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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  Overall good car but with many flaws. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By autres - June 7 - 5:55 am

  Ive had the CR-V for 3months and 5000+ miles. It has a relatively comfortable ride, a Honda typical handling which is excellent. The noise level is very good. And the engine is responsive. But the sun visors are a joke, it can not telescope so it can not shield your eyes from the sun when you swing it to the side!!! The back seats can not recline so it will be a torture for the passengers on long trips. I would not buy this car if I have a chance to do it over again.

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  When Honda Made Good Cars - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ravfjr - June 6 - 3:24 pm

  I really liked this car... It was a good value for the money. The gas mileage was reasonable at 34 MPG highway. It felt solid to drive, but a bit underpowered. The interior was nice and quiet, and didnt rattle like my now 2012 Civic Coupe. Im sorry I traded this car in...

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  2014 Honda Accord (Hematite Green) - 2014 Honda Accord
  By whitneytoday - June 5 - 9:12 pm

  I just purchased my first vehicle which is a 2014 Honda Accord LX from AutoNation Honda in Sanford, FL. I love the new body style of the Accord and I knew that was the car of my choice. I wanted leather seats and sun roof but the EXL was a bit too much, so I started looking at the LX. Originally, the LX doesnt come with leather interior or sunroof but Skip helped me get the car of my choice and it was all in my price range. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Great value - Small things annoy - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By polarbear14 - June 5 - 2:52 pm

  Weve had this for over 6 months and 5000+ miles, It replaced an older Honda Crosstour - glad we did. The CRV is comfortable, highly maneuverable and very economical for an AWD. The controls are easy to use. We would consider buying this car again if we were in the market.

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  Great little Car - 2014 Honda Civic
  By exxiv - June 5 - 10:09 am

  I just picked up one of these. Would have never considerd a civic but the dealer near me was having great deals on them. Boy am i glad I went to look. The 2014 Civic is smooth, large on the inside and very fuel efficent. Everything is put together very well and the car is very solid. I never lack for power and hope to have this car for many years to come.

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  Unreliable - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By lefty007 - June 4 - 9:38 am

  Bought this new. Had a noise coming from the front strut at 10K miles. Took it to the dealership and the performed service bulletin 11-038, that fixed the problem for another 10K until the noise came back. Took it back to the dealership and they fix it again. Another 15K or so and the noise came back. Took it back to the dealership, now they found they have to change the struts. Car out of warranty, Honda made me paid for the repair, although it had been documented that this was a problem and they even had a service bulletin out. Do some research and see how many service bulletins there are. I guess 2011 wasnt a good year for Odysseys, and Honda wont stand by their products.

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  104k miles, 4 years later.... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By por944t - June 3 - 3:20 pm

  I have just rolled over to 104k. This was a certified pre-owned 20k car from the dealership when I purchased it 4 years ago. Overall, this car has been reliable, affordable, and relatively roomy. Ive averaged 29-30mpg in the city/35 highway. This car is my daily driver. Longest drive was 16 hours one way (at 90k) and no problems. Next service appointment is for the water pump/belt- hopefully this goes smoothly.

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  It has been great!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By snowfanatic - June 1 - 2:57 pm

  Just hit 275,000 kms (170,000 miles) Total repairs to date $304. Original brakes went 185,000 kms, still on second set. Would like to buy another one but Honda Canada have cut the number of available colours from 11 to 4 with no choice on interior. Took it to a reputable independent garage for an opinion. They could not find a thing wrong with it. May try for 400,000 kms.

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  Terrible Audio - 2014 Honda Accord
  By olivander - May 31 - 10:53 am

  This Honda Accord has a terrible audio system. It is junk. I did not realize how bad it was or else I would not have purchased the vehicle. I commute 90 minutes each day and the audio is important. The radio had excess static . There is no subwoofer. The speakers are tinny, muffled. When the sunroof is open and driving on the highway, I cant hear the sound! I dont understand why Honda would not offer a better system in such an expensive car without having to buy leather options. I would like Honda to offer a remedy to this problem in my current vehicle. If not, I will not buy another Honda again. (I had been a Toyota owner for 20 YEARS! Unfortunately, it may be my last.

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  No more Hondas for me! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By ravfjr - May 30 - 12:52 pm

  This is my 3rd civic, and will be my last Honda. It appears that Honda has (sadly) taken the road to greed by offering an inferior product for profit. At 500 miles the traction control unit failed, then at 13,000 miles the A/C unit wouldnt work, followed by an emission control failure at 15,000 miles. The car is extremely noisy and uncomfortable to drive. The stereo is one on the worst Ive ever heard. I really cant believe this car is a Honda product.