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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  Buy an extended aftermarket warranty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By John - September 12 - 2:01 am

  Transmission bad at 37k. Canadian dealer replaced it but that one was no good. Same dealer replaced it again. Now, the new one is no good either and the dealer isnt willing to help anymore. Honda Can. wont help since the van was bought from dealer who imported it into USA after it was sold new in Canada. Guess I got a gray market rig. Local Honda service guy says theyre replacing all the trannys in these. Power doors work ok but scare us. If there is no power, the manual open option is very difficult - impossible for a child. If you needed to get out faster than the snail pace of the power door - too bad. Why do the editors love this vehicle? Its been nothing but trouble for us.

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  causing me Whiplash - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Shelly - September 4 - 5:32 am

  Purchased my car July 11th and loved it beause, who doesnt love a new car. At first I loved the ride it felt like a truck and I nicked named it my baby buggy. Cute right? Until I started experience whiplash syptoms. Im feeling every bump and spring and for weeks now I havent been able to move my neck or sleep comfortably. Im considering taking an MRI today so there documents to request a trade to a sad an. I wasnt in an accident and I am rather fit person. Walk, swim, and do yoga. This is outrageous.

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  Not Impressed with my 1st Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. Bob Honda - August 31 - 9:52 pm

  There is nothing wrong with a Honda, some people are just not meant to drive one. The style I find very boring. More importantly, the stereo speakers are hard to listen to. The steering wheel controls are nice. It would be nicer if you could go forwards and backwards but you can only go forward with your selections from the steering wheel. So if you like a song on your CD you have to advance through the others to get back to the last song. The other option is to take yours eyes off the road and lean way over to the radio and use the search button. As for fuel mileage, it is about 14-mpg city by my calculations. If you like Honda, you like the Pilot, otherwise keep looking.

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  Transmission Failure - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Not - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EXV6 new, and needed to replace the transmission at 42,000 miles after doing all maintenance recommended by the owners manual and more. Honda ate 75% of the $5700 cost after one month of bugging them. Honda extended the tranny warranty on 00-01 models, but neglected to do so with the 98-99 with the same transmission. Requests to Honda to explain any differences between 98-99 and 00-01 transmissions have gone unanswered. EGR valve replaced at 60,000 miles under extended warranty. Stereo replaced at 52,000 miles because of constant CD skipping. Ignition harnesses were recalled on many of these cars - be careful!

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  Economy air and heating - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Pam - August 29 - 10:29 pm

  My biggest problem with the HRV was the heating and cooling system. I drove for over an hour with the AC on max and it felt like I had a fan blowing in my face. It never got cool. If the temp is over 80 be ready to sweat. The dealership told me it was an economy car with an economy heating/cooling system. And they totally correct!! The heater would eventually heat up but the the air was never cool. I kept it on max at all times. Test it on a hot day, with the car sitting in the sun and you will have a good example of how poorly the system works. If you just need a car without air then its great, got great gas mileage. But I had to get rid of mine, burned up or froze 9 months out of the year

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  What a disappointment - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bill - August 24 - 8:16 pm

  12000 miles to date. After only buying Hondas for the past 20+ years (3 accords,2 crvs,1pilot,1fit and a S2000) I had to try the HRV. This is by far the worst honda I have owned. I am 510 and can not get the seat/steering wheel/ speedometer combination to work! Because of the short telescoping and high numbers placement the steering wheel blocks the top of the speedometer. The road noise is loud until you do a left hand corner above 30mph then it becomes a louder howl. The A/C can not keep up if you are driving towards the Sun, I have to turn the fan all the way up (cant hear road noise) and then cant hear radio or Bluetooth. The navigation system is difficult at best! Would not take my home address and after four people tried my son got it to take the non existing house next door. Searching for services is funny,I can see three gas stations but it insist the closest is five miles away! Its the same for all services. If I drop a signal while talking on Bluetooth the system seems to lock up and radio/phone will not work until I restart the car. I love my pilots power lift gate if there is a problem closing it lets me know right away. Not the Hrv it must be slammed and even then it waits until the car is in drive before it dings if there is a problem. My 2004 crv was a much better automobile than this 2016 hrv!! Comfort,visibility,layout were all so much more thought out . This is the first honda I cant wait to get rid of

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  By far the worst car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tmm - August 24 - 8:16 pm

  I would not recommend purchasing a Honda Accord. My car has been a maintenance nightmare. Since the warranty ended, the car has been in the shop every 3-4 months and has required major maintenance. It once took the dealer over a year to diagnose and correct an intermittent problem I had with the car not starting. I replaced the battery, alternator, clock and other electrical things before they figured out it was the ignitition switch. Im disappointed and will never buy a Honda or Acura vehicle again. Think twice before you buy...

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  Piece of Junk - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - August 19 - 9:03 am

  Extremely underpowered, and the AWD doesnt work. The shifter is extremely akward to operate, and often gets stuck. Aside from the decent gas mileage, I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone and am looking to get rid of mine.

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  Too many problems w/ vehicle - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Diane Schnell - August 9 - 2:53 pm

  Well I have had a few trips to my mechanic on this vehicle. They are still baffled w/ not being able to pin point a misfiring that keeps the vehicle bogging then lunging! It has been taken apart 4 times now and replaced oxygen flow sensor, 02s and other stuff and still cant keep the check engine light off or find the problem. It is horrible on gas mileage!! Obviously this year needed a recall... and I have had nothing but problems since I purchased from a private party 4 months ago.

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  Dont do it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By L. Edgar - August 5 - 7:18 pm

  I cant seem to get anywhere with customer care so I am going to share my story in hopes of saving others from my misfortune with the newly designed Honda pilot. I bought a 2016 Honda pilot last February. Last week, my air conditioning began to blow warm air. I took it to a Honda dealership for a diagnostic assessment assuming that whatever was wrong would surely be covered under warranty with a car that is barely a year old. I get a call stating that they arent really sure and it may have been that a rock hit my condenser and that is not covered. The dealership stated that they see this all the time and it is in "a vulnerable place at the front of the car." I have hit absolutely nothing and have never even heard of such a possibility happening on any other car I have owned. The fix is $1200 on a basically BRAND NEW CAR. Please others be aware of this design flaw in the new Pilot and purchase something else. This is the first and last Honda I will ever own as I have been let down and feel as if I have been swindled by the company. The employee said that the condenser does have a screen which meant the pebble must have been tiny. So, apparently the tiniest of pebbles can take out an entire air conditioner in a Honda.