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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  Made in England - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Gilmore - May 30 - 3:47 am

  Assembled in Great Britain first strike worse car for repairs I ever had . 5 warrantee recalls for cables ignition key cant remember them all. 3 throttle bodies replaced, and a/c under warrantee so no cost, in az. U need a/c. Bought it primarily to tow behind rv ,for that it was great . Mileage good acceleration so,so. Kind of a slug. Still have it after 13 years so all the problems were tollererable . And will get another one its perfect for my wife. had the o-2 sensor replaced car running like new . a/c struggling in the 100+ heat in az.

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  Honda - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By steve ballou - May 30 - 2:34 am

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  Noise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Barry S. - May 29 - 4:32 pm

  CONS::: (1) too much noise when riding. you can hear the outside noise from traffic. (2) brakes make a creaking sound. dealership says its normal due to weather. (3) the parking/backup camera is blurred when it rains so you really cant see what is behind you. makes this feature more or less useless. (4) front drivers seat gets uncomfortable if riding for any length of time. (5) CD player setup is kinda "dumb". you have to push the button to raise the display screen to get access to the CD slot. (6) USB ports are inside the center console. hard to utilize. PROS: (1) good gas mileage, we averaged 32mpg on an extended trip. (2) looks good, good lines and style on the body. (3) price was OK.

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  Little less than expected - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By cvb - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Had a Civic. Ran for 250,000 carefree miles. Odyssey is comfortable and roomy. Problems: ~ Has constant knock. Dealer says Honda only wants us to use Chevron gas per internal memo. ~ Sliding door seals had to be replaced due to sticking. ~ Needed front brakes at 30,000 miles likely due to vehicle weight. Numerous brake sensor errors. ~ Various trim flaws requiring trips to dealer. ~ Pulls to the right but dealer swears it is due to the crown in the road. Uneven tire wear. ~ Rough shifting in certain situations. ~ Radio controls blocked by gear shift column.

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  Great, but a few minor things - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By fugetabadit - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Hasnt let me down yet... but, Gas mileage isnt as high as Id hoped and radio is so far away.

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  Vehicle pulls to the right - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By irmermaid - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I noticed on the way home from picking it up that it pulled to the right. The dealer has had it twice-aligned it twice-once with the additional spec from corporat. I cannot drive it yet without it wandering to the next lane, on any road, at any speed. I am only getting 18 mpg. The dealer said it would take 10,000 miles to break in the engine, and would not address the low mpg. There is only 700 miles on the vehicle. I have now noticed quite a few other people having this problem, with no real solution from Honda Corporate. This is my third Honda, and I cannot honestly recommend the CRV-EX to anyone, even though I am sure there are many satisfied customers out there.

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  Simply the best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cone - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Drive it you will love it. SUV $10,000 more are not as good as this. All around a greay vehicle.

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  Honda CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jon0296 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for the money. Fun to drive and so far it has lived up to Hondas reputation of great reliability and value.

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  Good overall SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By xitrum - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive already put down the 2G for the MDX. When the Pilot came out and a friend working at a Honda dealership told me about a cancellation, I promptly snapped it up. I had a Chevy Blazer in the past and that was a nightmare. My wife and I took the Pilot up to Mackinac Island in Michigan over the Labor Day weekend. Its big enough that we didnt need to rent a motel. We got a campsite and didnt even pitch our tent. We simply folded down the seats and we got a queen-size bed. From Chicago, the trip is about 1000 miles (round trip) and we spent a less than $65 in gas. I guess we were averaging over 25 miles/gallon. Overall, I really like this vehicle.

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  customer loyalty? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wouldbuy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Test drove and like it a lot. But, the dealers are simply too arrogant with pricing and not willing to find the vehicle I want. Charging $900 for Lojack and $3000+ for packages with paint sealer, wheel locks, mud flaps and cross bars? That is simply not a fair deal when I am someone that as bought 3 Hondas before. I may have bought my last. Too many other SUVs at better deals with same or better functions, etc. Will not buy a Pilot unless the Honda attitude changes. This exlpains why they are not in the top 10 with buying process satisfaction.