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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  a very expensive vibrating machine - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rosa harris - October 30 - 7:08 pm

  not happy at all stop at light and if you have a drink you better have top on tight because it will shake it all out ,will not buy another one should have got the Toyota lesson learned will not recommend this to anyone very very disappointed

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  A Different Car! - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By David DiIenno - October 30 - 4:43 pm

  I went to the dealership to purchase an Accord for my wife. She has been a Honda die-hard for many years, jumping from an Accord to several generations of the Pilot. The children are older, and the days of carting around strollers are long past, so the need for an SUV is not so important. She opted for the sedan. While waiting at the dealership, the Crosstour caught my eye. I need AWD and the space this hatchback provides would be more than enough for any shopping trip. I live in the Northeast so a sure footed ride is essential. I test drove it and was impressed that the Crosstour behaved like an Accord, albeit having heavy characteristics, most notably when braking. I want to caveat this, as I drove the Accord for hours before testing the Crosstour. I like the fact it sits higher than the standard sedan, but yet it is not like the "stanbdard" CUV/SUV that has more capacity that I rarely need, and poor gas mileage to match. Before I give my opinion on the car, i want to convey that I have owned Suburbans, Audi (A7&A8), and Explorers. Pros: This is a car is a well appointed Accord on hatchback steroids. It doesnt look like the sharp lined, rolling boxes that are dominating the car market. There is so much emphasis on the storage capacity that is claimed to be lacking ( which if you used one, you would realize it has a tons of space), but no mention of the rider comfort that is lost in the other CUVs such as the Venza or the Outback. Try riding in the back seat of one of those cars for a two hour trip... The rear seating area in the Crosstour is comfortable for two average adults with surprisingly ample legroom and ceiling height. The cabin is very quiet. The access to the rear hatch is waist high...no bending or leaning in. The V6 is very quick and responsive. The transmission shifts smoothly. The EX-L is loaded with amenities. Handling is adequate. Cons: I find the Crosstour to be too much like a Honda sedan! Is that a bad thing? The rear view is not for the average Mommy. It is a fine highway cruiser, but the city environment transmits a bit much through the wishbone suspension. Closing: The Crosstour gets a bad rap for being real. Come on...I mean when do you need over 51 Cubic Feet of cargo space every time you get behind the wheel? I find it humorous that cargo space is king when 99% of the time its truly empty space. If you have more than three kids, you would need an SUV anyway. Its a well thought our cross-breed that has tons of space for those occasions of uber shopping, and yet it is a fine sedan when you need one, which is 99% of the time... and 24 MPG average doesnt suck.

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  Better value for your dollar! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rob Riegel - October 24 - 9:38 pm

  I bought my 09 RT used from a very reputable dealer one year ago with 80 k miles. 20k miles later and no major issues. Every time I take it in for service my mechanic is amazed to see how clean it is inside where oil cap screws in. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic oil with proper oil filter. Engine runs strong and gets up to 23 mpg on the highway with a light load and not towing anything. I have not towed anything yet. Great handling on dirt roads and muddy roads and there was not a need to use 4wd feature. Acceleration and shifting is good. Climate control is good. Height and visibility is good. Stereo system sound is ok. Plenty of storage, which is really awesome. Interior fabric stains too easy from water. Love the sliding rear window. Love the extra storage in the cab and in truck bed, which beats the storage of a Toyota. There is ample passenger space. Love the way the rear seats fold up to load extra cargo. Transmission has a little clunk, but its normal. Its from how I operate the accelerator pedal as trans picks up the slop. I can get about 380 miles per tank of gas. Full synthetic oil change every 5,000 miles and I service the fuel system with one can of sea foam at every oil change interval. Once a month I fill the gas tank with non ethanol gas. Ill be due for 4 wheel brake service soon and 4 new tires. I compared this truck to a certified Toyota Tacoma. Toyota has a nice reputation, but I got a better deal on this truck and its got everything that I need at a fraction of the cost. Paint chips to easily, but thats where touch up paint comes in handy. Suspension, steering, brakes and any of the power options work great. No report on the 4wd yet, because I have not used it. Cruise control works great and the TPMS is accurate. I like the 5 ft bed. Its not to big and not to small. This is a very practical truck for the working man and I chose a 285.00 a month payment vs a 400.00 a month payment of the Toyota Tacoma certified(2 door single cab 4 cyl 2009). Ill expect 400k miles on this Honda motor. Once the motor is tired then Ill replace it, because this truck serves a better purpose for me than any other general truck. Its like a small military truck.lol. People keep trying to buy my truck and I tell them no. :)

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  An understated Vehicle - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By C.N. - October 23 - 12:56 am

