVs out there! - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By ldecastro1 - May 4 - 12:41 pm

  Before we purchased our 2012 Honda Pilot, we test drove all of the top similar-sized SUVs. For appearance, comfort, space, 4x4 capability, and handling we decided to go with the Pilot. First, let me tell you that the Pilot is one of the most comfortable cars that I have ever driven. The heated leather seats rival even my sofa in comfort. The back seats also recline and the third row offer regular-sized seats. The car handles very well in all kinds of weather (we live in Vermont) and tackles our summer pot holes and severe winter storms with ease. We have 20,000 miles on our Pilot and this car has been 100% reliable. The fuel economy is great for a car this heavy and big.

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  An Update to my 1st Review - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jessbarnett85 - May 2 - 11:01 am

  I have a 2013 Honda Civic LX with a little over 10,000 miles on it now. Let me tell you, my average full economy in South Florida heat with use of Eco mode most of the time, is averaging between 30-31 per each tank. If I drive on long highway trips around 65pmg with ECO mode on, it averages around 44mpg, which is excellent! The only thing I dont like about ECO mode is that it is embarassingly slow off the line. While the A/C is slightly effected while in this mode, it doesnt seem weak, even with 89 degrees outside. Its a great car for the money. I wouldnt have done it any other way, just wish I had springed for the EX.

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  2010 EX just turned 4 - still AOK I guess - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dixinormus - May 1 - 8:23 pm

  Happy with it overall. Ive always liked it more than the cheap plastic hubcAPS2011 restyled Prius. However, I do not like that with EX model, all you are getting is alloy wheels instead of cheap plastic hubcaps. No sunroof and no leather interior.....for an EX model, please? Dealer said it was vital to keep costs down in order to attract more Prius lookers - ok fine but I say dont use "EX" then....i.e. dont say its an EX with cloth seats, no moonroof, fog lights or navigation, dear.

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  Japanese Interpretation of Italian Sports Car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By silver02m5 - May 1 - 2:14 pm

  If you are looking for something that follows the "typical Honda" model, then you should look elsewhere. Pretty much everything about this car, from the low roofline, to the seating position, to the engine character screams Italian. All Hondas need to be revved up to make power, but this one is even more extreme. Even the design of the valvetrain, with the valves set into "buckets" in the head is identical to that of an Alfa Romeo. The seats are comfortable and supportive , but be prepared to extend your arms while your legs straddle the wheel if you are over 6 foot. The build quality is excellent, but the low production numbers show in only average reliability (not Honda-typical).

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  bring back a manual transmission in the CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By white_tea - May 1 - 10:22 am

  would love to see a manual transmission brought backn in the CR-V. would like to see the AC unit moved back like the 2008 2009 2010 models. Why consumers arent wising up is beyond me. Who wants AC blowing on their hand all the time - thats why I gave the interior design a 2, otherwise, pretty perfect vehicle. Would like to see the sun visors with a pull-out mechanism like in the toyota camry. There is NO protection from the sun in this 2014 CR-V. Zero.... get a towel because youre going to need one. need to work on the visibility out of the vehicle on all viewing - sides & rear.

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  Significant Road Noise - 2014 Honda Accord
  By sam3840 - April 24 - 7:43 pm

  The road noise is so great in my $32,000 Honda Accord that my husband will not travel with me. I went to Winter Haven FL Honda dealer about the road noise when traveling above 60mph. In short.. They said I had to live with it because it was the nature of the car. My 2006 Honda Accord did not have this type of road noise.