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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  Another Great Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim Pasio - August 22 - 7:42 am

  We love our new CRV, We havent experienced any vibrations at all with it. It has been absolutely perfect on long trips, and for my wifes daily commuter for work. Plenty of power, stable in the wind, build quality is spectacular, no squeaks, or rattles. Were getting 31 mpg on the highway (Got 36 on our trip to San Diego). The transmission shifts smoothly, and the seats are really comfortable, especially on my bad back. It is not the prettiest of the small SUVs, but compared to the others we drove, it was the roomiest. Negatives? The back seats could be more comfortable for adults, and the Bluetooth hookup, especially on my Samsung s5 is a pain. Other than that, we really love this car.

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  It pays for itself in time and money saved! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ray - August 21 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this car in November 2014 from a dealer for a slightly high price of $10,000. The reason being the condition and mileage of the car, it was like buying a 2 year old car even though it was almost 10 tears old! The car was immaculate, owned by UCLA University in Los Angeles, California, and had been fleet maintained since new. I was already familiar with NGV vehicles, having driven one in my job, so I had no qualms about buying it. The car had only 30,800 miles and I have now driven it 15,000 trouble-free miles in 9 months! The Pros I average 35 mpgs in traffic and I pay $1.85 a ggl for natural gas at the local city yard, $1.46 a ggl at the neighboring city yard and...the price is stable, doesnt fluctuate like gasoline prices. Also, in California, I get to use the HOV lanes without a passenger AND, some toll roads are free to use for us "greenies". Now the Cons The fuel tanks are huge and take up a large amount of the trunks but, this a commuter car, not a travel car although some people have used it for that purpose. Although the tanks appear huge, they only hold the equivalent of 6.5 gallons of gasoline and so your mileage between fill ups is reduced to between 150 miles and maximum 200 miles, depending on your driving habits. The car interiors for this model year GX is pretty Spartan at best. Although it does have A/C, am/fm/cd, power windows, steering, and brakes, thats pretty much it! No navi, no leather, no tinted windows, no sunroof, no nothing else unlike the newer GX models. In all, I have to say that it is a great commuter car that gets you from point A to point B quickly and cheaply.

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  Great Van - Reliable and Works Every Time - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DonM3Z - August 21 - 6:26 pm

  The van has been one of the most reliable vehicles we have owned. We have traveled across the country with it a few times with no problems and it is a solid performer during the harsh winters in Chicago. We purchased the van used 5 years ago with 110,000 miles and it currently has 150,000 miles. During those 40,000 miles we have not had any transmission problems and aside from preventive maintenance and tires the only things we have had to replace were: battery, rear hub, oxygen sensor, oil pan gasket and sway bar links. I keep very detailed records of all the maintenance and our annual cost to maintain this van has averaged only $800/ year. Not bad for a car that is fully paid for! The interior is very roomy and we can haul a ton of stuff. The quality of the interior is top notch as it has held up very well to the abuse of our three kids, dog, and numerous trips to the hardware store. The technology is not the best since it is a 15 year old van now, but a Pioneer aftermarket stereo fixed all of that. Our van now has bluetooth audio for our iPhones and handsfree calling. The exterior is in great shape and the paint still holds a nice shine. Personally I think the 99-04 years is one of the nicest designs among all the Odysseys. There are a couple of small rust spots along the rear wheel wells, but no complaints here given that we live in the rust belt. Overall, we have been extremely happy with our van and plan to drive it another 50,000 or 70,000 miles. After that we will purchase another Odyssey - perhaps an EX-L this time.

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  Worth the Wait - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie - August 21 - 11:37 am

  I bought my new 2015 CR-V in June 2015. I was very skeptical about purchasing a CR-V after reading so many reviews about the vibration problem. I have not experienced any problems with the vibration, what I have experienced is the wonderful gas mileage with my eco boost, the quality of the CR-V & great storage room. I enjoy being able to see out so well. I owned an 03 Accord for almost 13 years when I traded in June. I got a great deal & no vibration problem.

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  carefully think to buy from honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe - August 21 - 12:16 am

  i bought the car 3 weeks , the fog lamp glass broken,,if the screen glass maybe easy broken when you driving on the highway,,so be carefully to think about buy this honda car

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  Terrible road noise - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gary Benson - August 20 - 11:17 pm

  Terrible road noise above 40 mph. On rubberized asphalt noise is ok, but on normal roads its terrible. I have been a autobody tech. for 40 years, worked for Honda several times and have owned several used Honda cars. Honda has a Great reputation, but I wish I would have done a longer road test. I wont have bought it. Also gas mileage 26.8 city and 27.6 highway ?

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  probably my last Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Ginger Davis - August 20 - 4:14 pm

  After owning EIGHT previous Hondas in this family (several Civics, Accord, CRV, even one previous Pilot), this one has convinced me to look at other cars. Its either a lemon or Hondas just arent made like they once were. I have had many, many minor annoyances and a couple major ones that have cost us a fortune. Its been to the dealership FOUR times for a problem that still isnt corrected despite several claims that it was just the sensor so they adjusted it, then it needed parts which I bought and paid for labor to replace with no difference...and we still have the issue with the back hatch. We also have horribly squeaky brake-like sounds when backing out of our inclined driveway which they cant figure out or fix. And the biggee was something that was actually recalled and, despite always taking this car which was under warranty only to the dealership for service in order to be covered without a doubt for years, I wasnt told about until I took it somewhere else. That shop took me and showed me that it was leaked fluids from some joints behind the front wheels and they easily found a service notification for my model and suggested I take it to the dealer that had always serviced it because "they would have to cover it since they were the only ones that touched it while it was under warranty". Well, guess what...they knew that was a problem but didnt mention it WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY because it wasnt bad enough yeah, waiting until it progresses and is NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY seems legit. Im done with Battema Honda in OKC and probably Honda altogether. Maybe going to check out Toyotas this time around.

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  Ok but sometime Vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kyle zheng - August 20 - 3:43 pm

  I bought EXL trim about 2 weeks ago and i really saw vibration on my passenger seat (shaking) when i stopped in front of red light. Since then, i pay extra attention every time when i stop, i only can say it really happens sometimes, not all the time. One more thing i wanna mention is that the mileage for me only 15.2mpg all city drive. That was kinda disappointing. I hope after break in period it will gets better.

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  Great car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Allen S. - August 20 - 11:20 am

  Over the years I have had many experiences of getting in a car only to find it doesnt start or that there is to be some surprise down the road as I drive - surprises that are inconvenient and costly, specifically, broken parts plus labor. This car has lasted the test of time. I get it in and it always starts. I have maintained it very well. It has 305,000 miles and is still going strong with no major repairs except a new water pump. I hope to go beyond 400,000 miles and believe it will do so. It doesnt have the power it used to but I am gentle with it. Best car I have ever owned. I will NEVER own another GM product again (our familys other two cars).

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  Honda pilot 2015 - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By abraham - August 19 - 9:21 pm

  This is the first time I bought Honda vehicle and this will be the last and I will not buy any more Honda vehicles . The brake system is not good and slow pick up and cheap interior . My other vehicles are Toyota when I compare this pilot with my other vehicles I felt toyota vehicles are much more precise and responsive.