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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  Cannot TOW on the ground! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James White - March 30 - 11:11 am

  From the original CRV thru 2014 these vehicles could be towed four wheels on the ground. NO LONGER! The new transmission will not allow the CRV to be towed with four wheels on the ground!

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  This Pilot doesnt Fly - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By R Janney - March 30 - 11:10 am

  This 2009 Honda Pilot has been a real disappointment. With approx. 5200 miles since new in August 2008 we are not pleased with the over all quality. At less than 1000 miles the rear windshield wiper assembly flew off when I turned it on. The battery has died twice while parked with everything off. This happened at approx 3200 miles and just this week with 5000 miles. The side trim panel on the drivers side door next to the window fell off. The entire vehicle rattles and squeaks as if there were 105,000 miles on it (Our 02 SAAB & 03 VW are quiet!) The right front passenger seat is jerky when you use the forward-back adjustment. The shift lever make operating or tuning the radio uncomfortable.

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  Surprized by the quality - 2004 Honda Civic
  By disappointedinFeb - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Honda Civic in February. At first it was great. Then it began shifting from 5th gear into neutral while driving on the highway at 65 mph!! The dealership was able to find nothing wrong with the car.

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  Good in a way, bad in another - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By XL - March 16 - 6:42 pm

  When the vehicle was first purchased, I loved it. Over time, Id say within a year the traction feel slipped dramatically. The seats and carpeting were immediately in need of new installation. Overall, Ive probably replaced about 6 parts in this vehicle over a period of 2 years.

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  Disapointed in the Honda Pilot Quality - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By LanceFox - March 16 - 10:00 am

  In the last 12 months I have had my Honda Pilot in to replace the rear drive unit (entire axle), rear spoiler (missing gasket and radio (broken cd button). We have always been a Honda familty but this latest round of Honda Quality has been very dissapointing. It is no wonder that Honda has slipped in thier overall consumer quality ratings (at first I did not belive this). In addition, the Navigation system has very few roads when compared to the Hertz Neverlost System (available in rental cars)and other OEM products. We are at the point where we believe that the premium we paid for the Honda name was not worth it when compared to other vehicles.

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  Dont Buy Accord V6 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By lofosuad - March 14 - 3:40 am

  On 4/16/98 I purchased my second Honda, an accord EX V6. On 2/12/99 I replaced the transmission computer, under warranty. On 5/19/00 there was a recall. At 100K after first engine tune-up, the alternator dies $275. A few weeks later the transmission goes out $3100, then the check engine light comes on, something about EGR valve $500. The check engine is back on again all this on top of expensive maintenance costs. The car has 109K miles on it, I am thinking about selling it. My advice to you is dont buy the accord V6 at least not the 98-01 model it was designed to break down. My girl friend has similar problems with 98 LX

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  Okay car for the money - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Houstonian - March 10 - 4:33 pm

  It was a good deal for the money, although it needs oil changes, etc. or it gets "fussy". For a small person its fine, but for a "larger person" its cramped. The gear also sticks sometimes when in park, not allowing you to turn the key and remove it from the steering wheel.

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  Doesnt Deliver As Promised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim - March 10 - 11:53 am

  Call me a critic but the gas mileage is not what the dealer promise. Ive now driven 4000 miles and am averaging 41.5 mpg since purchase. Dealer sold both the Prius and Civic...assured me that the Prius would average 45 mpg but the Honda would get more than that. I purchased the Civic, but should have purchased the Prius!!! Dealer said the car still isnt broken in, yea right!!! Car styling is good, but the wind noise is loud. The console is cool, but the seats are not very comfortable.

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  Run away - 2010 Honda Accord
  By goodtymz - February 27 - 10:56 am

  Run as fast as you can from this jalopy! This is the 2nd Accord I bought and hated both of them and both dealers. Build quality is garbage! Sold this junker after 1 month because of shaking in front end transmission jerking, wind/road noise, dashboard does not even touch windshield (check any of them) this car is another joke from a company milking past quality! Gm did the same thing and look at them now--- buy an infiniti you will be treated as you should be any time you go to a dealer and that will only be for oil changes! Trust me spend the extra and be happy --life is too short to deal with this garbage company and their garbage products/dealerships! Run and run fast

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  New, Stylish & Economical - 2017 Honda Accord
  By jAccord101 - February 25 - 10:26 pm

  Driving aides can be a bit intrusive and sensitive. Car came to a complete stop on several occasion for approaching objects on the road that are 1" high (i.e. entrance access barriers, metal road construction covers). Both screens have some duplicate information which sometimes makes the other obsolete. Adaptive Cruise Control will sometimes apply the brakes pretty aggressive as you approach a car versus gradually decrease the speed. Interior is very comfortable, good interior storage, quiet ride, however, the rear speaker deck has a tendency to rattle as you increase the bass. Gas mileage is pretty standard for the class. Price is really good. The depreciation is horrible! A little over a 30% percent decrease.