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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  New Transmission at 8K - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Barney - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I always thought the Honda Accord was a reliable vehicle until I purchased my Accord with a V-6. Transmission started clunking at around 4K and the dealership told me this was normal. At 8K the transmission failed and Honda replaced it. Now after 1K with the new transmission it is making a clunking sound again every time I back up! The dealership is telling me this is normal again! I am going to unload this lemon before I need another new transmission. Will never buy a Honda again!

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  Replaced 2000 Odyssey with Toyota Senia - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mm - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  Good in beginning. Always had Front brake over heating issues in long Highway drives (not city). Speedometer (70=66MPH) and Odometer were off by 5% (likely to make it appear to get better gas millage). Major tire issues with original tires. At 65,000 replaced EGR $300. Replaced brakes every 20,000 miles $240. At 86,000 Catilic Converter & Motor Mounts $1,700. At 92,000 miles $1,200 to replace sliding door motor. We had 93,000 miles. At 100,000 they wanted $1,700 for timing belt/waterpump replacement. I have not had major transmition issues yet, but they were comming also. Trans upshifts had changed. Cant afford $4,000 dollors trans. It became a vehicle we could not afford to keep any more.

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  2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Douglas - March 9 - 12:53 pm

  The 2008 Honda Accord V6 is one of the most annoying cars to drive between the vibration in the steering at speeds above 50 mph and the engine constantly changing the number of cylinders that are firing. In 3 cylinder mode it feels and sounds as if the engine is misfiring. The gas tank sloshes if the tank is above 3/4 full (the baffles do not extend to the top of the inside of the tank to prevent the gas from sloshing around). The XM satellite radio frequently loses signal as you drive down the road. Round noise prevents the radio from being heard well on the highway. If you stop and then turn going uphill, the transmission down shifts violently throwing everyone in the car.

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  Big Disappointment - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Paul - March 8 - 11:58 am

  Reasonably comfortable. Fairly quiet. Not much fun to drive. Very expensive to own. It gets 19/24 mpg. This for a 2.2 4-cylinder is ridiculous. Parts for this car are surprisingly costly. For instance, most car manufacturers will use two formed-rubber hoses (~$20) for the cooling system. Honda uses somewhere around 10, making the hoses alone ~$80. Another example: Honda designed the front brakes such that you must re-build the entire front-end to replace the rotors (a very high wear item). Other manufacturers keep the rotors on this two small screws. This makes a ~$200 repair closer to $800. Big disappointment overall. As the cost of ownership is equal, Im selling this and buying a BMW.

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  This is not an - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ewc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an Acura MDX for 5 months which I absolutely love. As a result, I ordered a Pilot. I was surprised at the $31K price, which is within $4K of my MDX, despite the fact that the Pilot has no sunroof and 1 year/14,000 miles less warranty, etc. The exterior looks like an oversized CRV. The quality of the interior was not even in the same universe as the MDX (too many things to list, just compare for yourself). It did drive comparably to the MDX. In my opinion, the Pilot is a total rip-off compared the MDX. Before you buy a Pilot, check out the MDX. We ended up with a new Sequoia for only $750 more.

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  Poor exterior fit and finish - 2017 Honda CR V
  By L.E.E. - March 4 - 10:03 am

  Fenders, hood are misaligned. Large and uneven gaps. Adjacent sheet metal surfaces do not flow together. Excessive panel adhesive on interior of all doors leaves raised rough surfaces. Other than crude finish, seems to be a decent car. After three weeks of ownership, Ill see what the dealership will do. Wish me luck! Update to dealer visit: According to dealer tech, I will have to live with the poor build quality. Also, your CR-V, came out of Canada and does not have the quality of 2016 and previous generations. Look around the lot, the 2017s arent that well made. If we try to improve alignment of hood and fenders, we could make it worse. What a great buying experience. I will get into a Chevy, sooner than later.

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  Still vibrates - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jorge R - March 3 - 10:41 am

  I bought the new Honda CVR 2016 EXL, thousands on dollars. But it still have the vibration issue. Take care when buying this car.

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  Who can say hondas are refined? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By chasm - March 1 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased a new Â’05 accord coupe lx in June 2005, and I expect this will be my last Honda. I have been quite disappointed with a car that has received such high regards from various auto critics. I am currently driving this lx with a blown stereo speaker and a vibrating engine that makes long drives utterly dreadful. The car would actually be decent transportation if something could be done about the refinement of the engine and mediocre stereo.

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  Bad Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Karen Smith - February 27 - 9:33 pm

  2008 V6 sedan has vibration in steering wheel at speeds of 65 to 78 mph. Test drove a 2009 after I purchased mine only to find the same problem. Honda Corp does not acknowledge the problem. Possibly the new design with the new wishbone suspension. 7 months after the initial purchase @ 13,000 miles I needed rear brakes. They put ceramic pads on the rear to replace the factory pads and only charged me labor. But if they covered the brakes under warranty than why did I pay labor. Because brake pads are warrantied only up to 7,500 miles? Lets see how long these brake pads last! This is my 6th Honda and my last. Each newer model has more problems than the last.

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  2008 Honda Civic EX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Okamotosan - February 26 - 8:03 am

  All future Honda buyers, BEWARE! I bought my car merely a year ago and since about 6 months ago, it has been making sounds like there is a horse under the hood. Last week, it LOST most of what little power it had (could only go 25mph) and the dealer said that nothing was wrong with it. Then, 5 days later, the damn thing stalled in the middle of an intersection. I had to get out and push then have it towed! And when I take it in for repair, the car doesnt act up so they say that everything checks out fine. I cant sell it because the economy is so bad and plus it WILL give trouble to its new owner.