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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  2013 and 2014 have "normal vibration". It drives me crazy! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By scoutgator - January 2 - 4:11 pm

  I would not have bought my Pilot if I had known that there was a "normal vibration" when cruising in ECO mode. Mine is very noticable at 1500 RPM and even according to technician, it shouldnt be there. My car has 5K miles on it. I would have spent my $38K on a different vehicle if I had known this. If you are considering buying a Pilot, test drive it thoroughly at 1500 RPMs!!!

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  Battery and AWD issues - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By sdhanson - January 2 - 12:23 am

  We have two cars - a RAV4 and a CRV. Pretty much identical vehicles except - The AWD handles like rear wheel drive when driving in snow. The rear end wants to come around when cornering on snowy roads. The RAV doesnt do this. I much prefer the RAV when driving on snow. The battery goes dead about twice a month. I had the battery and alternator checked by the dealer and was told everything is "OK." The alternator does not charge at idle and if all your trips are short your battery will go dead. Carry a battery pack and put it on a trickle charger once a month. This is a HUGE shortcoming to me! PS I live in a very cold region where we can go months below 32 degrees.

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  garbage - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By moparman90 - January 1 - 11:55 pm

  we have had this thing for 6 months we bought with 120,000 miles... 3 days later the transmission blew out on me... then here we are 8,000 miles later and the transmission is shot again WTF... the heated seats dont work half the time it has no EVIC and thats just stupid for a 2003... it is just AWFUL in the snow with good tires... the clock on the dash doesnt light up another stupid thing... the battery went i had to take the thing in just to get the factory radio set... i have a 2000 jeep grand cherokee with 225,000 miles never had ANY mojor problems i will try to convince her to sell this crap box and get a jeep... my jeep in 2wd is better than this thing with front wheel drive DONT BUY

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  Great car for what it is however...... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By nojo317 - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  There are some issues that make this not a 5-star car (for me). I purchased a new Civic EX-L in August 2013 after having driven a Mazda Tribute for 12 years. I admit to it being a huge change and adjustment. I have about 3,500 miles on it as of the date of this review. My main complaint is how it drives in wet/snowy conditions. It seems to have issues gripping the road, and even with just a dusting of snow on the road it spins its tires when trying to move from a stopped position (no, I dont drive like Mario Andretti.) I have 30+ years experience driving in the snow and do not feel confident in this cars ability to navigate the roads during a midwest winter.

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  Beautiful but disappointing - 2013 Honda Civic
  By ter12 - December 31 - 11:33 pm

  The car is beautiful. Do not get 40 MPG hwy as was told by dealer. Does not handle well in snow. Good fast heater. Visors are lower quality than my 2008 same model. Also center armrest in back seat is narrower. Car hesitates when turned on. Also hesitates when accelerated from a dead stop. My 2008 just went. This car drags. 2008 more peppy and more fun to drive. Same model

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  Whats the problem? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By xcivicx_1259 - December 29 - 1:52 pm

  A lot of people are really bashing on this Civic, people need to realize that Honda has ALWAYS been bad for road noise. It has always had a rough ride and has never had comfortable seating. If you want that kind of car, go buy a Cadillac. Next, if the exterior doesnt align DONT BUY IT. It is the companies fault, not something you should take on. Also a lot of people complain about the car and they drive like idiots and dont take care of it. For the tranny issues. Just buy a manual, it is a lot easier to service a clutch than a auto transmission. It solves the gutless problem as well because of the direct drive, there is no slippage opposed to the auto.

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  Cheap Continental Tires - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By watsonk - December 25 - 2:22 am

  After 2 years of driving the mini-van, here is my review: 1) Cheap Tires - After 21,000 miles, the original Continental Tires already wore out. I had to spend over $600.00 for new tires. 2) Too Wide - I had an accident involving my garage and the mini-van fender. The car is just too wide for my garage. 3) Cheap Spoiler - The spoiler at the top rear of van is made of cheap plastic (but expensive to replace). I prefer it to be made of metal. 4) Sliding Door Jam - Clicking the pushbutton two times will cause the sliding door to stall. 5) Cheap Plastic Bumpers 6) No Side Molding - Paid about $300 for side molding purchase and installation. 7) Outside Temperatre Gauge not Accurate

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  Not what Honda a worthy car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By herkel - December 21 - 5:58 pm

  Bought the 2008 Honda Accord V6 late in 08 & really thought this was a car that would be built good & solid. In November 2013 it was missing when I would stop so I took it to be looked at the local garage. They mentioned that Honda has had a lot of trouble with these V6s & that they dont even suggest buying a Honda anymore when someone asks for a reliable car. They had checked it out & replaced the #3 plug which from the posts on line, this is a common problem. So after getting home I looked online as to the problem with these & find that they start burning oil. This seemed total crazy, a car burning oil before, say 100K? In the old days yes but newer cars? Some had said they were putting

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  I just dont get it... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By glastonbury - December 21 - 9:26 am

  I have a 2014 EX-L Accord that 15 years ago would have been pure fantasy (esp,, the gas mileage, engine technology, etc). I just dont see where you can nit-pick too much an a car that was built with the minds of a likely very anal retentive group of designers. Here are a few sill examples: 1) On the shift handle, the button you depress initially felt kinda chintzy however, over time you realize the lightness of design makes it just a little bit easier to depress - it almost floats. I think this design esthetic pervades the car. It seems like everything works very well.

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  Honda missed - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By rickricka - December 19 - 7:06 pm

  Got my 13 Honda Pilot 5 months ago, 17k miles, at about 10k the known and accepted (By Honda ) Shudder Vibration in the VCM started, Since I drive so much it is not a characteristic I can accept, it shudders and vibrates at about 1500-2200 rpm. I will write to Honda but dont expect anything back since the dealership is aware, so should be HONDA. If you dont care about long trips being disgustingly frustrating, buy it, if you want a reasonable ride ,stay away until Honda get its right. ALSO Bluetooth Microphone is from the dark ages ( Toyota fixed theirs years ago) it doesnt work well with cell phone. I think I trade for a better ride,but it will hurt because may features are nice