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:

• 

  CR-V EX-L 2013 - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By whitelinerr - November 14 - 2:47 pm

  First drive was across central Oregon at 60 mph. Note speed limit is only 55. But 35.4 mpg for the first tank fillup is pretty darn good. Wind that day was calm and dry roads. Since then its only been around town with an average speed of 27 to 29 mph. With that Im getting 29 to 30 mpg.

• 

  small oil leak from CVT transmission seal to engine - 2013 Honda Accord
  By gmount - November 14 - 1:20 pm

  I purcahased a new accord sport July 15 2013 with 3 miles on it. At my first oil change at 6500 miles, I noticed a small oil leak (1 drop) where the CVT bolts to the engine. I took it to the dealer for a warranty repair.Possible torque convert seal issue. I will post more details when the repair is finished. I am dissapointed about Honda transmission problems this early in the game. I will say the dealer was quick (no appointment) and offered a shuttle to work. If all goes well and the problem does not return all is good. sound like many people will face this same trouble. Fix it before the 30,000 miles waranty expires.

• 

  Glad we chose Odyssey over Sienna - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By pastorbmk - November 14 - 11:21 am

  Our 2001 Chrysler T&C tranny died, so we shopped for a new vehicle. We test drove and thoroughly inspected the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna and were open to buying either. While we loved the roominess, front seats, ease of steering and quick acceleration in the Sienna. We liked the ease of use, electronics layout and smarter features on the Odyssey better. Both are excellent cars. Sienna is roomier but hard to figure out the controls on the tiny screen and to move the 2nd row seats - 3rd row is cramped for adults. The Odyssey has good use of space and better electronics layout, easier to operate seats and gadgets, and seems sportier to drive on the Odyssey. Love our new 2014 Odyssey.

• 

  My first Honda - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By nelson1 - November 13 - 10:02 am

  I am elderly. I have had many, many cars. This is my first Honda, and I have to say, I am thrilled with this vehicle. Zero problems, so far, great gas mileage, more performance than I expected from this little 2.4.

• 

  Always Buy Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ashbmcc - November 11 - 10:31 am

  I honestly love my Honda Accord. I bought it with 88,000 miles 2 years ago and now have 130,000. I drive a lot and needed a good quality car. Honda is the way to go, and especially an accord. Ive contemplated selling my car only because of the loan I used to buy it is sinking me. But, I just cant actually get to the point of wanting to give up a car I really enjoy having and one that has been so reliable. When I bought it two years ago with 88k miles on it, it was Honda certified with a year warranty I paid extra for. I shouldnt have purchased the warranty, although always good to play it safe, but I never needed to use it. Great car. Love it.

• 

  Better than I expect - 2013 Honda Insight
  By lvtyh - November 6 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought the 2013 insight ex for 19,580 before tax. Today I fill up the first tank of gas. Its 314.7 miles and 6.452 gallons of gas, average 48.78 mpg. I drive half/half city and highway. The mpg is much better than I expect. I like the insight style better than the prius both inside/outside. When I press the gas pedal, the car respond better than the prius. Plus the prius is $3500 more than the insight. I tested drive both but then chose the insight. I think I made the right choice.

• 

  2014 Honda CR-V EX AWD early impressions - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By faldoc - November 6 - 9:01 pm

  IÂ’ve had my new 14CR-V for a couple of weeks now and put just over a thousand miles on it, a mix of in city and highway. Driving a Camry Hybrid for more than 7 years, I loved the gas mileage, but there was a lack of cargo space in the small truck. So rather than get a somewhat more spacious sedan I thought IÂ’d try out an economical SUV with tons more cargo space for my stuff, and trips to the beach, while not sacrificing people space when my family comes visiting. Cargo space is abundant in this airy, fun to drive car. Its easy to fold the 40/60 rear seats down with a simple pull of a lever. Mileage range is 22 to 34.8, avg 28.7 MPG. This is an all round great Compact Useful Vehicle!

• 

  Research pays off... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By attolev - November 5 - 9:04 pm

  I did it all -- Edmunds, Consumer Reports, NHTSA, other buyers, Toyota, Chrysler/Dodge, Nissan, Ford Flex -- NONE compared to the Odyssey EX-L. Add the RES (DVD system) for $1400 more and it becomes a no brainer. Odysessy rides better than the rest. It is quieter, best gas mileage, and Honda plastic is superior to all others, even nudges out the Toyota. You must test drive each, look at the features/cost, resale value, trade-in values, financing options, and hands-on inspection. I chose the Odyessy over the Toyota as costs were similar. I chose it over the Chrysler because of the difference in features, quality of materials, road noise, looks, reliability, resale, etc.

• 

  Love My Honda Crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By pnpretired - November 1 - 7:58 am

  I decided to downsize after driving SUVs for many years. The hatchback makes for an easier transition. I owned a Honda Accord Coupe many years ago, but did not like the new style. I am so glad I found the Crosstour. This car looks great, sporty but still a four door. I am shocked at the reviews criticizing the look. I looked at the Lexus and the Infiniti, but didnt really want to purchase high octane fuel. I dont drive my personal vehicle to work. Its so fun to drive, I cant wait for the weekend so I can get in my Crosstour and go! I love that there are not very many of them on the road right now. I absolutely love this car.

• 

  radio reception bad - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By blackdd - October 26 - 6:45 pm

  I just bought a 2013 ridgeline truck with the nav system. The truck is fine except for the radio. Anytime I am around a telephone pole I lose reception. It has been at the dealers for a week now and they have replaced the antenna cable, amplifier, and antenna. I still lose all reception. On one of the road trials they hooked up a temporary outside antenna and the reception was great. But Honda told them to replace the parts. I realize that the truck looks good without the antenna sticking out of the roof but it seems there is a problem with it.