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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  Pretty good all-arounder - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By K - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  Bought it at 45K now at 65K only 2 minor issues. Coolant crossover??? and a back light on the HVAC controls. The 4 kids (one in a car seat) my wife and small dog and I fit well enough but if we actually want to take anything with us especially for an overnighter, storage space can be tight even with the 60/40 split 3rd row. Bought a roof bag for camping/cottaging. I hate the plastic bug deflector (aftermarket but bought and installed by Honda) it vibrates and makes a very loud noise over 65 and on my second one now same thing. But Im nitpicking, overall its a good all round vehicle that would fit well with someone who can sacrifice a little space and just doesnt want to drive a minivan.

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  What happened to Honda reliability? - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By B20ZFailed - October 21 - 6:30 pm

  Please do research on the valve/cylinder head failures that plague the 1997-2001 CRV. Mine burned a valve at 123k miles. This is a prevalent issue that will literally cost thousands of dollars to replace. If I would have known this I would have never bought this truck.

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  I Miss My Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By WhatWasIThinking? - October 21 - 10:59 am

  I bought an RTL in May of 2007. I loved it but traded it 15 months later on a 2008 Jeep Saraha Unlimited. I knew very quickly that I had made a BIG mistake. The Ridgeline is just a great truck. It tows reasonable weights with ease. People are critical of the mileage, but it is a truck. It has the convenience of a truck, the towing of a truck, and the ride of a car. I love the convenience and security of the in bed trunk. The ride and comfort was fabulous. My next purchase will be a New 2010 Ridgeline RTL with navigation! Dont make the mistake that I made. If you want a do just about anything truck, at a reasonable price, with a good track record of reliability the Ridgeline is the best choice!

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  So so - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hondafan - October 21 - 10:06 am

  Bought the FIT for fuel economy and thought about long trips. Gas mileage is great, around town driving is wonderful,and turning is amazing to get into some of those parking spaces. Love the Aux input for the iPod/MP3. Freeway driving is loud and acceleration for on ramps is a lesson in patience and a little terrifying. Feel like I should get out and push. Wish we had held out for the manual but they were selling fast. And, what were they thinking about with some of the cupholders? The most convenient ones are in front of the vents. And, that space behind the cupholders on the gear shift stand.

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  Safety ratings won me over - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By GR - October 21 - 9:02 am

  I bought my Pilot just 5 months ago with 42,000 miles on it. It lacked some of the exterior style elements of the competition, but the interior features seem to fit our lifestyle better. The determining factor was the safety rating. This vehicle won out, hands down! Lucky for me, because last week I totaled my poor Pilot. This vehicle did exactly what it was supposed to do. Protect the occupants. My cars front end was totally smashed, the hood was folded nearly as high as the roof and I was protected in the cab. Other than bruises from the restraints and air bag deployment I am fine and totally amazed. So now the painful part, finding another one.

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  Accord, sportscar like performance! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mtn bike rider - October 21 - 6:50 am

  My wife and I had our first child in April 04. We were driving 2 Integras at the time of her pregnancy. We loved this car because it didnt drive much differently than the Integras. One noticable difference was how stiff the ride was on rougher roads. There is a definate "chop" on larger bumps. This is something my wife and I were willing to live with to keep the quality of handling performance we were used to. The cabin is roomy, comfortable, quiet and well thought out ergonomically with first rate fit and finish. Problems so far(14 mo.) have been relatively minor. A squeaky door hinge-fixed. A faulty alternator ELR-replaced and no new problems.

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  My wife loves it, I think its ok. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AP - October 21 - 1:19 am

  We purchased the 2007 model in 2006. It was between the RAV4 and the CRV. We chose the CRV and the 4WD for the snow. We had a big snow storm the first year and it did as good as my Toyota T100 4x4 truck. We had the rear Diff problem and had it replaced, got free 100k 7 year warrant for our trouble (and the fact that the dealer didnt believe us the diff was grinding). We now have about 45k miles on it, the tires are still ok, one is making noise probably the one that ran over an nail and was repaired. It seems the seats were wearing out quick at first, but seem ok. We got the big rubber Honda floor mats that really do keep the car clean. So far so good, after over 2 years, we love it.

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By samuel - October 20 - 10:51 pm

  I now drive this car after owning several Honda / Acura vehicles in the past. They are the best vehicles on the road for the money. It is powerful enough to get by most cars, and yet just blends in like a regular car. It isnt flashy, but I love my Accord . I only wish that I would have gotten the v6 manual instead of the auto. Simple, reliable, classy, yet sporty. I have always been satisfied with Honda products and Im a loyal customer. Looking forward to my next car, the 2017 Honda Accord.

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  AMAZING! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hondaowner - October 20 - 10:19 pm

  I just got this car a few weeks ago and I am in love. I dont know why it gets low reviews on its exterior - thats the part that attracted me to it the most. I didnt like how it looked prior to 2007, but since its remodeling the Honda CR-V is by far a lot better looking than the Rav4 and Rogue if you ask me. I love the sleek, aerodynamic exterior - beautiful. The inside is comfortable (hard seats?? I dont think so.) and I love the nighttime lighting inside. I love the CR-Vs reliability and how safe I feel inside. The MPG is great...Ive been averaging 22.2 on city roads. Has lots of space and I love the sunroof and tinted back windows. I pretty much am obsessed with my new car.

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  Problems! And More Problems! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By B.J. - October 20 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this car with only 70k and its the worst Honda ever made. Dont get me wrong, I love Hondas and Ive had two previous little civics that have lasted me well over 200k. But wow I never thought that Honda would fail me, till now. Had to fix transmission at 75k! I have older Hondas with more miles and with the original tranny! Had to change the muffler cuz it rattles really bad every time u go over a water puddle. Lots of road noise and rattles. Changed both bearings. AC is weak! Overall only thing worth is the style of the car, but that really fooled me. Terrible car, and this is coming from somebody with a civic forum acct as well. Be careful. Worst Honda ever! Do the research, trust me!