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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  Nineth Honda and The Best so Far - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Bracken - July 30 - 5:17 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its been awesome in every way. Ive owned nine Hondas (Accord, Prelude, 4 Civics and a Honda GL1800 Goldwing along with several other Honda motorcycles.) Of the Hondas Ive owned over the years, this one is the pinnacle. It looks better, runs better, feels better and made better than the rest. Not only do I feel that way compared to the other Hondas Ive owned, but all the American cars Ive owned over the years as well as current vehicles priced tens of thousands of dollars more. This is a VERY practical vehicle that Im proud of in terms of just how good it is made compared to others. Honda and Toyota are the elites of quality and longevity. The key here is "will this car still be running in 10-15 years?" With Honda or Toyota, you better believe it. On the mileage side, if "Ergo" mode is off, the engine is very peppy, but the mileage really goes down. However with "Ergo" mode on, my mileage has consistently been 31-33 MPG average. Almost as good as my 2006 Civic. My drive is mostly highway back and forth to work. However for an SUV thats great! Road noise is only an issue on grated pavement, otherwise its pretty quiet and I have NEVER experienced any rough idle. Could have been an issue on the earlier year models. Honda has appeared to have fixed it on the production line if it was an issue. Mine is smooth as silk with over 1500 miles on it now. I also have a new Toyota Camry XLE with the 2.5L 4 and its rougher than this CR-V. If youre used to the smoothness of a V6 or a V8 and youve just moved to a 4 cylinder engine, well its pretty normal to have a slight rough idle. Ive had Chevy 4 cylinders (Grand Am, Chevette and a Monza) as well that were a little rough at idle. This CR-V is extremely smooth for a 4. The interior quality is terrific and frankly much better than my earlier Hondas. I buy vehicles to last. Every Honda Ive owned had well over 100K miles on them when I sold them. I usually keep a car 10 years and this CR-V is no exception. Oh, and when you go to sell Hondas, they usually take less than a day to sell on Craigs list. Not to mention youll get top dollar too. :-) Heres to a long relationship with one of the best vehicles Ive owned so far.

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  Grandama demanded the Civic VIP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Davie Boy - July 30 - 8:03 am

  This model is a good used choice car for those looking for basic transportation. Replacement parts availability is excellent. Heads-up - this car has a timing belt which requires replacement at 105,000 miles (not a chain). I would only buy a used civic that has less then 55,000 miles. Back in 2004 my 80 year old mother needed a new car and demanded the CIVIC with manual windows so I got her a brand new 2004 VIP. The car cost $15,000 OTD with no trade-in. It is a very basic car but thats what she wanted. Since then she has put only 12,000 miles on it and the only time it was in the shop was for the airbag recall. It runs and drives like new after 11 years. This car feels quite "tinny" although its fit and finish are flawless. The designers clearly focused on interior room, fuel efficiency, reliability and the drivers outward visibility. The designers sacrificed suspension, breaking, acceleration, cornering/steering, cabin soundproofing and the overall fun driving experience. The rear suspension, in particular, has been crammed into a small space to make the trunk bigger, yielding an oddly bouncy ride. The rear brakes are drum which make for very poor stopping capability and the single overhead cam engine is quite pathetic. That said, its amazingly reliable, economical, well assembled, easy to drive with excellent outward visibility and boring - which is, apparently, what must drivers demand judging from this cars popularity.

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  Reliable safe car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By AveriDav - July 29 - 3:08 pm

  This car is amazing. Ive put 100k miles on it and havent had ONE ISSUE. Its extremely safe and roomy and GREAT gas mileage. By far the best car Ive ever owned!

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  extremely reliable - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jim Mehlich - July 29 - 8:48 am

  I have owned 2 honda accords the current one is a 2006 six cylinder. My wife loves it she feels very safe driving it. She got rear ended in our first honda and walked away with out a scratch. I was totally impressed by that. Jim M

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  Great reviews not justified - strike 2 - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jerry king - July 28 - 6:39 pm

  I bought a 2011 CRV because we I wanted a quality vehicle before I retired. I wanted something that should last a long time with minimal maintenance. Before I retired, I want to purchase a vehicle of good quality and low maintenance. This is definitely not what I thought I had purchased. I had to replace the tires at 17,000 miles, Honda puts on junk tires just to get them off the lot. Putting on good tires on was $700 and now at 24,500 miles the airbag light stays on and I am told for $650 they can repair it. ( I also had a 2008 Accord that required new rear tires and brakes at 30,000 miles.) If I have another repair (other than normal wear and tear, brakes and etc.) the car will be going down the road. Honda is definitely not the quality vehicle that everyone seems to think they think.

