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:

• 

  Engine missfiring problem - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mike1419 - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  First a rocker oil sensor caused the engine to hesitate and misfire July 2013. Then Feb 2014 engine misfiring. Barely made it to dealer. Three spark plugs replaced and software update. July 2014 again misfiring, barely running. Made it to the dealer. Three pistons had rings replaced. This is all covered on warranty from a class action settlement I received in the mail. It appears to me that reliability has gone downhill. The van has 53,000 miles on it.

• 

  Not a 4WD - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By dabizmike - September 3 - 1:32 am

  Bought this after salesman said this was 4WD (says so on vehicle) had no way of testing since it was bought in July. took to Outer Banks in NC and got stuck twice. Attempted lock in as manual says and still did not help. Transmission fluid overheated and had to sit and wait for it to cool down. Friend driving a Rav4 was able to drive in sand better than we could and his is not 4WD. Was able to dig out once and then had to be towed once. Even letting air out to less than 20lbs did not help with getting through sand Might be better in snow butnot looking forward to testing out.

• 

  An excellent multi-purpose vehicle - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By wiesbadenbob - September 2 - 8:16 am

  Ive had my Ridgeline for about 18 months now. I had one very minor warranty claim, which was handled promptly and courteously by the dealer. This is a great vehicle for the suburbanite who needs to make the occasional Home Depot run, and may need to haul a smaller RV trailer. Ive hauled U-Hauls 6 x 12 trailer fully loaded with no trouble using the factory installed receiver. This is NOT for the manly man who needs a macho truck. Its a great combination of comfort and flexible cargo capacity. The trunk in the bed makes a great cooler for tailgating.

• 

  Very Impressed - 2014 Honda Accord
  By ohheck - August 29 - 9:50 am

  I have had my new Accord EX-L 4cyl for two weeks now and have been very happy with it. The car is roomy, well appointed and the fit and finish is excellent. The CVT that mimics a regular shifting transmission is excellent and the 4cyl has plenty of performance. On my first road trip, I averaged 41.7mpg going and 39.8mpg returning. Admittedly, that was driving @60mph, which for me is fast enough. At 70 years of age, Im in no hurry to get somewhere...just getting there is enough. My only negative is the ride. While not bad, it is definitely on the sporty side. The amazing thing is that my insurance only went up .40 cents over my older car with the exact same coverage. Very happy here.

• 

  Best SUV I have owned. - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By bluewaters94 - August 29 - 8:03 am

  I ended up with my 2012 pilot after a long search for a decently priced SUV that would accommodate 3 car seats across the middle seat because I have triplets and did not want a minivan. I have owned 3 other SUVs and the Pilot, being the 4th, is by far the nicest and most reliable. I have about 27,000 miles on mine and, to date, have not experienced any of the vibration problems others have written about. You get a lot for the money with this car and even better is that it really holds its value. I definitely plan on driving this one into the ground!

• 

  Bluetooth is horrible! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By flygirl59 - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  My biggest complaint is with the navigation system, which isnt user friendly and the Bluetooth has horrible reception. I can hear the caller ok, but they always say I sound like Im underwater. Ive had it into service several times and been unable to get it fixed, so I havent even used it in over a year. $3000 upgrade is useless! Ive since discovered the cars with the best Bluetooth our Cadillac and Toyota, then Kia. The transmission has jerked from day one, and I think it would be nice if the back hatch had an automatic button.

• 

  Love lost - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By retired28 - August 28 - 4:14 pm

  There are a lot of things about this car I love but it has three really poor features that Honda should fix. First, when driving around 90 to 95 kph there is an intermittent, high-pitched whine that can be loud enough to hear over the radio. Honda says its a "characteristic" of the vehicle, although both the salesman and the mechanic admitted to me that its loud enough to drive you crazy on a long trip. Second, I paid about $800 for the navigation system only to find the GPS to be almost useless. I finally added a $150 GPS from Costco to help me find my way. Third, if youre driving a lot in the U.S., take a look at the grayed-out mph markings on the speedometer.

• 

  If You Have To Buy A Minivan..... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By scottque - August 27 - 10:14 pm

  We have four kids ages 5-12, and this car just replaced our 2008 Touring. Honda just does a minivan right - this thing is a great kid-hauler. It has slightly more room inside than our 08, yet the van looks lower, sleeker, and less boxy than our old van. Decent acceleration, great turn radius, and quality interior materials. We have yet to hit the EPA mileage in the highway but on our only long trip in it thus far we had a cargo bag on the roof - which probably explains the 23 MPG. Thing drives much smaller than out is.

• 

  Good commuter, not comfortable - 2010 Honda Insight
  By krazyrabbit1 - August 27 - 8:29 pm

  Bought a used 2010 Honda Insight EX last year when I changed jobs that led to a longer drive. Most of my 70 miles per day is highway and the Insight averages 46 mpg. City stop and go driving actually brings up the mpg. Im an average sized woman, 55" tall, not fond of the ergonomics of the Insight. Sit too low even with the seat height up all the way and its uncomfortable, the armrest is too far away. My friend is 510" and the passenger seat doesnt go back far enough for her legs. The car handles well if there is no wind or snow, horrible if its windy. Blows all over the road. Has decent pick up though. I dont take it on long trips. Would recommend for commuter car only.

• 

  Significant problems Ill never buy another Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaleto - August 27 - 7:05 pm

  There are glaring problems with this car and Hondas in general. In fact, they had to extend the warranty on many parts. After only a few years, one engine mount broke, the clear coat flaked, and the paint cracked. The CVT transmission lags, which could cause an accident if youre expecting an immediate response from the gas pedal. To top it off, they lied about the MPG when I bought it in 2007--originally boasted at 41 highway, at best I get in the low 30s highway. Bottom line is there are better quality comparable cars, and because of the poor workmanship of this model (and Hondas in general for the past 10 years or so), Ill never buy another Honda.