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:

• 

  transmissions - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pattyann - October 18 - 5:50 am

  we own a 2013,,the tranny started Vibrating and skipping between 20 and 28 miles per hour,,from first gear into 2nd.i went to Honda Dealership in Tarrytown Ny to get a diagnosis test FOR $ 100,>>but they DID NOT ADDRESS THE VIBRATIONS IN TRANNY..figures,, IM DETERMINE TO GO TO THE HEADQUARTERS WITH ALL THE INFO NEEDED TO PROVE THIS IS A FACTORY FAULT AND THEY AREA TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE,, WE PAID OVER $ 32,000.99 CASH ..I WILL NOT LAY DOWN TILL THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED AND THEY ARE ACCOUNTABLE !! THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH AND IT THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT!!

• 

  sexy car with not so great interior design - 2016 Honda Accord
  By jessica oakes - October 17 - 7:31 am

  Outside is WONDERFUL however driving sites very low to the ground in the sport edition which causes the handling to be quite ruff and the ride just as ruff, the controls on the steering wheel are horribly placed and you constantly hit the dial a person button. The steering wheel is just awkward in general. Also the stereo system is terrible you do not get quality thats for sure.

• 

  sexy car with not so great interior design - 2016 Honda Accord
  By jessica oakes - October 17 - 7:31 am

  Outside is WONDERFUL however driving sites very low to the ground in the sport edition which causes the handling to be quite ruff and the ride just as ruff, the controls on the steering wheel are horribly placed and you constantly hit the dial a person button. The steering wheel is just awkward in general. Also the stereo system is terrible you do not get quality thats for sure.

• 

  Very Dissatisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Beth - October 16 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Honda. Purchased it 4 months ago and am already looking to trade. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. There is an excessive amount of road noise and its a very bumpy ride for a brand new car! Also, control panel is awkward. Loud rattling in the back when going over bumps and constantly squeaking brakes: the Honda mechanic told me both were normal and couldnt fix. The whole car just feels cheap.

• 

  drinks gas - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ron James - October 3 - 8:16 am

  I like the way this car/truck/suv handles . It is roomy and useful. I like the easy care of the interior. I have owned several Hondas never a complaint. I also own a 2006 Accord and am very happy with it. The Element posts 22 miles in the city and 24 hwy I get 17 city and 19 highway if I drive conservative. It drinks gas like a full size suv and the gas tank is small there is only 12 gals before the reserve. So hwy range is 250 miles not good for long trips outside of town that you might want this for. If you are looking for a suv for trips to the country look for something else.

• 

  Honda has lost it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John Pedro - September 26 - 10:56 pm

  Honda is riding out the last of thier quality notoriety. Dealers are still acting like they are selling a quality product, but after this cycle of cars are returned, people will be going elsewhere.

• 

  Someone should have warned me!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Janice - September 24 - 11:36 pm

  If I had known prior to purchase this vehicle "runs rich" I would never have purchased. I cannot not afford 13 mpg in the city. And until I hit the magic of 6500 miles on the van--that is the best I can expect. It does about 21 on the interstate. I gave up some nice features in my Pontiac Montana for the privilege of paying more in payments, insurance, and gas!!! not a good thing!

• 

  05 Ody = Love it, Hate it - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By bbug1 - September 24 - 12:50 pm

  Ive owned this van now for just over a year. Initial ownership was bliss. However, at 6k miles, the joy turned to frustration with the grinding brakes. Being told there is a "fix" in the works and here we are almost a year later with no fix. This brake problem has limited our excursions. No big road trips for us. Mountain trips? Not! As if that isnt bad enough, the transmission is acting up. The low droning and slipping is telling me that a rental car is in our future. Yesterday it stalled on us and I wont drive it until I can call American Honda tomorrow (I know itll need to be towed). I really wish that this van held up to what I thought it could be. It would have been great.

• 

  Its a Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mhbthr71 - September 22 - 3:36 am

  I put a lot of miles on any car and purchased soley on the gas mileage. Traded in my Element which now I wish I still had. After driving the Civic for 9 months now, I am not so thrilled. Gas mileage average 38-42 mph, but the car is not comfortable at all. The seats are hard and very limited adjustments to try and make them comfortable. No cup holders in back or arm rest in back. What was Honda thinking. Basically, I feel this is a way overpriced commuting machine. Not kid friendly, not long trip friendly. Honda also falls short in the "fun to drive" catagory. Corners horrribly, tire squeal. Listen, I dont drive like Mario Andretti. I was suprised at the poor handling.

• 

  boo hoo - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ckc - September 20 - 3:23 pm

  Its pretty gutless and the clutch has some issues. I have the EX with VTECH For the price I wish it was a little better. Runs great Sunroof button is in a stupid spot and the sunroof doesnt go all the way back. Radio is pretty cheesy for "high quality"