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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  Honda Cannot be proud of This Product! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mando236 - February 5 - 8:20 am

  We bought our van used with 68K on it, but because its a Honda we werent worried. Boy were we WRONG! In the course of 5.5 yrs & 100K miles, we have been to the service center 21 times, replaced two trannys (soom 2B 3), constant sliding door problems, ignition switch recall, hard shifting all the time, and we are about fed up. We could have bought a brand new Domestic with the knowledge that the trannys would die, at least they would have been under warranty. The good things about the van are severely shadowed by the transmission problems. The engine runs very strong, but is no good without a reliable transmission. We spoke with American Honda, and due to our mileage offered no assistance.

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  Drove nicely but had to climb up to get in and out - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By clarke stough - February 4 - 9:00 pm

  Was noisy on highway

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  nice car but buyers beware - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Reinaldo Davila - February 1 - 8:37 pm

  This car runs great, love the interior except for the consoles. Gas mileage is horrible I feed this baby once a week. Problem with dampness/wetness on the carpeting from drivers side and passengers side. Had it serviced twice. So buyers beware, have it serviced by a mechanic before you purchase a used Pilot.

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  am I missing something? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carfan - February 1 - 2:10 pm

  As a previous 05 v6 EXL owner I was excited when I first saw the new 08 Accords. We purchased a V6 EX-L after a 3 minute test drive as our replacement "beater/mileage drive to the city car" (My signifacant other and I also drive an 08 BMW535xi and an 07 E350) For slightly under $28K this new Accord sucks! Road noise on even the slightest bumps, uncomfortable ride, hollow tin-ny sounding and poor material quality on the interior. We have been huge fans of the Accords since the 86-89 series and feel this is by far the worst example and no doubt our last. I know we cant compare to our other cars but this car has really gotten "cheap" feeling. This car is not a keeper for us.

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  Worst Honda ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Huffman - January 31 - 8:30 pm

  Currently my Odyssey is in for its 12th service visit since owning it. Ridiculous for a Honda. They should be ashamed of this one. AC has died twice. Power steering gone out once - been in for high pitched "scream" sound four times. Windshield seals replaced three times. Now window mouldings dont want to stay in place. I have had 5 Hondas. This may be my last. Having to regretfully consult attorney and look at lemon law.

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  Odyssey Touring - PAX Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rstefano - January 31 - 7:05 pm

  I do not recommend this vehicle. The PAX tires are horrible. Two needed replacement at 15,000 miles, which required exchanges wheels/tires. Nobody buy Honda has these. The dealer said there would be a refund. I contacted Honda Corporate Customer Service after 3 months. They said no refund and that $570 per wheel/tire is the price. I experienced unbelievably bad customer service from them and the dealership. Throw in bad factory brakes, intermittent squeaking engine noises, PAX tires that last 20,000 at $570 each and youÂ’ve got a bad deal. After 10 new Hondas/Acuras, this is probably our last. Took a bath and traded for the 2007 Sienna Limited but we love our Toyota. Bye Bye Honda

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  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mark81 - January 30 - 6:20 pm

  My experience has been two sided actually. From a family hauler perspective it is great for taking the kids to after school functions and throwing some groceries in the back on the way home, glad to have the cover. As for a truck, I really wish i had my Silverado back , having traded it in on this. We camp in the summer and also tow the boat over to Dale Hollow on the weekends, the salesman assured me a 3500# boat would not be a problem. This is not the case what so ever. The V-6 struggles getting the boat off of our street let alone the heart attack I almost had trying to get it up a ramp. The brakes offer no confidence either when trying to bring the trailer to a halt (w/ trailer brakes!).

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  Expecting a little more from Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mike - January 28 - 6:51 pm

  This was my 1st Honda. Gas mileage is great. It was the reason I bought it. Dealership not very inspiring. Had 2 electronic issues. Gas gauge faulty. When that was fixed I found out thru a safety inspection the rear lights didnt work. My mech traced the problem to behind the dash. At 1st Honda confirmed that fact but then said it was at the transmission. Wrote owner of dealership to complain but was told he would stand behind his staff. $700 later it was fixed. What was I thinking. The consumer is right?? My mechanic traced the problem and stated that the cell on the transmission was ok. Problem was behind the dash. Who did the work behind the dash? Im getting the Mazda3 next week!

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  Very Dissappointed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rattle-o-ramma - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a very powerful, great looking and agile vehicle, its hard riding, uncomfortable and NOISY. Ive also had irritating rattles, snaps and chirps from the dash and doors. A- pillar clips are defective on these vehicles, but Honda hasnt recalled. Hard plastic trim in rear is cheap looking & the seatbelt clasps rattle against them. Expected more for $24K. Anybody want to buy a 2800 mile beauty. . .?

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  Drive before you buy! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By FunDriver - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought the car after just a short drive. After 3500 miles, I cant get comfortable and driving is miserable! I have never had this problem with any other car Ive owned. No matter what I do, the accelerator pedal causes sore leg muscles. Also, the console, by your right leg, has a seam that sticks out and causes further leg pain if you lean your leg against it. I am very disappointed with this car and dislike driving it. Due to the shape of car and pillars, it is hard to see outside the car when checking for traffic. I would not recommend this car to anyone.