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:

• 

  Honda CR-V No surprises - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Barry Harper - January 1 - 10:16 pm

  This is a very nice vehicle. The package additions make it very nice compared to the LX, without going overboard. The only thing that we dont like are the controls for the radio. The touch screen buttons are small and somewhat hard to read and locate. The vehicle does have controls on the steering wheel that mitigates the issue a bit, but I would like to see better controls. There are not as many cubby holds to put stuff in the front compared to my older (2003) CR-V; this isnt a big deal but something that we noticed.

• 

  An Excellent Commuter - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jose Rios - December 31 - 10:18 am

  Purchased my 2001 Honda Accord EX V6 about 4 months ago, and I have to say it is absolutely wonderful so far. It was previously owned by an elderly lady who bought it brand new, and she took great care of it. The exterior look is timeless and simple, and the interior is practical and very comfortable. Ride quality is also superb for a 2001 with 146k, road noise is minimal. My only complaint with the drive is the amount of body roll, which should be expected for a car this size. I also have a gripe with the MPG, which again should be expected with a 3.0 V6, but is far off from the estimated MPG. I average about 19mpg, compared to the 26mpg that is commonly advertised. My only other complaint is the transmission, which should have never been coupled with this torquey V6. My transmission hasnt given me issues yet, but the shifts are not exactly smooth, and Ive read numerous complaints about transmission failure. Overall, it is an excellent car and would highly recommend to anyone looking for an inexpensive and comfortable ride.

• 

  Luv my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Jillith - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I am in this car over 2 hours per day in commute time. I carry loads of cargo that always fits. My car starts every time I turn the key, the fuel economy is great, the power is sufficient for driving in Phoenix area with no mountains. This vehicle is somehow larger on the inside than it is on the outside, I dont feel cramped at all. My complaints are the same as all 2001 CR-V owners. Weak stereo,no fuel cap holder, goofy window controls...little stuff. Other than that...Great! If I get a newer veh, Ill just get another CR-V. My mom bought the 2002 and Honda had fixed some of the 2001 and earlier issues. She also adores her car!

• 

  Not A Hylander - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MickeyP - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Initially I wanted to purcase a 6 cyl. Hylander, my wife talked me out of it because of the poor gas mileage. Instead we went with the CR-V, because not only did we get better gas mileage, but, we got a car that has as much horsepower as a family of 3 will need. In addition, we took it on vacation in July, packed it to the top, and included five people. Needless to say, even packed full, we had more than enough power, and we ever got about 26- mpg on the highway. Wow!!!

• 

  Build Quality Unsatisfactory - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kpe218dwv902 - December 29 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased the car earlier this month. I noticed an oil leak a few days ago. The car is leaking oil from the main seal and the oil filter. Also, the passenger restraint light stayed on this morning until I turned the car off and started it again. I have taken the car to a Honda dealer in an effort to correct these problems. Therefore, I am very concerned regarding the build quality and reliability of this car.

• 

  awsome supersized super vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By shivaji sanap - December 29 - 12:44 pm

  Purchased exl with honda sensing on 7/22 , currently have 3800 miles, super powerful, steady, responsive vehicle, no issues whatsoever, I do not care m6ch about finger marks on infitainment tab as indicated by some of the respected owners. This vehicle could be compared with some of the best on road, I would not say it will beat cayene or x5 but I have seen that it responds and keeps going on the highways effortlessly with excellent command and agility. By the way , with all due respect to other brands which I reserched and some test driven, i am m very happy to come across few artcles on pilot 2016 and choosing to visit honda dealership with family for test drive, my family and myself were so impressed with external and internal looks so finalized on pilot. Had to struggle to get color & model for few weeks, no discounts from msrp as of 7/22 but extremely happy to have this big beast, lots of space, power, ease to operate...

• 

  Best value for money - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Indolawson - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car 6 1/2 years ago hoping it would last 2 or 3 years. The thing is amazing--it does what it was designed to do. Provides reliable, economic transportation and offers more comfort than expected. This one has standard transmission adding to the feel of control over ones driving. Great in our Colorado winters though I had to change to tires with a higher profile than stock. Weve newer cars but this is my wifes favorite.

• 

  Great car if it does not kill you - 1991 Honda Accord
  By almostaccordfan - December 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this car in February 91. We have taken moderately good care of it and it still looks and drives great. But it has dangerously stranded us twice. At 80,000 miles the distributor went out stranding my wife at night on a rural Texas road. There had been a recall on the offending distributor but Honda never told us. At 110,000 miles something else electrical went out on a broiling hot day, on a treeless rural road stranding us with our newborn. A couple of state troopers drove slowly by in their air conditioned car, looked us over and drove off. I hated them worse than Honda at that moment.

• 

  Great Value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John - December 27 - 6:36 pm

  Great value for the price. Love my crv- the only reason I gave it an overall 4 is because of the significant blind spots due to the rear side windows. With the new safety standards Im not sure what Honda can do to avoid that. For you musicians out there the trunk space fits a full size tuba without putting the seat down!

• 

  My New 05 Accord Coupe EX V6 6sp - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DJ - December 26 - 1:43 am

  This is my review of my new 05 Honda Accord Coupe in the EX V6 6 speed variant. FYI, I am an aerospace engineer, so I do look closely. I didnt even do a test drive for 2 reasons,first they didnt have a 6 speed on the lot then and I had recently sold my 2000 Integra GS-R and knew the quality I was looking for. I might add, if Acura would have put a 6 cylinder in the Integra I would have kept it, but ... I purchased the Sapphire Blue sight unseen but from the brochure and was very happy when it showed up at the dealer. The color was brilliant in the sunlight with a mild metallic sparkle, the color/paint was consistent over the contours and body seams.