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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  What has happened to Hondas quality! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Emery - November 30 - 4:00 pm

  I currently own a 2015 CRV which I dislike more than any car I have ever owned. After 8 mons I have had more issues and simply tired of the service dept acting as though they see and feel nothing..I have been trying out other vehicles and this was one even though I have no intention of buying Honda again. This car is cute but the ride is so bad. I drove it while raining and it hydroplanes so bad at 40 mph..so does my CRV. I am female 120 lbs and this HRV is so tight feeling. My body is too close to the door, you have to work at it to get into the console, head rests make no sense, even getting in the way. I will never trust them again. They took my hard earned money for nice down payment, lied to my face day of purchase and then told me it was Hindas problem, not theirs. My neighbor bought the new Piot and has owned one for years but syas it has all changed..this new car is cheaper made and he is having huge issues..Dont hold out for them. They contcated me one time in all the mons I have owned crv and the conversation was scripted and cold. Im on a mission to find facts. Good Luck everyone.

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  Accordingly boring! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By James in Fairfax - November 30 - 8:29 am

  Bought an 05 EX Sedan 4-cylinder w/ auto. Purchased based on reviews this is a "sporty family sedan". Its not. I had buyers remorse a week after purchase. Nothing makes me want to drive this car...nothing! Its so boring to drive I need to check my pulse to make sure Im not sleeping. IMO, this is a two-faced car: Extremely reliable, economical to own, attrative to look at. Yet, its boring to drive, too large, poor driving qualities, horrible brakes, twitchy steering with placid handling, poor paint quality. Appearance doesnt match the drive. This car has no personality. If driving point A to point B is all that matters...buy an Accord. 08 isnt much better, just bigger!

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  Not A Very Reliable Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Steve - November 27 - 6:44 pm

  I also bought the Civic for its reliability, but the overall experience has been somewhat of a nightmare. It all started when the struts went at about 65,000miles. Then at 85,000 miles alternator went. Then at 93,000 miles the switches to the windows went. The lining in the bck is coming apart over the rear passengers. The SRS light came on around 124,000 miles because of the seatbelt buckle. Now the big kicker the transmission is going at around 126,000 miles 5th gear pops out for no reason at all while driving. From what I read from other reviews, I will needing a new transmission. If that is the case the car is getting traded in!! I will never buy another Honda!

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  Check 1st - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By SpikeBlondBoy - November 25 - 4:40 am

  Off the bat, I was told great Sound, wrong - I traded great sound for this. Seats dont go up high enough and over all, Its really kinda basic compared to what I have bought in the past. Its is for sale and has 2800 miles on it. Cant even buy thing to deck-it-out so its plain. I only suggest that you really check it out - in my opinion, opinion Only.

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  My 2005 CR-V EX AWD - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - November 23 - 4:26 am

  After test-driving the Tucson, Rav4 and Escape, the CR-Vs interior has better quality, the exterior fit and finish is also superior. Cargo area would be improved if the rear seats folded into the floor; this is a major flaw with the CR-V. Another major flaw is the rear swing door, it should be replaced with an overhead lift door. The CR-V is fun to drive but needs better tires than the OEM BridgestoneÂ’s. They are noisy and hard riding. Honda still needs to put more thought into some of the interior details. Indicator lights need to be added on the driverÂ’s side window controls along with lights for some of the storage bins. Overall, the CR-V is a nice compact

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  Accord- major transmission problems - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bob123456 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have always purchased Hondas and had good experiences. However,after replacing two transmissions at 39k miles, I am very disappointed. Honda is covering the cost but it is a major hassle.

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  Shake, Rattle, and Roll - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kwh1 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst assembled car it has ever been my displeasure to own. Shame on the folks in Marysville! Does anyone inspect these things before shipping? I have never been assaulted by so many annoying noises from a vehicle in my life (and I owned a Chevette...)! Rattles, squeaks, clicks, etc. Terrible. My first (and last) Honda. Most difficult standard to get used to Ive ever owned. Vague feeling clutch makes smooth shifting almost impossible.

