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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  2007 CR-V LX FWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By contrco - January 22 - 11:07 pm

  Just bought 2007 Honda CR-V LX FWD with 88k for $11,800. Super hard vehicles to find. No mechanical problems, comfortable ride, good power for the 4cyl engine. Honda quality.

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  Terrible Full Beam Headlights and Cold in winter - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By nmark - January 22 - 9:56 pm

  I bought the 2013 CR-V because of how much I like my 2010 Odyssey. There is absolutely no comparison because the CR-V is so inferior to the Odyssey (sadly). Problems: 1. Full Beam Headlights are hopeless. The area in the immediate front of the car and at the sides is far too dark. Its almost as if the headlights point straight ahead and are elevated. Its a road hazard driving at night in the country where there are no city lights. Honda dealer replaced bulbs but no difference. Honda and Dealer simply deny there is a problem. 2. Car temperature inside is unbearable when temp drops below 20 degrees F.

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  Poor Heat and comfort - 2012 Honda Accord
  By minnesota_jon - January 22 - 8:42 pm

  This car does not blow hot air when the temp is below 0 deg F. If you live in cold climates and dont want to over dress for a long commute to work, then make sure to test drive this car in the winter on a subzero day before buying. I actually took this car back to the dealer to have the heat checked in my first winter. The dealer said it was working normal. Ive since asked other Honda owners about this and they agree that the heat is poor. My old Galant with 230,000 miles heats up much quicker and hotter! I am sadly trading this car in because of this as Im tired of driving in an icebox. For a car with such a vaunted reputation, I am greatly disappointed with this vehicle.

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  2005 civic dx - 2005 Honda Civic
  By algu - January 22 - 8:14 pm

  Bought this car just over a year ago with 90000km on it. Now has 120000km mostly highway gets around 43 mpg. Its just a base model with 5spd stick. Work really good. Had to timing chain replaced at 95k as well as serpentine belts should be replaced every 100k. Have also replace break lines and Oil pan at Around 110k. Also just replace alternator witch is a common thing for Honda. Changed out spark plugs And oil every 5k. Over all this car is a good reliable car no complaints mechanical wise runs like a top . As far as the interior seats are alittle stiff but are manageable. Its a fun little car and with todays gas prices I would recommend anyone of this car.

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  A sturdy commuter car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By dogstar2389 - January 22 - 3:15 pm

  If you need a reliable car for a teenager or just a ride when commuting to work i would definitely recommend the 11 civic coupe. Ive had mine on a lease for the past 3 years now and so far its been excellent on gas. the car is a little small especially for taller people but for short people like me its comfortable! I have never had an issue with driving it in snow (especially with some michilen tires). it accelerates at a decent rate on the highway too. I will say though that its a high maintenance car. the slightest amount of dirt in the filter or air loss in the tires brings your mpg down. And the paint chips and scratches easily on it. The clock goes too fast too.

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  Disappointed in my 3rd Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By anonymousrus - January 21 - 12:21 pm

  I took delivery of my 2014 Odyssey EX-L just a couple of weeks ago and already regret my purchase. I had previously owned 2 Odysseys that were great but this 2014 is a huge disappointment. The ride is very stiff and reminds me of the 1991 Ford Explorer that rode so bad if gave me neck and shoulder pain. This Odyssey already has rattles and the OEM Continental tires suck in snowy northern Indiana. If somebody has a PHD in computers (or a 10 year old grandson) the instrument panel is then probably understandable to program, but for a "60 something" its WAY too confusing, plus the instruction manual is literally as thick as a Bible. I wish I had my old van back!

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  Many rattles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By wstrange - January 21 - 7:45 am

  When I purchased my first Honda, a 2013 Accord, I expected a consistent vehicle that was comfortable to drive and easy to maintain. While the new features are nice to have, they dont outweigh the incessant rattling noise coming from the dashboard. The dealerships dont seem to know how to fix it, which makes the situation even worse. When you purchase a new vehicle like an Accord, you expect the Honda name to hold up. I have a different opinion of Honda now.

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  not what we expected - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rjb1122 - January 20 - 9:01 pm

  We did not notice the road noise while the salesman drove with us and talked during the drive. We are also a disappointed in the lack of options included. We did not realize until after buying the car there is not even a homelink control for a garage door opener. The ride is quite stiff and the car seems to have a vibration above 60mph. We have taken the car back to the dealer for them to evaluate but no luck in solving the problem. We bought the car off the showroom floor and did not drive the specific car before purchase.

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  School of hard knocks, get what you pay for. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gski1 - January 18 - 9:51 pm

  In the market for a new car and a previous Accord owner I jumped ship to a 5th Gen Nissan Altima. On paper it made sense, it offered features the Accord didnt at thousands less. 2 transmissions, a new radio and the dash, moonroof and rear deck rattling like a tin can later Nissan was finally forced to buy it back under lemon law. Back to the Honda lot I went and bought a 2014 EX-L V6. Ill say the car delivers. Its solid, quiet, fuel efficient and styled as aggressively as Id like. The ground doesnt light up when I open the door and the seat doesnt 60/40 split (cmon Honda?), but Im in love with the ride and comfort. Dont agree w/the seat complaints, 10 way pwr suits my bad back!

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  Oil pump, timing chain failure at 15,200 miles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By fishrman1 - January 18 - 9:15 pm

  2013 Accord LX, CVT Auto, 15,200 miles (bought new). A few seconds after starting the car, it made a horrendous grinding, screeching sound, with every indicator light on. I did not drive it, and it was towed to a dealer. It needed a new oil pump, timing chain, sprocket, etc - all covered under warranty. The dealer had no idea why the failure occured, and had never seen this on a Honda with so few miles. It took a week to repair, which was a major inconvenience. The car ran fine with no problems at all prior to this incident. I am sorry I purchased a Honda with so many other choices out there. I was sold on their legandary reliability.