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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  BUYER BEWARE - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ashley Chalmers - August 3 - 10:11 am

  Do not buy 2008-2010 Honda accords! There is a defect with the engine. You can read about it here http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1713-honda-accord-oil-defect-class-action-lawsuit/ I bought my car "gently" used 7 months ago and am having all of these issues. Honda was kind enough to replace my engine block, but all other damages and bills incurred BECAUSE of the initial issue with the engine fall back on me. Cause Im the sucker who purchased a vehicle from a "reputable" dealership, trusting that theyd put me in something SAFE and RELIABLE. I learned my lesson. Currently looking at trade in value of my vehicle. Will NEVER purchase Honda again.

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  2015 Model was worth waiting for! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gerrit - August 3 - 1:31 am

  I have been waiting to get a new vehcile for awhile and had it narrowed down to the rav4 or the crv. After test driving the crv with the new cvt and direct injection. There was no comparison for the value that offers. Its quiet, reliable and gets good gas mileage for being the AWD model. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one. I have more standard features suxh as Bluetooth audio and a backup camera then a bmw 3 series. Also about the cvt vibrations, they are hardly noticeable and not at all a dealbreaker.

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  My Last Car Was A BMW - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Ray Sheldon - August 2 - 7:42 pm

  Had the BMW for 13 years and loved the car, but the maintenance became an issue. Bought the 2014 Accord EX with 15,000 miles on it and have had it for 4-5 months now. Two road trips and daily use. Mileage on the road trips averaged 36...around town its less as one would expect. The car is more of an appliance than something which elicits emotions one way or the other. That said, it has some pleasant surprises which were unexpected. back up and the right turn cameras are very helpful. We hadnt experienced bluetooth before and like it a lot. Otherwise no real surprises. Things we like: Fit and finish is excellent. Its a bit spartan but everything is where it should be. Well designed and engineered in this respect. Good storage in the trunk and elsewhere. Carries two golf bags sideways which was a criteria. Large information screen for on-board functions. Love the two cameras. As a result, there are no blind spots. CVT transmission is great. I like the S drive function to help brake going down some of the hills and mountains nearby. Bluetooth is a good thing...plays music from my phone, telephone is hands free, and the navigation system on my phone talks to us through the radio. Keyless entry and starting function is great. Ive left my keys in the car while trying to lock it on several occasions, and it wont let me do so...which I appreciate. Hill stopper works great on the aforementioned hills and mountains. Minor Minuses Seats are a bit uncomfortable on long trips. More road noise than Im used to but less than my daughters CRV...can live with it easily. Acceleration is modest at best...but, at the end of the day, it does get up to speed without much fuss. The fold down rear seats dont fully recline. The trunk cavity into the passenger cabin is quite small.

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  honda seats still suck after all these years - 2015 Honda Accord
  By jay - August 2 - 12:17 pm

  Owner 07/13&15 models exl leather. Great cars except for one major issue THE SEATS SUCK. How can honda consistently screw up such a basic feature ? Who the hell cares if the seats last two thousand years if you cant sit in the damn things for five miles without back ache ? I am amazed that with THOUSANDS of complaints online every year they do the same stupid thing year in and year out.....

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  Annoying vibration!!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By LDM - August 2 - 9:32 am

  When at a stop the vehicle has an annoying vibration........Honda please fix!!!!!!!

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  15 years going strong - 2001 Honda S2000
  By ESTEBAN - July 31 - 9:06 pm

  Have had this car since new, mostly a weekend cruiser or summer, store it for winters, only 30,000 miles. Love everything about the car, but as I get in my older years would enjoy something a little more softer, years of football and basketball have taken a toll on the joints and this car is not forgiving, a true sports car. Only been in for one repair at Honda besides usual service, how is that for 15 years>

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  No concerns whatsoever with this 15 Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By HondaDad - July 31 - 1:26 pm

  Im getting 34 mpg with a mixture of city and highway driving. Comfortable ride. Its pushing 100 degrees daily in Memphis right now, and the A/C is strong on this little car. I use it to commute about 50 miles per day. The tech is great. Great car for the money.

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  2014 pilot - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Sam - July 31 - 11:01 am

  I love this vehicle!!! If you want a pilot dont get a base model go with the add- ons .We had many vehicles and I will say Ive been impressed with the pilot the most . If you take a little bit of time to set up radio, phone, gps WOW!! Towing isnt a problem for me and I tow (outdoor toys rzr, grizzly ,and 2 smaller atvs on my trailer ) . Not a problem and I have gone up Nittany mountain with ease . Kids enjoy the videos and can even play video games with the 120v outlet and easy access video /audio inputs. The lighted steps make it easy to get in and out at night. The dealership is definitely very good as well and we will probably be back for another later on down the line. And if you like being outdoor get them to throw in a tent that attachs to the back it does it all! !

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  2012 Honda Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By JoJo91 - July 30 - 9:56 pm

  Great, solid vehicle. I had this car for closing in on two years and it never gave me an issue. I purchased it with 7700 miles and put nearly 33,000 miles on with not a single major problem. The biggest issue I had was having to change a fuse. Great car, took me and my sibling from New Mexico to Nevada with not a single hesitation. Drove it 70 MPH is pouring rain and there wasnt a single near accident scare. I loved the heck out of this car and I miss it every day. Never gave me a problem, gave me great gas mileage, and still got many compliments over our year and eight months together. This car was my baby and I think I will always miss it. He got totaled in an accident and I was (and still am) devastated. Airbags deployed perfectly- no question. Great car. I would highly recommend.

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  Best vehicle ever! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By CK - July 30 - 7:04 pm

  I bought new 9/06. This SUV has everything- comfort and capacity, you can haul a lot! This pilot grew with my family! Ive hauled 7 kids...5 kids and their stuff...multiple hockey bags and the hockey kids! We grew up through sports, summer and winter. The reliability of this car has been amazing! Because it will be 10 next year, I have started looking at maybe a new car. I cannot find anything out there that may hold a candle to this SUV. I didnt even mention that this baby got me through a few of the worst winters in Michigan history!!! In a foot+ of snow...I only put it in 4WD to back out my drive...then off and away through about 18" in 2!!! If you only had the 2 wheel version- you would be fine in very deep snow. It handles unbelievably well. Once on a very narrow snow covered road after bad storm there wasnt enough room for an oncoming car to pass...I pulled into the "bank" on the side of the road with the hope "we can do this"...and other car passed and I "plowed" through!! On my way again in 2WD! As everyone has said- the only maintenance...normal, brakes, tires...and very recently an alternator. The warning light went off- my husband checked- it was the alternator. He and my son changed it out for about $200! (It wasnt do-it-yourself super easy...but they managed) and we continue off every day like the "energizer bunny"! Mileage is mediocre...but considering all this vehicle has delivered over 9 years, I can forgive some frequent fill ups! Honda if you are listening- clone this vehicle...it is one of the best ever!