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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  An Upgrade From The Previous Production Run - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Neward Thelman - January 5 - 2:32 pm

  Isnt it amazing how many people describe whatever brand new vehicle theyve just purchased as "An Amazing car", or "Greatest Car Ever!", or some such other hyperbole? The age and mindset of those placing such posts immediately springs to mind. In reality, beyond the "Bestest Greatestest Most Humongously Stupendestist Car Ever" reactions, the new Civic remains tethered to its econo-box origins. I test drove the LX. The styling is overall a forward step up from its previous grandma conservative look, but the designers went too far in many respects. The back end looks like they were going for super-sporty, but didnt really know how its done, so they went way overboard with an excessive - and from some angles - ludicrous design. Inside, the car is much nicer than the Corolla, although its still far short of the plusher refinement of the Chevy Cruze. When driving, you still have a sense of sparseness along with that unmistakably econo-box feeling of an empty, light-weight tin can. Tapping the interior roof confirms the impression of rather cheap hollowness. The Civic had adequate acceleration, but no feeling at all of power on demand. Just drive an Accord for comparison and you feel the difference immediately. However, it has better power than the Corolla. The ride is somewhat jittery. Rear visibility is poor due to the narrow and radically tilted slot of a rear window. If you choose the Civic, youll have to live with a CVT - not something Id want to do; but it seems that many people hardly notice ["bestest car ever!!!"]. Id say that Hondas CVTs are as good as Toyotas, and much better than the droning, straining designs that Suburu makes. Overall, the new Civic may be a good choice for a first time car buyer, or as a second car if you already own a better one. For me, the nail in the coffin is that every trim above the base LX model comes with a moonroof. You get one, whether you want it or not. Will it leak? Maybe it will, maybe it wont. Youll just have to find out - and when, several years down the road - that Civic that you bought for its "unsurpassed" reliability starts dripping water on your head and filling the cabin with rapidly growing, fragrant mold, youll be scratching that very same [now moist] head that had led you to make the purchase. As for Honda - nice demonstration of corporate wisdom.

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  2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Karen - January 4 - 6:35 pm

  Great car. Replaced older CRV. Nice upgrades from older model. Good gas mileage. Disappointed in highway/road noise when driving. Great storage area. Seats fold down flat. Never used portable table. Cover over back area important for security. Tires replaced at about 50,000 miles. Seats are firm. Shift lever looks awkward, but I have never noticed any awkwardness with it.

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  Not really bad, just not really good - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By B. Willis - January 3 - 9:02 pm

  First three and a half years went by pretty smooth with just a few annoyances like the sliding doors not wanting to close and the clock light burning out, twice. The last six months have been irritating with the transmission being changed, under warranty, for a computer chip problem, the air conditioning going out, and the EGR problem. The van handles well and the dealership has been better than most. Still, my next vehicle wont be a Honda.

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  First Year Blues - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Charles - December 31 - 9:43 am

  Honda has dropped the ball with regards to build quality on the 2003 Accord Coupe. By all measures, the car should be a joy to drive, but unfortunately it suffers from 1st year engineering and quality failures. Starting at about 5000 miles, squeaks and rattles crept in to destroying any perception of Honda quality. The radio head unit went out and had to be replaced. The ABS quit working and sensors had to be replaced. A surging idle issue rendered the car nearly undriveable. All of this was before it had 30,000 miles on the clock. I bought this car with the hope of keeping it for many years, but Im sad to say that Im fed up. Beware of the 2003 Accord Coupe.

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  Would give it a 5 but Software Update ruined every - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Shelly Marshall - December 28 - 4:05 pm

