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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  Air compressor blew up! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By raks - April 5 - 3:15 am

  Shame on Honda! My a/c compressor blew up around 58000 miles. Since this was a known problem (read the reviews).. they replaced the parts but refused to pay for the service.. cost me about $500 not including rental car fees for the time it was in the shop and the $200 I spent at a private shop trying to diagnose the problem. (about $800 out of pocket total).

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  Best Car ever!!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By shiftgirl - April 5 - 12:50 am

  I bought this car one year ago and it currently has over 26,000 miles. Love the stick shift & wouldnt change it for anything. Drive 400 miles or more to a tank! Love the blue light display! Drove it from Houston to Dallas with a little over 1/2 tank. You cant beat that with any other sporty vehicle!!! And the looks I get. Wish I could afford the Si but this will do for now. Paint is too thin so I already have a few chipped dings thanks to flying rocks on the freeway but other than that, I wouldnt change anything

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  Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pixie - April 4 - 10:43 pm

  So I have not had the car for very long. I just got one. It was a tough decision between the Fit sport and the Scion xD. However I am very happy with my choice. I love the fit. being an art student I have so much stuff I need for classes it fits it all nicely. I highly recommend it. Smooth ride Im getting about 31 mpg with mixed city and highway. I got the black Berry Pearl.

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  One week and so far so good - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By EC from Canada - April 4 - 10:10 pm

  Picked up my first Honda and first mini van a week ago and so far its been very good experience. I havent driven it lots yet, but so far I really like how it drives. Love the backup cam and power sliding door and tailgate. I do find the VCM is more obvious than it felt on the van I test drove. I also felt it more when the gear downshift as I am gliding along with the foot off the gas pedal and running with the ECO light on. Mileage so far hasnt been as good as I expected, but we are just about 500km into the break-in phase of the vehicle, so hope it gets better. Will write another review in a few months after the break-in period is over. Considered Sienna, but like styling of Honda

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  What Happened to Mine? - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By NotSoHappyWithCrv - April 4 - 9:27 pm

  I know I bought mine used, but I have all the maintenance records and by reading the paperwork it looks like it was properly taken care of. But, it is falling apart. At 130K miles, Ive had to replace the battery twice in the last two years. I had to replace the ignition (costing $700) six months ago - I had the local dealer do the work and now pieces of the dash board have fallen off and the steering wheel squeaks when I turn. The left channel on the radio goes out of hot days. The air conditioner will have to be re-charged this season. The PVC joints had to be replaced. All in all, its a money pit. I get 16-18 MPG in the suburbs and 20MPG on the interstate. And electrical shocks too.

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  do not buy that car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nikcina - April 4 - 2:10 pm

  I made big mistake when I went to buy a car. I was looking for a car that I like (big mistake). I should look for the car that will have basic purpose: to run trusty without problems. I thought a new car should be trustful and HONDA is that kind of brand but on the first oil change (4500 mi) power steering fluid was leaking (changed hose), drivers door squeaking when weather is wet, when I step on brake I heard click-clack. Then (6000 mi) it was very noise squeaking when I go all the way left (changed p.s. pump). NOW, when the gear is in the drive position I heard noise is like metal hitting metal (on neutral position that sound has gone), I need more time to start engine in the morning...

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  Almost a Jeep - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By crm - April 4 - 1:02 pm

  Bought the Pilot used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. Slid the Pilot on ice into a fence (minimal damage - breakaways and scratches only!), and rented my old favorite (Jeep) while being repaired -- found out I missed the Pilot so much! Solid vehicle, so far very reliable! Gas mileage depends upon my foot - have gotten 19.5mpg around town and 24mpg highway when driving carefully, but the 255hp is too tempting! So I average 18/22 instead! Am VERY happy for around town, long trips, family adventures - fits everything we do!

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  Disappointing - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By djm182 - April 3 - 6:25 pm

  I wanted the flexibility and fuel economy of a smaller SUV. I got all that, plus a lot of other things I did not bargain for. The seats are firm and uncomfortable. The driveability is completely uninspiring - I wasnt expecting much and still was disappointed. The in-car audio/hands free system was a complete disaster. Music would start playing halfway through a phone call. People on the other end of the line had great difficulty hearing me through the hands free microphone. My dealer could/would do *nothing* about this. The controls on the steering wheel are not intuitive in the least. The second screen mounted above the main entertainment system is spectacularly useless. Dont ever try to do a thing with the LCD screen while making a right turn because youll be subjected to the right side mirror mounted cam which serves little if any practical purpose. The headlights are SO bright that you cannot drive this vehicle at night without others flashing their bright lights at you - even when yours are not turned on. I made a huge mistake in purchasing this vehicle and am about to do something Ive never done before - turn a car in after less than a year with it.

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  Disappointed!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By clewis - April 3 - 4:31 pm

  This is the 2nd Honda Civic that Ive bought and both have had problems. Ive had my car recalled 2-times. Within the 1st year I had to the car recalled, which included a h2o pump malfunction. I also had to put new brakes on w/in the 1st year and continue to hear a metal "clacking" noise when turning. I took the car to 2-mechanics and they havent been able to figure out the problem but continue to assure me that its nothing major! I really disappointed in HONDA! They just dont make things how they use to! I now looking @ HYUNDAI AND NISSAN and will probably go with HYUANDAI!

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  Jack of all trades - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MTB - April 3 - 2:41 pm

  After 3 1/2 years of ownership, I can honestly say Ive been very happy with this vehicle. In my mind the most informative reviews are the ones written after years of driving, not the knee-jerk responses people often post before theyve had a chance to get to know their vehicle. This CR-V has been a great all-rounder. Its impressed me on road trips with excellent cargo space and surprisingly good MPG (averaged 30MPG highway on long trips). My CR-Vs been great for my constant outings with the dogs, and has even done some fairly serious offroading (which it handled quite well). The AWD has performed admirably in severe snow\ice conditions. Overall happy with only minor complaints (see below).