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:

• 

  A/C - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kenny - September 3 - 2:09 pm

  My a/c compressor just went out on me a few days ago and the car has under 58,000 miles. I was informed by the dealership where I purchased my vehicle from that the repairs will not be covered by Honda since I did not purchased the extended warranty. I was very upset and dissappointed. This is my 5th Honda vehicles and everyone in my family has a Honda vehicle. I called the corporate office and they said that Im out of luck since I did not listen to the dealership when they were trying to offer and sell me the extended warranty. I told them I will never ever by Honda car again and they replied back and said "Its your decision and unfortunately this problem is not caused by Honda!"

• 

  A Reasonable but Not Exciting Used Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By emeyer - September 3 - 12:16 pm

  This review concerns the 5 speed manual LX 4 cylinder model. Driving: The manual shift has always provided a little annoying hesitation coming out of first gear. I like the extra power of the manual transmission for passing. Interior displays are easy and logical. Not an exciting car to drive--but okay. Reliability: This car is now 10 years old and I have had some difficulty with the usual suspects for older cars: brakes and exhaust have been replaced. I have also replaced the starter (strangley). Otherwise the power features continue to work fine. Average amount of repair/maintenance Id say. Overall I am reasonably happy with the car.

• 

  2005 Quality Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Hall - August 31 - 3:46 am

  Fell in love with the 2005 Odyssey over the Sienna and others but the quality is lacking in many regards. The car has visited the service center multiple times. Wind noise, whistle from passenger side. Transmission sounds like it is going out. Windows already been serviced as they got stuck. Front center console stays in the down position, too noisy when extended. Hood is misaligned and told to take to get fixed. I have offered this vehicle for test drives to new customers, Honda refused because they know this vehicle wouldnt sell. 30,610 overpaid for this vehicle. Watch out!!

• 

  The worst vehicle I have ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By blackjack - August 26 - 10:00 am

  The road and wind noise is very, very bad.

• 

  No So Happy Anymore - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Used to like Honda - August 22 - 3:30 am

  While the engine and gas mileage are good on this car the rest of it is not up to typical Honda standards. Right after purchasing it the trunk was leaking due to a seam that wasnt welded properly. The little bit of metal that is used on the body is cheap- dents very easily. Had light bulbs burn out in less than a year. Original tires are cheap-had to replace after 2 years and thats with snow tires on at least 5 month/yr. At not quite 3 years old new shocks and brakes. Oh and my favorite the turn signal/4 way relay switch I believe its called just died for no reason-replaced at my expensive of course. And now the cd player decided to stop working. It loads and ejects w/o a cd in it.

• 

  Mr - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rick - August 19 - 11:10 am

  Power seats are not fully adjustable. Shift hold control is a joke. 6-4-3 eco engine has poor performance and gas mileage of 22 highway. Not enough legroom for drivers over 6 ft. Front seats are too narrow and not deep enough. Radio has poor design... Too many buttons. Wrote Honda and complained about seat... They laughed. Will not buy another Honda.

• 

  Not Impressed - cant recommend - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Kuch - August 18 - 6:50 pm

  I took this car for a ride on CA State Route 1 (Pacific Coast). I have to begin by saying that I am not impressed. This car has a serious blind spot problem. Too much of blocking when you do a head check. Leather seats are of bad quality. Sound system needs improvement. I am 59" getting in and out is very uncomfortable. Audio unit gets heated up. Inside cabin is noisy. Wondering what would remain on 65MPH head on collision. I was shocked to see the design design beneath the bumper. I would rate safety features somewhere between 3 to 4. AC units has problem. Not sure if I can recommend this car to my friends.

• 

  honda acord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lewannmick - August 16 - 12:40 am

  road noise level to high. suspension does not absorb road variations. Noisey over small bumps and seams in the road. Can not even crack the windows open in the rain without getting water all over the door panel and yourself

• 

  Give it a peppier engine and were in! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By brian w - August 13 - 1:57 pm

  Wanted so much to like the car and we did, except for one little thing. The acceleration was like a bulldog on Valium. Give this car 30 more horses and you have a winner!

• 

  Terrible transmission - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mo - August 12 - 7:57 am

  2016 Honda Touring! Will be trading in this fairly new care as the transmission is horrible. $45,000 and you get a transmission that is stuttering, slow to respond and a car that is jerking at low speeds. May others with the same problem....look it up. Loved Honda until this.