  I bought this SUV (2015) new especially for the MPG--it was rated at 26-33. The 2016 were 25-31. So I went with the 2015 model because I travel a lot. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this vehicle--MPG were more than rated--handled great, Interior was perfect for me. What happened???? A software update ruined everything and I hate Honda now. I did the update as recommended and picked my vehicle up. As I was leaving dealership, I thought the break was on--No--so I checked the gear. It was noticeably dragging. I immediately saw that my MPG went down by 5 per gallon. FIVE! I took it back to the dealer and the techs told me (alternately) there was nothing wrong with the car or software, it was: 1. uneven tread on my tires, 2. out of alignment 3. my imagination 4. the fact I carried dogs (a 4-pound Pom and 8-pound Russell), 5. that i had books in back, 6. I had to watch my RPMs, or 7. I pulled a small 300 lb trailer. Finally one of the repair guys admitted it was the software update. He found out (Honda didnt have the integrity to let their dealerships know the problem) from his tech friend in California. In Cal they have to file a new registration for mileage if anything changes and this software update does lower the MPG--so it is filed in California--DO YOUR RESEARCH--whatever the MPG rating, it goes down by 4 or 5--they are no longer valid and Honda doesnt have the integrity to change their ads. I am surprised that most people are complaining about vibration. I hadnt noticed that. I bought the car for the gas milage and now they took that away with an update and then lied by omission. I hated listening to the techs tell me it was me...I havent talked to the dealership about it yet but I will and I am very frustrated. On the Canadian CRV forum they talked about the update a lot and most owners saw the reduction in gas milage just like me.

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  Bubba Beta-Build aint better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By teamsc10190 - December 28 - 2:26 pm

  My expectation for a Honda vehicle was that it would be well-built and reliable. I was very disappointed to find the low gloss, poor paint filled with dirt on horizontal surfaces, body panels that dont fit and indifferent build quality. This is domestic poor build quality for premium prices. Honda obviously has high gross profit margin on these cars built in Alabama because they certainly havent invested in their process or quality control safety nets to deliver value. Im sorry that I didnt buy the Sienna. Having said this, we love the van, but feel that it delivers marginal value for money paid.

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  1998 better than 2015 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Don-Omaha,Ne - December 28 - 11:28 am

  Do not like the headlights on low beam that sharply cutoff the top of light beam and reduce visibility, this is especially bad when going downhill and then the road rises quickly. You cannot see the roadway ahead. My 1998 Honda Accord had a much better ride. The 2015 Accord ride is jarring, stiff and transmits every small bump to the passengers. I have had small sport cars that have had a more pleasant ride. Lumber wagon is the best way to describe the ride. The heater controls and radio controls are needlessly complicated. Where one knob could control the heater, there are three! On/Off, Speed Up, Speed Down. Each is distracting, you have to take your eyes off the road to use/find them. It is a safety hazard just as bad as someone texting while driving. Knobs are easy to use, and do not require that you take your eyes off the road to use them. The radio also, has too many buttons, where one multi-function knob would do. My 1998 Accord had a multi-level center console, which made holding small items convenient, and a soft-touch cover over the cup holders, which made for a more tidy appearance. Also, the courtesy/safety lights on all the four doors that were on the 1998 Accord, were not on this higher priced version, even though there are cutouts on the doors where they were intended to be placed. Road noise is still a problem for Honda to solve. I once owned a 1986 Toyota Cambry, and it was way more quiet than this 2015, or even the 1998. Also,one last item: Honda has to do something about the car colors they offer! Boring is and understatement. Look at the Ford red, and then at the pathetic, washed out red?? offered by Honda. Limited interior color choices and the sad attempt to suggest woodgrain accents on the dash, with only dull black plastic, dose not carry the image of even pretend luxury, for cars that can cost up $38,000+. Doubt if I would buy another Accord.

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  Ive been had. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By damian-fonseca - December 28 - 7:43 am

  The mpg is far lower then what is been advertised the AC is a definite problem. 250 miles on its 10.8 gallon tank, this is the real deal. Im not surprised it only lasted 2 years with a new remake now in 2009. Heads up dont believe the hype.

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  Beware - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gman - December 19 - 1:46 am

  Overall design is good. Many features not on other mini vans such as rear windows, storage, overall ride is good. First vehicle of several I have owned that doesnt come close to the stated fuel economy. Also, due to location of A/C condenser coil being low, unprotected, and up against front bumper makes it the most vulnerable design in industry to "common gravel" damage (not rocks or road debris). Mine was damaged by common gravel (1/8") after just 7,000 miles.

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  Woefully underpowered - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Harleydude - December 19 - 12:03 am

  At 126 horsepower you better live in an area where there arent any hills! I live in WNY, in the Allegany Highlands and climbing the hills around here it sounds like the car is going to blow-up. Also, I am only averaging 20 MPG which for a 4 cylinder is horrible. When it rain the ABS light stays on until it dries out. No arm rest for the front passenger. For the top-of-the-line model the seats are not very comfortable. Fogs up inside during the winter or wet weather. Latch to open the back gate rusts up all the time due to poor location and design. Very disappointed for being a Honda.