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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  Not sure what this is but Honda Excellent! - 2008 Honda Accord Sedan
  By Elvena Chavis - January 17 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this car brand new & Im still driving it. I kept it very well. I only take it to the dealer for all service, oil change etc. It is the most dependable & durable car. I love the Hondas & never had any other but Hondas. My family & I have Hondas. We always buy them new & we’ve been buying Hondas since 1979. I will never buy anything else than a Honda.

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  Great vehicle - 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Benny C. - August 17 - 4:10 am

  I love my Honda Crosstour. It rides great, the smoothness of the engine is very quiet. The speed of the Crosstour is good. Very roomy inside, and very reliable.

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  Nothing compares - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Rolf Schweizer - November 23 - 7:36 am

  I live in Switzerland, Europe. Hondas are far less popular over here, then in the USA. In the last sales ranking available (2019, for compact SUVs), the CR-V doesnt even show up in the first 25 most sold models. So it took me a while, and a whole lot of bad cars, until I discovered Hondas qualities. I change my cars quite often, usually barely keeping them longer than 6 months, hence Im already at car nr. 60 (or more?) in my life. I usually always stayed loyal to a brand for some years. My first Honda was a FR-V, a car based on the CR-V, but a bit more van-like, and sportier. But they stopped building that car in 2009, and the used ones available today, all have around 200000 km, or even more. I bought a Diesel model then, with the reliable 2.2 l i-ctdi motor. I bought this car 2 years ago, and it was truly one of the most reliable cars I ever had. I wanted to change it this summer, so the CR-V was the logical upgrade. Its spacier, larger, and has the same reliable Diesel engine as I had in the FR-V. I found a very nice used one at a good price, and never regretted buying it ever since. Its a smooth ride, and the build quality of this car is simply awesome. It still looks almost like new after 10 years, and 170000 km. I also like its styling, my 3rd. generation model is not so different in style, than the latest one. At least, it doesnt feel like Id be driving an old car. My kids like it just as much as me, the space in the back is huge (along with the cargo boot) and perfect for road trips. The cabin is perfect, and the cockpit does not look old at all. The only thing to complain about, is the slightly grinding noise, the rear differential makes on very narrow turns. I already exchanged the oil with the right Honda oil, but the noise remains. I was however told by my Honda garage that this is no cause for concern, as many CR-Vs do that same noise, but the differential itself is very rarely broken. They told me to drive 10000 km, and to replace the oil once more, and the noise would most likely be gone. Ill try it. But so far Im fully confident that this car is one of the best I ever had, all brands considered (ca. 20 different car brands).

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  Like it, but not in love!! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Andy - January 24 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car based on price, room, and fuel economy. I commute over 100 miles a day for work. The fuel economy is excellent for a car this size. It doesnt feel slow at all and averages around 33 mpg. The engine is smooth when raving, but does idle a little rough when cold. It is direct infected, so that isnt a surprise. The car has good looks for the price. For just over 20 grand it has Bluetooth, dual climate, leather wheel, back up camera, and paddel shifters. What I dont like is the noise from the tires. Within 35000 miles I am forced to put a new set of tires on this car. All four of them are cupped and drone enough to drive you crazy. Im not expecting the car to be like a luxury car, but it shouldnt sound like a jeep riding on mud tires either. I check tire pressure religiously and rotate at oil changes. My other complaint is I cant seem to ever find a comfortable driving position. I find myself constantly adjusting the seat. I am a tall guy at just over 62 and the steering wheel always seems to be covering half of the speedometer also. That is unless I act like I am driving a bus. The speedometer is just way too large and the 45-85 section is the part I cant see. You know the part that is going to get you a ticket. I am constantly tilting my head to see how fast I am going. Its not a horrible thing, but really gets annoying after a while. The seat back that only folds as one piece I dont understand either. I took the car sking and it was quite loud with the whole seat folded down. I guess going sking with more that two people in a four door car is out of the question also without the purchase of an expensive roof top ski rack. I live in Vegas, so the handling has always been good, but in the snow that isnt the case. I had to have a friend come get me less than 800 feet from the hotel as I watched front wheel drive cars pass me. I am pretty sure that has to do with the horrible tires though. Based on my experiences, I cant say I am a diehard Honda fan like others on this site. There are other cars in this category I think I would choose if I had to do it again.

