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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  Beware of A/C Compressor Issues - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We owned this car for a little over 2 years and it was definitely a great car overall EXCEPT for the A/C compressor issues. The compressor blew not once, BUT TWICE on us within a 6-month period and the car only has 62,000 miles on it! Honda would NOT help us out with goodwill assistance and insisted its not a known issue (do an internet search and youll find thats NOT true). If you get one without A/C issues then it would probably still be a great car to own - very practical.

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  Buy this car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Tacoma - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We wandered through every dealership and drove just about every car in the same class and are thrilled with the choice. From Audi (awful) to Subaru - it was an easy decision. The car jumps through building traffic and has plenty of hp to separate itself. The styling has drawn lots of favorable comments every where we go. The car is green (tough color to find)with a tan leather interior and is absolutely beautiful against all other cars in the class. The exterior may raise eyebrows but we like it and it doesnt look like every other car on the road. Great interior appointments - lots of room (moving out of Sienna). A great car for families or anyone needing the space.

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  Handy hatchback - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By gthawk - January 26 - 10:00 am

  While we dont often require a large trunk, the occasional purchases at Ikea, etc., made us appreciate the trunk capacity of our old Dodge Intrepid, especially when the rear seats were folded down. Looking for a new car, not an SUV, we were drawn to the Crosstour and have been pleased so far. Weve already hauled a tall bookcase. The car is well-finished and comfortable, and the high driving position is a plus.

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  Well built but ordinary - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By mkarstad - January 26 - 9:38 am

  Driving in the Canadian winter is not fun, yet the Pilot, even at -45 degrees C runs fine. The traction assist will catch you unaware on ice corners and might cause you to over-correct. The get-up-and-go on ice is fantastic! Cold starts without plugging in are no problem, and the engine warms up very quickly. Feild of view for a tall person is limited by the side pillars I find myself leaning forward and back with a lot of head movement while checking intersections.

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  People stop to ask me about my car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By gmoney - January 26 - 7:44 am

  I bought my 07 CRV in May 2008. People have stopped me at gas stations and grocery stores to ask me about my car! It is comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive. My last car was a Chevy Tracker with 4 cylinders so I was skeptical to get another 4 cylinder, but once I drove it, I noticed a huge difference. The tracker was like trying to push an elephant up a hill. The CR-V isnt like that. It doesnt zip onto the highway like a corvette, but it can get the job done with no problem and sure doesnt feel like an elephant. I love it and its the best purchase Ive ever made.

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  1997 Civic 4 Dr. Manual trans - 1997 Honda Civic
  By alex89 - January 26 - 2:32 am

  This car was my first one and the one I learned to drive on. Even though I bought it when it was 9 years old and had 140,000 miles on it, it worked great and held up even though I learned to drive manual on it, abused the clutch, and drove recklessly. The Honda Civic is a great car for a first time car buyer as it offers both great economy, inexpensive repairs, and a good driving experience.

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  Packed with features, few complaints - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By JoshV - January 25 - 7:44 pm

  Adaptive cruise control and lane assist make for frighteningly leisurely highway driving. One step below self-driving. Android Auto integration is amazing. Ive been using Android Auto on my phone in an air-vent mount for years and this is just light years better. The feature list for the price is impossible to beat. Drives nicer and with a LOT less road noise than my 2009 CRV. A few minor complaints. Why in the world is the USB port with the data connection only 1.5AMP? There are two 2+AMP ports in the back, but the one that will be used every single time the owner gets in the car doesnt get turbo charging? Bizarre decision. Road departure protection has a tendency to trigger randomly when on less-than-great roads. So far Ive been dealing with it and resisting the temptation to turn it off because I know if I turn it off its likely to stay off and then it wont be there for me when I need it. Occasionally the computer says my phone isnt connected when it is and only unplugging/replugging will fix it. It has plenty of power for average commuting, I have so far never been tempted to turn off Eco mode. Averaging about 31.5 MPG without really trying and using Adaptive Cruise Control heavily.

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  3.5 years and still happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boxman - January 25 - 6:53 pm

  3 1/2 years and no buyers remorse! My CR-V has proven both an efficient and comfortable daily commuter as well as a versatile camping vehicle with decent offroad capability - which has been put to the test many times. I havent charged across raging rivers or rumbled up rocky slopes like in the commercials, but Ive sure as hell put the AWD to the test on muddy trails, sandy ground and rough terrain (never been stuck yet!). Ive obsessively tracked the mileage since I got my CR-V, getting a lifetime average of 24MPG in 50/50 mixed city/hwy driving. Ive gotten up to 31 MPG on long road trips. Not bad for an AWD SUV.

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  Awesome to drive - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By sylence - January 25 - 1:22 pm

  I always wanted a Prelude and I found one cheap. This has absolutely been my favorite car that Ive owned. Very easy to drive and handling was excellent. Much faster than I expected. I was in an accident where I was t-boned on the highway that spun me 2 times in the center of the road. The car hit my rear wheel at about 55 mph and I was still able to drive it home. Im planning to purchase a 1999 or 2000 model in the near future.

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  My wife and I are very pleased with our new Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Braun - January 25 - 5:47 am

  We love our new Pilot, having owned it for only a couple of weeks to this point. For us, it came down to the Pilot vs. the Toyota Highlander. Our previous 2 vehicles were a Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Venza. We had no problems with either of them, but we felt it wouldnt hurt to look at the competition- the Pilot. We test drove a 2016 Pilot, then a 2015 Highlander back-to-back. Surprisingly, we both quickly chose the Pilot hands down. We felt that it was best for our family. Highlanders 3rd row was quite inferior. As for the reviewers that criticize the Pilots styling, I cant help but wonder why you would still move forward and purchase the vehicle if you didnt like the way it looks. I personally like the way it looks. As for the 9 speed transmission, I admit that we were tempted to get the Touring model, but some of the critical reviews scared us off. If you are considering a 9 speed, be sure to take one out for an extensive test ride to save yourself from any surprises later. All in all, we are quite pleased with our Pilot