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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  The Apple of Automobiles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rtroiani - April 30 - 2:30 pm

  When you use Apple gear, it is a joy because everything "just works". I find it the same way with Hondas. I now have a few hundred miles on my 2014 EX Coupe and I still smile every time I get in. It has sporty performance, very comfortable, and just enough tech to be helpful, but not get in the way.

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  perfect car for recent college grad - 2004 Honda Civic
  By trogdor1 - April 30 - 12:56 pm

  This car has everything I want. The lack of rear doors is compensated by the folding back seats. I can easily fit skis and snowboards in there. The mileage is obviously less than advertised. I get about 24/34 city/highway, while redlining it after every red light and toll booth. The goofy-looking thing has its own personality. It feels like a puppy who wants to sprint, just give it a little incentive. The shifter is easy to reach and the suspension is not too rough and hugs corners swimmingly. I have easily fit 3 people in the back, and the front bucket racing seats are amazing. No other car I have driven has the same sporty feel as this one. And i owned VWs, mercedes, ford, and acuras.

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  2014 EX - rattling sounds are driving me crazy! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By pebbycree - April 25 - 2:14 pm

  The vehicle is about 5 months old with a little over 4000 miles. About to take it back for the 4th time for rattling/ticking noises in the cabin. Dealer has looked at the dashboard, passenger door, center console. Now the glove box door is making a ticking noise. The night shift mustve assembled this vehicle. Drivetrain works well, and love the passenger side camera. About what Id expect from a $24,000 car....except for the ticking noise. Went from a 2000 Toyota Avalon to the 2014 Accord. The Avalon, with 232,000 miles, was quieter than this vehicle. Prefer driving my daughters 2006 Mazda so that I can avoid the ticking noise in the Accord.

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  Love My Car!! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By catsmeow5150 - April 25 - 11:29 am

  I have been looking for a car for the past 2 months after my Mazda Protege of 15 years died. I wanted something a bit classy, good on gas, but with bells and whistles. I looked at the Lexus, gorgeous car, but the price was too high. I looked at the Acura MDX and the gas mileage was not all that great. Then I looked at the Honda CR-V, after my first test drive I was hooked. It handles very well, I sit a bit higher so I feel safer and with all the air bags I know I am safe. It gets 28 mpg, which is awesome!! The navigation system and XM radio make me feel a bit spoiled! I also love the fact that when I alert my car that I am arriving at night the headlights come on, just comforting. Luv it

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  Significant Road Noise - 2014 Honda Accord
  By sam3840 - April 24 - 7:43 pm

  The road noise is so great in my $32,000 Honda Accord that my husband will not travel with me. I went to Winter Haven FL Honda dealer about the road noise when traveling above 60mph. In short.. They said I had to live with it because it was the nature of the car. My 2006 Honda Accord did not have this type of road noise.

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  Dont buy this SUV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By carmom11 - April 24 - 2:18 pm

  If you want to be left on the side of the road waiting for a tow, purchase this SUV. The first time the engine misfired and broke down the truck was 3 months old. We thought nothing of it, but the 2nd time it was 3 years old so we investigated and found out about the class actions suite. (Google Honda Pilot class action suite misfire) Nothing like being on a road trip to the north for Christmas fully packed with a baby and a small child and breaking down in rural PA. After the truck was repaired and Christmas was over I drove it straight to a Ford dealer and traded it for new Explorer. I will never purchase another Honda.

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  Awesome car, Honda san - 2013 Honda Civic
  By disbelief3 - April 23 - 6:43 pm

  I love my 13 Civic EX Sedan. Alabaster Silver/Black Cloth. Mudguards. Shopping bag hooks. I have been really impressed as have family and friends. I am glad I didnt get the leather seats, which take longer to cool than black cloth, and I love everything about this car. As the satisfied owner of a 5-speed 1989 Civic DX Hatchback, an automatic 03 Corolla CE, and a 2009 Corolla XLE, all I can say is, Wow. 22,000 miles and loving it.

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  Great Car, pooly made AC & zero customer support - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By teriyakiboy - April 22 - 8:48 pm

  I love my CR-V, this is true utility minded vehicle, which majority of todays SUV are lacking. Hence I baby my car. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the TSB on AC and class action that Honda settled in 2012 for $40M. It was a true wake up call when the compressor exploded, sending pieces of metals throughout the AC system, causing $4500+ damage. Honda America denied everything about the AC and compressor issues, calling internet info "competitors lie", case action is "untrue", and they even went in extent to tell me that I was first person to report the problem. Im royal to the local dealer, but Im no longer royal to Honda brand.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By daschneid - April 21 - 12:00 pm

  This van has been absolutely fantastic. I have never had mechanical problems of any kind. The power sliding doors have worked consistently and Ive never had a problem. Couldnt say that about the Ford Minivan I owned previously. Great ride, excellent mileage - average mid to high 20s. Very reliable. I bought it new in 2006 and I can see driving it for another 5 or 6 years. Design and quality is great. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Like it! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By dowpwr - April 18 - 9:19 pm

  Just got my Odyssey a little bit ago and I really like it. The tech features are nice especially pandora and the text on-screen. Its very quiet and handles good. Plenty of space in it for kids and gear. Does handle like a minivan as expected. Make sure you get the Michelin tires rather than the continentals. There is a big difference and trust me the Contis are horrible. The best bang for you buck is the EX-L in my opinion. My kids use iPads and iPhones and have no need for a rear entertainment system. Nav would be nice, but I use my phone for that stuff on the fly. The one thing I will be keeping track of is the Tranny. Had an Accord with Tranny issues and hoping honda fixed it!