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  Great Dad car - teens wont like it but its safe - 2009 Honda Accord
  By b sommer - January 24 - 3:34 pm

  For this model, Honda reduced the size of the rear brake calipers. As a result, youll need new rear disc brake pads every 30,000 miles. I still have 70% of the original pads left on the front pads. This issue was subject of a class action suit. After litigating, Honda did not address the problem. Youll be buying lots of rear brake pads with this car. Additionally, the rear brakes dont release the brake dust. It just accumulates on the pads and makes for a nasty grumbling sound when you hit the brakes most days. Its annoying and it contributes to uneven rotor wear. This means more trips to the brake shop. The seats in this car are pretty basic. Fabric covered foam seats that arent the best for long drives. Okay for short trips - bad for a long road trip. Fuel economy, for such a large car, is pretty good. High 20s for most driving - higher on the highways lower in the city. Winter formulated fuel (here in Chicago) will lower MPG by 3-4 MPG. Its spacious. Ive hauled a ton of things in it. visibility is really good My kids wont drive it - its too much a dad-car. But they did use it to move into college!

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  Innovation abounds in this Solid Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rick Landries - January 21 - 9:04 am

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  A wonderful deal for us - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Shekhar Ò. - January 20 - 12:28 pm

  Rating very high for: - excellent deal for 2015 CR-V close to $30,000 after negotiation - Touring trim, needs hardly any additional equipment or package at that price compared to the other similar cars whose price goes up 8f you opt for those accessories or technologies - SUV feel and cargo space - right blind spot camera standard on most trims is a marvellous idea most other brands dont provide much superior to the blind spot warning beeper. Rear and blind spot cameras and splash guards should be standard equipment on all automobiles. - only accessories I agreed to were 4 splash guards already fitted on the car, although pricey, but I figured it would cost me not much lower after market, and trying to screw 4 of them in a crouching or lying down position would be very tedious for me. In Oregon where roads are wet at least half the year, it is very annoying and dangerous having the vehicles in front or side of you splashing all over your windshield all the time even when the rain is stopped , especially on the freeway at high speed. I am amazed there is no legal requirement for this low price equipment that can prevent accidents and save lives! - really liked the dealer placing number plates on the car immediately on buying for a fee that was reasonable and avoided the wait time involved - cannot rate reliability now, but historically, is excellent. - no sales tax in Oregon. Bought in Portland. Not so good: - Honda had year-end 0.9% promotional financing on all other models except on the CR-V WHY? I will quickly refinance to lower the interest rate to half. Havent started paying yet. Spoke to Honda Financial they said go for it and have no strings or penalties attached if we do refinance early. - the dealer tried to sneak in additional fees and amounts over and above of what was agreed before visiting the showroom, repeatedly angering me and making me almost walk out a couple of times

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  Poor Noise dampening in the car. Very painful - 2015 Honda Accord
  By G N Rajan - January 18 - 11:20 am

  The road noise is very bad. On the drivers side window there was a solid air leak. Mind you this is a brand new car. After numerous complaints the dealership (Fremont Honda, CA) said that it is on par with the 2015 cars. Apparently there was a recall for 2013 cars / recommended repairs by Honda but *None* for 2015. When I insisted and asked them to measure they put a EPT sealer. The situation has improved but there is an annoying hissing noise in the driver side front window. You cannot take any phone calls in the car due to that.

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  All around traveler - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Vi from seattle - January 16 - 10:20 pm

  If you need a good all around vehicle, I would recommend this one. Im really proud of this car. The trunk is really roomy and there is a lot of legroom. Perfect height for average people, even my 4yo can get in and out by herself. But still high enough to go through 2.5 feet of fresh snow up an 1/8 mile driveway. We used to have a honda odyssey minivan and we replaced it with this CRV. I was worried about stepping down from a V6 to 4 cylinder for our road trips. Going over the big mountain passes in cruise control, the odyssey would downshift to around 3k rpm and this CRV does the same. I feel that the lighter weight offsets the smaller engine. I would have given 5 stars if it werent for the darn VTC actuator clacking on cold starts and darn front seat head rests/restarints. I have checked with my mechanic and the VTC actuator is just an annoyance. I have to recline the front seat back a little and then the Fwd cant of the headrest is not so bad. The head rest was designed this way to reduce neck injury, so I understand. I took this car for a 3000 mile trip this last winter and it did about 25.5 mpg with blizzaKS and a Thule roof box. Again we had so much snow in utah. With studless snow tires on, I went through all sorts of snow. Handling was great going over Snoqualmie pass, blue mountains, Sierra nevadas, tahoe, donner pass and siskiyous. We had white out conditions with blowing snow and this little CRV did not skip a beat. Good tires are important to go and stop, awd just helps to go fwd. Ill update again after this spring break trip to Mt. Rushmore from Seattle. Hope this review helps

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  Vacation on the snow - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Linda Schaffer - January 15 - 12:59 pm

  Pricey. Good gas mileage. Drives really well. No chains needed in the snow.