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  45000 miles later - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Eroc69 - November 20 - 8:36 pm

  Bought my CR-V in Dec.of 04, over 45000 miles on it. Biggest complaint is the pulling to the right. Have had it in numerous times and they always say "Its in alignment, even tire wear" OK fine, I can live with it cause I put on Michelin Hydro-edge tires and they find the road groove-crown. I cant get more than 20MPG no matter how hard I try. Noisy ride but reliable. I feel pretty safe, feel safe with wife and kids in it. I just had the tranny oil changed, it was black, should be reddish. Had the rear diff. cleaned- serviced. Trans is smoother I recommend it but its no speedy Cross over Vehicle, more of a reliable all weather ride. Needed tires too at 20K

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  You have disappointed me Honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By John - November 20 - 7:24 pm

  Let me start by saying, I love Honda.....or should I say loved Honda. My first car was a 93 Del Sol. What a blast that car was to drive. Taking your targa top off and blasting the radio, while listen to the cold air intake give your 4 banger some grumble. The love I developed for that car as I took her to 210,000 miles made me a believer in Honda. As much as that car made me love Honda is as much as this Civic has done too make me hate Honda. Now that is a bold statement so let me explain. Honda uses the cheapest and worst paint known to man kind. After two years on the road, the front of my purchased brand new with 7 miles on it Honda looked like it had been driven in multiple sand storms in Iraq. The paint on this car chips off with the slightest of ease. If you think I am crazy read reviews on 03 to 07 Honda vehicles.... apparently Honda still hasnt figured out how to fix their paint problem....or maybe they just dont care. Further more, I have a heat shield near the manifold the vibrates. I am familiar with this happening on older vehicles where shields rust off, (hell, I drove a del sol up to 210,000. Everything rusted off that car) but a 3 year old (at the time it started) vehicle should not experience this problem. Now to the ECM. A animal chewed the wires on my O2 sensor causing my check engine light to come on. (I own that this is not Hondas fault, but what comes after is) Easy fix it seemed, I bought a new O2 sensor at Autozone and changed it out, reset my codes, took it for a test drive, and low and behold the light came back on. Next I check all the fuses, painstakingly checking each circuit with a meter (thinking it blew a fuse). Everything checked out fine, so I now ordered the Bishko repair manual for the vehicle, so I could get a detailed view at the schematics for the O2 sensor circuit. Turns out there is no fuse for the O2 sensor, so when the animal chewed the wires insulation away, the open wires now touched. When I went to start the vehicle, unknown that the wires were chewed, it shorted the circuit frying the ECM! What should have been a simple O2 repair and fuse switch out, turned into a $150 used ECM install and a $100 reprogramming fee by the dealership. If I had the dealership do this it would have cost upwards of $600. Now happy me, my car is working again, except that 4 months later I hear a clanking noise coming from the serpentine belt. So I assume this is the drive belt auto tensioner. I purchase a new drive belt and tensioner. Work for a few hours removing stuck on bolts in areas I can barely get a finger into. Cuss a lot, replace it all, get it back together, start the vehicle and the clanking noise is still there. Well now I have brought you up to the present day. My next move is to check the A/C compressor, which I have to imagine is the problem now that I have ruled out the auto tensioner. Why a vehicle with 59,000 miles on it requires a new A/C compressor is beyond me. For those of you who dont know, an after market auto tensioner and belt can be had for about $75, And an A/C compressor for about $300. Take this to a mechanic and your looking at $800 + repair bill. Take it to the dealership and you will have a $1000 + bill. I bought this Honda so I wouldnt have to work on my car anymore expecting to be repair free till at least 120,000 miles. Now at 60,000 miles I feel like this car is failing apart. This vehicle has no impressive interior features, very basic. The steel wheels are too wide for the cars weight. This gives you improved cornering in the summer, but driving in the snow, this car slips all over, even with studded snow tires. I regret purchasing this car, as it has given me the same reliability of an ex-girlfriends Suzuki, which I was forever under the hood of......well maybe not quite that bad... but it has finally made me say, "maybe next time I try Toyota".

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  Too much hype - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By C Chiscrub - November 13 - 7:12 pm

  What was really disappointing for this vehicle was the mechanicals. Shifting, powering down and starting up is very rough.