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 Thankful Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By lonefish - April 22 - 12:15 am

  I really have no complaints about this vehicle, and can come up with none. I did not purchase it for off road use, but being a handicapped/disabled male, 57 years of age, it sure fit the bill!

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  1999 Honda CR-V FWD LX - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - April 21 - 8:28 pm

  Bought our CR-V new in 1999. 10 years later and 145,000 miles on it the thing still runs like a top. The only repairs we have done, outside of new tires, a battery, & routine maintenance, are the front brakes at 65,000 miles and the electronic door lock relay at 72,000 miles. Everything else is original. (Yes, even the timing belt and the muffler!) Looking forward to 200,000 miles +! Very little body rust even after 10 Vermont winters and salted roads.

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  2008 Honda Fit Motor Problem - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Carol Baird - April 21 - 8:24 pm

  At 69,000 kilometers the small engine block went on my 2008 Honda Fit. The Honda dealer will not put in a new engine. Just replace the small block. The Sales Manager at the dealership had the same problem, and Honda again only replaced the same thing. I am worried that the top of the engine will go after the warranty is off. I am wondering if this is an ongoing problem with the fits.

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  14 months and 32k with 2008 CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By peterdh2000 - April 21 - 1:18 pm

  I have 90 mile daily commute, good mpg required, thus had to pass on any V6 SUVs. CR-V wont thrill with acceleration, but I routinely have 4 adults, a baby, and a load of Costco purchases aboard, and it handles hills and merges just fine. Nimble handling, good sight lines, excellent brakes. 2008 had several crazy snowstorms in Pacific NW. CR-V AWD handled quite well, although the stock Bridgestone tires not the greatest and at 32k are almost spent. Nary a squeak or rattle, except for a whistling sound from the A/C every so often. Rogue was a close second, having Bluetooth, Xenon, Bose, but also fixed rear seat and headrests, and a little less solid feeling.

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  First Honda Owned - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Melissa - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  Love it! I have a 2004 Town & County which has been the most unreliable vehicle owned. The T&C does seem to have a more comfortable ride as the Honda has a more "car feel" to the drive. However, the safety ratings and extra space - as well as reliability ratings - makes this a much better investment for the money. The drive in comfortable and the kids love the exterior look - a little sportier than the T&C. We cannot wait to move up to the EX-L or Touring in a few years.

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  Glad I decided to buy it. Its awesome. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By bpdrumr - April 21 - 11:14 am

  I "traded up" to the 09 Honda Pilot Touring after driving a Honda CRV for 18 months. I had no complaints about my CRV other than I wanted that "luxury" feel and needed more room. I drove many vehicles in my search and decided on the Pilot because it drove the best and gave me exactly what I wanted for a lot less than the Acura MDX and I liked the interior better than the Highlander. The pilot is a dream to drive and although it wont win any races, it has plenty of power. Love at first drive for me. :) My gas mileage is in line with what others seem to be getting. In mixed driving, around 18 mpg.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - April 21 - 9:31 am

  Honda failed to compensate for the added weight of the pax tires and the results are continual steering wheel vibration, longer braking distance, tire balancing issues, road noise and a poor overall driving experience.

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  05 Accord EX - 2005 Honda Accord
  By swcobb - April 21 - 9:19 am

  Purchased my 05 Accord Ex with 60k and it now has 105k. Routine Maint with the an O2 sensor at about 98k. Very comfortable, nice styling, heated seats are great, dual climate control and front, side and rear airbags. Only complaint is the road noise on the highway. Great tire wear, and the exterior looks perfect- even at 105k. 4 cyl is not sluggish and keeps up fine.

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  From a owner whos had it a few years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BlackHonda - April 21 - 7:20 am

  Sometimes its nice to hear from someone whos had it a few years. I have the new body style and I absolutly love the car. The one problem Ive experienced was that the gas cap HAS TO BE screwed on TIGHT (hear three clicks)! If this isnt done then youll get air in your tank and engine chugs, this is apparently a common problem according to the dealership. Other than that I love it. Nice design, looks expensive, feels like a solid car, black looks great!

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  2016 Pilot EX-L Hard Shift Issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tim L. - April 21 - 1:11 am

  Wait on buying this car. Horrible, frequent, but random hard shifting w/ the 6 speed tranny. Wife will not drive it anymore. New 7/2016, we have 6K miles on it and the hard shifting is damaging the whole drive train.. Horrible new car experience. Car is at the dealer for the 3rd time on this as I post this. Looks like Im not the only one..