  I read several of the reviews before considering this vehicle, I didnt even know it existed until I shopped around. I am coming from a Pilot where we drove the wheels off of it and went on many adventures. I noted that people either loved or hated this car. I think this is a car many people will have missed and once its out of production people will look back and appreciate it for what it is. Fortunately, it is not a high demand vehicle so I was able to get a great deal to move the inventory from the dealer. We are an active family who does road trips and plenty of cycling. 15 years of driving trucks or vehicles that drive like a truck I was ready to get into a sedan style but with some cargo space for gear. The small SUVs were suggested but at the end of the day I didnt like the style or set up of feeling like I was driving a little box or a Pilot that was shrunk. I really liked the idea of a wagon or hatchback to load our gear and go. This vehicle drives well and I dont feel like Im missing out on anything that we like to do. The up side is better gas milage and a more comfortable ride. Plenty of room in the front as well as for the back seat passengers. The roof line may be a bit low for tall people back there. Enough cargo for what we do and the hidden compartments are nice. I opted for the roof rack for bikes, which can be noisy with the roof open but close the sliding roof liner and the interior is very quite, especially compared to the Pilot or the Tacoma I drove. Only two things that I do care for is fist the audio sound. The speakers are weak and dont have a great sound quality. Second, to get a 2" receiver hitch to carry additional bikes or cargo is near impossible. I know you cant tow with this vehicle but Its a miss for a cross over vehicle not to allow these for people who carry bikes or already have a rack. Fortunately, I found a manufacture that can do a 2" receiver for this car that I may try. Finally, the rear visibility takes some getting use to because it is split, but its not too bad. All in all Im very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Just leased my new Civic, nice car. - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Nick Danger - October 20 - 12:29 pm

  Good interior & trunk space. Comfortable seats. Poor accelleration & mileage for a 5-speed. Nice sound system (USB & iPOd connection). Just wish Honda would recognize us Android smartphone owners! Great A/C.

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  love after 10 years - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By lena - October 19 - 9:18 pm

  I had times with 13 mpg in the city traffic holdups. So prepare to pay for gas. Reliable, but dealer maintenance prices are $500-650 after a few years.

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  Back to the Honda Family! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenneth Sung - October 18 - 11:18 pm

  Ive had previous experience with Hondas and Acuras (9 previous vehicles owned/leased to be exact), but it came time to me to experiment with other car manufacturers, but the quality from those other brands did not hold up well compared to Honda. My only gripe that I can think for the Honda Odyssey is the MPG, but hey, who can complain about 19 MPG when you are hauling a family around with cargo in the back.

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  Great car, cheap parts - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Jen - October 16 - 9:04 pm

  Ive always wanted a Honda civic because of the great reviews and good gad mileage. I get 35 city and 42 highway which is pretty great. I think the car overall is great, but there are some things Im not a fan of. The Lx version only has 3 windshield wiper settings which is frustrating. Also the headrests sit too far forward, the interior seems pretty cheap, the Bluetooth is loud for those calling you, and the acceleration is kind of sluggish. My most recent problem though is the paint. I wax my car once or twice a month because I live in texas, and wash it almost every week. Youd think the paint would be in great condition. Wrong, after a year of owning the vehicle I have rock chips all over my hood. The paint is cheap and they wont cover it under any warranty. Overall a great car, but not worth the price tag

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  enjoy this car - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jamie Bailey - October 16 - 7:45 pm

  I really enjoy this car, and here is why. 1) the transmission shifts like I think a transmission should. Nice clean shifts, no hesitation, quick to downshift. Ive had GMs version (Equinox/Terrain/every other 2.4L GM car) and I hate the way their tranny shifts. 2) the seats have fold down armrests - they are perfect for me. 3) the center console with the sliding door - so easy to open and access from the drivers seat. 4) the controls for heat/ac and radio are so simple and straightforward. 5) the mileage - i regularly get 28mpg on my 65 mile roundtrip to work and back through mixed hwy/city. If I had to complain about anything there are two things. 1) on startup in colder weather, the engine makes a quick rattle that sounds like metal on metal. Many Honda 2.4s have this, apparently, but the dealer says its nothing to worry about. So i dont worry, but it sounds bad in the morning. 2) wind noise is more noticeable than in my wifes Ford Focus. Its not bad, but could be quieter. All that being said, I cant really say for sure what I like best, just that I really enjoy driving this car. And Ive had a lot of cars. This is one of my faves. Got about 15,000 miles on it so far.

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  Solution to vibration issues.. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - October 15 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this "truck" for the wife despite having an 06 Tacoma that I would like to keep the rest of my life if it lets me. So I have Toyota bias. This being the first Honda I felt a little nervous, but the reviews were great and the test drive convinced me this car was a good choice. The first one I got vibrated which was very disappointing. I brought it back to the dealer and they let me test drive as many as I wanted until I found the one I liked best. Unfortunately it was an eggplant color but Im not big on aesthetics so no worry there.. IF you are going to buy this car test drive a bunch and make sure the one you choose is not vibrating before you buy. Please dont test drive one and let them give you another. Your dealer might not be as kind as mine.I felt what people are complaining about and it sucks.. Had I known about the vibration issues before I bought I simply wouldnt have bothered but it sure is a nice truck when you get a good one..