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:

• 

  1st The bad and then the good. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By S. A. - March 17 - 1:08 am

  After only 3 mo. the foot operated lift gate quit operating and needs to go into the shop for repair. This model has the top of the line stereo system and my $150.00 boom box puts it to shame. Extremely dissatisfied. Had a 2001 Toyota Camry and it far outperformed this unit. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate it as a 4. The shift mechanism is a bit cheap as has way too much plastic and is a bit wobbly. Not nice and smooth operating. Extremely pleased with the quality of the rest of the interior. Very comfy seats, sits up nice thus providing good view. So far the traction with AWD really seems good in snow. Interior is quiet at highway speeds. Wind noise is quite minimal.

• 

  Great, versatile SUV ! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Kathryn in SoCal - March 16 - 10:39 pm

  This is a fun vehicle. And, despite what a lot of people seem to complain, it has been supremely reliable. I bought this Passport over 2 years ago, used, and have done all the regular maintenance. I drive it hard over the weekend and during the week. A lot of highway driving to work. Weekends (when time permits) over 4WD roads in the desert or the mountains. It has needed predictable maintenance - the tires all needed replacing at once at 60,000 miles, but that was the life expectancy of the original tires. What else can I say - its a great car to drive offroad, then run it through a carwash and it looks nice to go off to work or go out in.

• 

  Shake, Shake, Shake - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - March 15 - 11:11 am

  I blame myself for buying this vehicle. I noticed the vibration in idle but let the salesman explain it away to me. It is also at 30 mph, and maybe highway speeds---I cannot decide if its the tranny or the tires. You can put the transmission in neutral at idle and it goes away. I certainly have buyers remorse. There are some supposed fixes ranging from rubber vibration isolators to replacing the entire transmission. I dont have time for this crap. It is a fine car in the snow and it gets great mileage but I will not own it forever as I had planned.

• 

  Pilot Comes Out On Top - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Fluff - March 15 - 5:04 am

  I researched and test drove all the competitions models and the Honda Pilot came out on top in every area except its weight. You can really feel the weight dragging behind you during acceleration. If this is a problem for you, then the 2005 model may be what you are looking for. The extra hp make up the difference. This "Sport Utility Vehicle" will not take you off-roading or exploring treacherous terrain, but it is the best at being a "family adventure vehicle." Its a super value with the Honda quality and reliability we have grown accustomed to. I am a very proud owner.

• 

  Not So Good - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cinelle - March 15 - 1:19 am

  All the negatives are true, I never read or made any reviews but I have to read about HR-V, coz for a brand new car, Im like whats going on with my brand new car? So, I have to see what other people are saying about this car. I thought it was just my car. And also, not even a month when I got a check engine, an electric parking symbol, and it keeps blinking, at the Honda service center, they said thats weird, they fixed it, the problem was ,oxygen valve or something...they have to changed it..

• 

  115,000 miles and Counting... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Filthy Ike - March 14 - 6:38 pm

  Considering its a first-year model,this is a very reliable vehicle with few problems. It generally needs your usual maintenance and keeps on going. I bought mine used (68000 miles on the odometer) in 2000. Its been used to haul many things from top soil to 36" TV (the box barely fit in the back). Its been taken on and off road, on regular commute and 6-hour trips. My only complaint is its WAY underpowered, which can be a pain when you need to get up to speed on the freeway.

• 

  Love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By traveler - March 14 - 5:59 pm

  We did a lot of research before we bought the pilot. It has plenty of room and plenty of pep. Compared to the seats in a subaru outback, these seats are great. We tow it behind our motorhome and its really easy to set up to tow. We had a minivan and even though this is a little shorter, everyone is much more comfortable and the ride is great. We dont use the 3rd seat often, but its great to have when its needed. This is our first Honda car (my husband rides Honda motorcycles) and we love it! Last summer we drove 5 hours to Upstate NY with two kids (one is 16, the other is 10) and a golden retriever. Everyone was comfortable and the gas mileage was 23 mpg with the a/c on.

• 

  - 2007 Honda Civic
  By High Mileage - March 13 - 11:23 pm

  Purchased car for 30,000 miles/yr. Have put 32,500 miles on car in first 12 months. Great gas mileage makes it fun to drive. Slight "re-connection" jerk when going from electric to gas motor at traffic light in Autostop mode. Two tier dashboard prevents gauges from being hidden behind steering wheel. For me, seats are not very comfortable for 3 or more continuous hours behind wheel. I purchased separate back/lumber and seat supports which helped considerably. Highly recommend set of 4 snows for winter. Gas mileage dropped from 44 to 36 during cold months in the northeast. Youll get 44 mpg at 75 mph all day long. Only problem yet was a driver window that did not close correctly.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jk1601 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Accord and I bought it off a lease in 99. Compared to my previous 89 DX, this thing has power, since its 5 speed with VTEC engine. ITs my first car with power everything and I really love to drive it, 50 miles/day to work. But 3 years after buying it, I think it needs even more power. The the only problem Ive had is the power door locks failed. Its got 80,000 miles and going strong.

• 

  Smooth it out - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Smoothitout - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding internior design. Utilization of space, controls and visability are the best of any car at any cost I have experienced. Excellent over size, performance. My one frustration is that I replaced OEM tires with Goodyear Fortura HLs at delivery and have vibration and harshness in ride. Has anyone had good experience with OEM tire replacement?