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  My first bad car. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Robert - July 28 - 3:46 pm

  The car rides good but way to many features going bad early. Have replaced the visors 3 times now, replaced the starter at 70 miles and the cost was over $500, replaced both front speakers, the interior ceiling cloth has come lose and is hanging down completely now, very loud road noise when traveling. I wish I had purchased another car now. Im sorry to say but this will be my last Honda, their quality is no longer their..

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  Huge car value itty bitty trunk opening - 2015 Honda Accord
  By F.A.Newsom - July 28 - 3:00 pm

  Id like to give this model 5 stars, but there is one rather large problem: the Honda Accord has a nice BIG trunk but a tiny trunk opening. We cant get either of our ice chests into the trunk. We can put the chest into the back seat, but I dont know what people with kids in the back seat will do.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - July 28 - 2:51 pm

  Overall, I love this car. I wasnt too thrilled the first week. The VCM (variable cylinder management) system is kinda clunky and going from a smooth CVT to this led me to believe I was having transmission issues. This is not the smoothest SUV. It does great in every other gear but when I hit 20mph and downshift into 1st gear (I believe) there is an audible clunk that you can feel. It was a little annoying but only because I previously owned a Ford Explorer with tranny issues that started similarly to this. After taking it in to be looked at, it was explained to me that this is normal. With the car constantly turning off and on 3 cylinders, it does make the ride "less smooth" but you get better fuel economy in exchange. I will say that its a great highway cruiser with lots of nooks, crannies and cargo space. The A/C blows cold as soon as you start it up! (Even in the hot VA summer.) I love the interior of the new pilot. Its a huge step up. The interior is a little dated. I wouldve waited a couple weeks and bought a 2016 but I dont want a mini van. Which is what all new SUVs look like nowadays. I had to choose between interior aesthetics or exterior aesthetics and I chose exterior. I want my SUV to look like a SUV. Not a mini van. So, I chose the 2015 instead and got the square body SUV I know and love, but at the price of a dated interior. I do love this car. Aside from the VCM, I will say braking distance is poor, but its s great vehicle overall. If the 2016 Pilot kept the same body style but updated the interior to what it is now, I wouldve bought a 2016 in a second. This looks like the last true SUV in the market Ill ever be able to afford. I turned down a 2015 Pathfinder strictly due to the mini van design. Had the pathfinder kept true to its SUV design, Id be the owner of one right now. I understand gas mileage is important. Especially this day and age. But, me personally... Id rather sacrifice a few mpg and have a real SUV, not a minivanified SUV. Overall a great car. It has it quirks but its super reliable and super comfortable and looks like a real SUV. What more could you ask for. Id give it a solid B+ overall. Now is the time to buy a 2015 Pilot. With the new 2016, lots of dealerships are offering their 2015 models far below invoice price. The pilot has always been outside of my budget, but the 2016 Pilots new designed changed that for me and allowed me to buy a car I could never afford. Thats the only thing I like about the 2016 Pilot.

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  Honda oddsy 2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kinnari patel - July 28 - 10:39 am

  If we go to Honda they didnt even tell there is recall for transmission

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  168,000 miles and more to come - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Ashlynne Danbury - July 28 - 6:24 am

  I bought my 1992 Honda Accord with 123,000 miles in February of 2012. It now has 168,000 miles and keeps on chugging. Surprisingly comfortable ride, easy visibility in front and back, peppy 4 cylinder motor, and decent gas mileage for its age. With a car of this age, its difficult to tell if problems are due to design flaws or previous owners. The dash light knob is touchy and you have to turn it just right to get the lights to stay on, a minor inconvenience. One of the rear seatbelts doesnt work, as if its stuck all the way out. The trunk leaks when it rains. Ive had the front drivers side floor board leak very occasionally, when it rains just right. A/C has never worked, although I had the retro fit kit put on it. Heater works good, car handles well in the snow, although even minor puddles cause a belt to squeal for a few seconds. I commute on a two lane, curvy road and the car handles beautifully. It has surprising get up and go for a 4 cylinder and I never worry about being able to pass slow cars. All the power windows work, as do the locks. Dash is in perfect shape. Clock works, all gauges work. No major repairs, did have to replace the main relay under the dash, inexpensive fix that was causing the car to not start again in hot weather shortly after being turned off. With regular maintenance, I expect this car to go another 100,000 miles. All in all, with diligent previous owner(s) who kept up maintenance and repairs, I would highly recommend this car.