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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  Poor Gas Mileage and Rattles - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Konnie - February 22 - 7:15 pm

  I drove a 2000 CRV-SE for 4.5 years and traded for one of the first 2005 models off the line. I am sorry I traded the 2000. Gas mileage never comes close to the promised mileage on the sticker and is much worse than 2000 model. The car is plagued with rattles that the dealer cant fix. The ride is stiff and uncomfortable. XM radio is nice, but the $500 extra cost is misleading in sales brochure that says "XM ready". Heated seats are nice, as are the radio controls mounted on the steering wheel. There is less space on the floor between the front seats than the 2000 model. Cant fit my Longaberger roadtrip basket where it sat in the 2000.

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  Beware of Honda quality standard - 2010 Honda Accord
  By bigmistake - February 15 - 1:06 am

  If you are considering 8th gen Honda Accord, do your research on what you are going to deal with. It is not the Accord that it used to be. Mine is Silver and its painting has zebra stripes all over it. Yet, Honda insists that it is normal and refuse to deal with the issue while none of the silver Accord owners and Dupon automotive painting rep I contacted think its normal. You will have to deal with all kind of creaking and rattling noises, in addition to ear-deafening noises from road, tire, wind and so on. Sub par braking performance. So so engine performance and so so fuel economy. Styling is nice but not worth it considering what you have to go through during your ownership.

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  Good for Family Life - Bad for Drivers - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By William Blake - February 9 - 6:29 am

  Bought this land yacht back new back in 2011 for a family of four, two young kids. This was my first minivan and I dont regret getting a minivan vs. a SUV - the ease of entry with the sliding doors has been worth it. The capacious rear cargo area has been an asset on road trips and runs to Home Depot. The Rear Entertainment system has also paid for itself in terms of subduing our little guys on long trips. Really, cruising on the highway with a bunch of people and stuff is what this thing was built for. It has also been reliable overall. Only replaced the brakes and dealer did so under warranty. In terms of driving, I am disappointed with the steering feel. It is so loose and imprecise, probably from being overly boosted, that it is not an easy vehicle to control, especially on the curvy undulating two lane highways we have in Tennessee. It does not inspire confidence in those situations - Im not saying it should drive like a sports car but it makes me feel out of control even when driving the speed limit. I had heard the Odyssey was the "drivers minivan," but maybe that is just an oxymoron. My car is a Mazda 3, so that perhaps that has ruined my perception. The other issue is that the van is just very loud on the highway - wind and road noise are excessive. All in all, a good purchase for our family, but showing its age in terms of safety tech, and lacking in the driving dynamics available in some 3-row SUVs these days - MDX, CX-9, for example.

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  Disappointment - 2001 Honda Civic
  By csteer - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought our Civic with high expectations. I love the engine and gearbox. The suspension is comfortable, although not a sporty as I would like. The car is roomy and enjoyable to drive. HOWEVER, the build quality is terrible - From the moment we got the car is needed a new radio, and a clunk in the front suspension still exists after 3 attempts to repair. The front seat has had three attempts at repairing it - the bushings fair after 6 months. Hmmm... what else - oh yes, the window regulator has been replaced, the engine computer reprogrammed to stop the car stalling... Not what I expected from a Honda - I am very disappointed

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  Would not buy another Honda!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By John Bright - February 5 - 3:02 pm

  I have had 2 issues with my vehicle that was not resolved to my satisfication after contacting the Corporate Office. I believe they are known issues and Honda does not care. My next purchase will be a different Manufacturer.

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  Regret buying this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By BMVA66 - January 9 - 9:00 pm

  My husband talked me into buying this car. The car has great power for a 4 cyl, the interior is real nice. Love the wood trim inside; radio has great sound; the seats are very uncomfortable for leather seats. The passenger seat is not power, which I do not like. After driving Cadillacs for 20 years, my husband wanted something more economical on gas and low maintence. Recently we had spent a lot of money on the Cadillac sedan deville 2001, with only 68,400 miles on it. However I was the main driver of the car and loved it. It drove and rode like a dream. It looked new inside and out. It broke my heart trading it in. Honda accord exl 4 cyl is a great car if u like small cars.

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  beware - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JOHN B - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new 4 weeks ago due to high ratings the SUV has achieved. Now it is at the dealers. They have already replaced drive shaft and are going to "try" replacing rear differential due to a bad vibration I have had since the car was new a whole 1100 miles age. I want Honda to repurchase vehicle since I will no longer feel comfortable driving it. I WANT MY 1999 CADDY BACK!!!

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  Hondas May Last Forever, But... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HKI4EVR - January 6 - 6:24 pm

  I dont know what Honda was thinking when they designed the interior of the Honda Civic. They may run forever, but what is the point if you hate driving it? I have had to replace my stereo twice, my vents vibrate up and down as I drive, when the vents are set to come out at the floor only, I have to shut the rest of my vents to get all the air to come out only at the floor, and now when I push the button to turn on my rear defrost, my radio stations go fuzzy. Not only that, but what brilliant engineer thought that putting cupholders on the other side of the shifter would be a good idea? And what is the point of having an armrest that interferes with the drivers ability to shift?

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  Just Okay - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ghary - January 6 - 4:20 am

  The car is very pretty but dont let the looks fool you. I only have 800 miles on the car and so far its been a bad experience. I never bought a Honda before and I am disappointed in every way. After hearing all the great reviews from everyone I had to try. The car rattles on medium radio volume (about talking level, I dont like loud music). No brand new car should rattle. The audio quality is horrible. Poor, not as expected gas mileage (16 mpg with mixed highway/city driving). The windows constantly fog up and rear defroster doesnt work. Theres also a lot of road noise! I should have spent the extra money to get something else.

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  Honday Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - January 5 - 3:54 pm

  Disappointed with highway mileage, getting 21 consistantly, thought 25 would be realistic. The pivot point on the seats reclining feels like someone is stuffing a pillow into your lower back, some like some dont. Road noise is higher than expected, especially on a windy day. Not wind leaks but wind travelling around the vehicle, not as quiet as the 98 Plymouth Voyager we had. Some of the road noise could be the tires that were on the vehicle when purchased, planning on changing those. Transmission does a lot of shifting around 35 - 40 like its not sure what gear to be in.