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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  CR-V Passenger Seat Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By david_2015 - October 17 - 11:37 am

  I just purchased a CR-V EX model yesterday. After I got the CR-V from the dealer, I immediately found that the passenger seat vibrated at idle with in D drive position when air condition is off. You cannot find this in your test driving since the dealer occupied the passenger during the test drive. Do all 2015 CR-V have this passenger problem? This is exactly showed in the following by other https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR-YQAJRRB8&noredirect=1 In the ABS 7, Honda spokesman said that Honda is aware of the situation and is researching whether a meaningful fix can be forthcoming. He expects one this year.

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  Theyre better out there (Chrysler) - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By testedall - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The Honda is totally outclassed in luxury, road noise, smooth ride. The Chrysler is much better is these regards. Hondas interior is plain stark compared to its competition. Features that Honda has going for it are a 5 speed tranny and the fold-away third seat. But Id rather have a full sized spare, personally. Chrysler stands behind their powertrain. Honda does not (3-36 is the worst in the industry). Sorry Honda, the Chrysler wins big time here. Ive owned 4 minivans and I cant sacrifice plain interiors and lousy ride for a supposed reliability advantage that Honda themselves wont back up.

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  The Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Mountain Man - October 12 - 8:07 pm

  I have personally owned two Hondas (my family has owned many more) and this overall was a good car while I was going to college. It was recently totaled, and as I looked to buy another Honda I was disillusioned with how much people are asking for their used Hondas. Give me a break! They are good cars, but not gold bricks on wheels! I had some problems with my car, so they are not impervious to damage and are not maitenance free. I think too much of a mystique has been built around Honda reliability to the point of being ridiculous! This is evidenced in how much people were asking for their Hondas with obvious blemishes. I ended up buying a luxury car for less.

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  Could be better - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By sean - October 9 - 2:37 pm

  A few things to like about it, but the balance tips towards the negative. I like the spacious interior, decent stereo, the ride (most terrain), reliability, and fuel economy. However, it seems designed for shorter people. There is plenty of head room, but the driving position and seat are not at all comfortable for my 511" frame. Drivers seat is brutal for anything more than a trip to the grocery store. Wheel tilt range is too limited. The armrest and door are useless for resting my arms: too narrow / hard. The ride over uneven road surfaces is nauseating since the front end bounces too much (replaced struts thinking they were bad). Torque steer, noisy engine, CD player needs more buffer.

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  Hybrid-no high MPG - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dutch tulip - October 7 - 2:56 pm

  I just bought a new Civic Hybrid 07 - I have purchased three tanks of gas and calculated actual miles driven with gallons of gas and got 29 mpg, 29 mpg and 28 mpg; not impressive. The whole purpose of the purchase was to get excellent MPG- the dealer quoted 40 city and 60 highway - I do city driving and am nowhere close. Beaverton Honda says the engine has to break in at about 2000 miles I have 900 miles now on the car. I am very disappointed. I did not even question that the actual MPG would be soooo far off from the sticker advertisement. I am sure Honda Corporation would be interested in my comments. So much for going GREEN!--I got ripped off!!!

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  Honda drops the ball - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Shari - October 4 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this second hand, didnt even know about gray market or what it means. Now we certainly do. Transmission is out at 56,000 miles. Honda America and Honda Canada wont help. Door stops sometimes for no reason. Lots of road noise, brake drums are faulty. This is my first and most likely my last Honda. They were rated so good but now I wonder how long it will really last for us.

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  Waynes Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Wayne - October 3 - 10:06 pm

  Good car to drive and good mileage. Very poor quality. Power window doesnt work, front strut failed at 46,000. Front bearing went out at 47000. Rear defroster doesnt work. Front air dam keeps falling off.

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  Be careful - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Thomas - September 30 - 8:20 am

  I only bought this Honda because I heard so many good things about the car. Honestly I did not have any mechanical problems with the vehicle. My opinion about it refers to fun of driving - which does not exist.The car has poor soundproofing, the engine sounds like "a washing machine in the spinning mode". This car does not give me a "sound and a feel" of the car that I am used to. Mileage - also not impressive - all I can get is about 24mpg, far from the 32 mpg you see on the window sticker. I will sell this car very soon.

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  Silver Pearl Paint Blotchy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By poocat - September 28 - 2:30 am

  We looked at both the Odyssey and the Sienna and decided on the Honda because we liked the looks of the front end and the interior better. Even though we like this van for its handling and performance, there are lots of quality issues that we thought we would not see in a Honda product. From plastic parts not fitting properly, glove boxes not aligned to the deformed rear side window seal. The van we purchased was in silver pearl. The other day when it was parked in the sun I noticed that the whole side of the van was covered in dark blotches when viewed at an angle. When I turned the van around it was the same thing on the other side but not as bad. The dealer said this was normal. ??

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  Whats all the fuss about? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jack Collins - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My car currently has less than 12,000 miles, and it has had two defective rear struts replaced, a map light that sticks, console lid and glove compartment doors that have to be slammed to close. There is an excessive amount of interior wind noise, to the point that I am always checking to make sure that the windows are shut tightly. The ride is not smooth as I expected, and there are as many squeaks and rattles as the 97 Volkswagon that I traded in for it. While I do enjoy the power of the V6 engine, the car as a whole has been quite a let down from all of the rave reviews and owner opinions that I got prior to purchasing it.