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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  2014 Honda Accord Sport Issues - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Mcon78666 - February 22 - 1:37 pm

  I have had my 2014 Honda Accord Sport for 3 years now. The rear tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS) starting cupping/wearing out unevenly at 30,000. Honda wouldnt cover under Warranty. Bought all new tires, same brand and type. Made sure to get an alignment done and rotate them with every oil change and/or every 4,000 miles. One year later with only 23,000 miles the tires are cupping again. I have heard multiple people complain about the rear tires prematurely wearing out. Had to buy all new tires again. This time I did not buy the Bridgestone Potenza tires. I went with a more family tire with more thickness and not the sporty look tires. They are called Bridgestone DriveGuard tires. Waiting on the Service Manager at Honda to call me back because I think it has something to do with either the shocks, suspension, shruts and or the wheel bearings. I have noticed that my car doesnt take bumps on the road well, even the slightest bumps. Thats why I think its the car and not exactly the tires.

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  I want my Camry back! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TxLilac - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Camry (with 139,000 mi.) for the Honda. I regret it. Heres why: dealer installed tint shred, car delivered dirty - once cleaned, I found dings and scratches that took the dealership 3X to fix, lights have almost gone out 2X, wheel cover busted off while driving, power outlet went out once, two factory recalls, wrong size brake pads put on at factory caused jerking and are getting replaced, alternator shreaks and will be replaced when it worsens, motor mounts were not correct from factory and caused the whole car to shake and were replaced. It has been in the shop more than I have driven it. I want my Camry back!!!

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  Not for a 64 plus height person - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Durham - February 15 - 4:58 pm

  We test drove an EX in July and went with the Touring model b/c of the features. Who would have known the seat belts were different from the EX to the Touring. I took the car into the dealership and they fixed what they could but I was told by American Honda the seat belts were mounted differently on these 2 models- so stupid!!! Youd think since you are paying more for a Touring it would have the better features in seat belts? WRONG! The passenger seat belt is 4 inches off from the drivers side, my husbands knees hit the dash on the drivers side but not the passengers side (yes the seat is all the way back), and the seat belt barely fits him (he is a bigger guy, broader shoulder guy) on the drivers side but every other seat belt in the vehicle, he can buckle just fine and not be "locked up". His brother is 66 and doesnt fit comfortably in the car either. We are already looking to trade it in within a year. Not the comfort we test drove in July.

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  Not fun to drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By donna - February 13 - 4:13 am

  I had driven the Accord EXL for no more than a day when I began to experience a backache. This car is truly one of the most uncomfortable to sit in. I test drove the cloth seats, found them uncomfortable but the salesperson convinced me that the leather was very comfortable as it had a lumbar adjustment etc. Not so, its like sitting on wood. Wake up Honda, fix these seats. I rented a Kia Forte before this and it was way more comfortable, even in cloth. I need two pillows to avoid the backache. The road noise is unbearable on the parkway and you can actually feel it rumble underneath you as you drive.

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  It leaks from everywhere!! - 1996 Honda Passport
  By JJA78 - February 7 - 8:39 pm

  It is difficult for me to think of a spot in this vehicle that does not leak. Oil leak, sunroof leak, door leak, window leak, and radiator leak ... all culminating in the last nine months. Didnt do so great in the Colorado Rockies either. Major lack of power at higher altitudes.

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  Dissapointed with my Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bibhuti - February 7 - 12:00 am

  We bought Accord EXL-Navigation 5 months back. We added a few more features, including back up camera and the total cost was 28,0000 dollars. The interior is spacious and airy. The car is fun to drive. However, just within months we notice annoying vibrations with steering wheel, the door handle is tight and giving difficulty to open, the remote only functions near the car. Gas mileage is around 25mpg with mostly highway driving, that to I drive at 55-60mph. In comparison my 2003 Impala V6 cylinder was giving much better mileage than this 09 Accord, 4 cyl!! However, the most annoying fact is the road noise. I am disappointed with the value for money of this car and it is not better than GM car.

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  Not So Great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jaime - February 5 - 6:56 am

  The Honda Civic has great gas mileage however it shifts exceptionally hard...almost worse than a Dodge Neon. The body is cheap plastic...totally crumples in fender benders.

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  Great Car But! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By AJ - February 3 - 10:04 pm

  Honda did a amazing job in 2016 Civic touring Model, which i leased in February 2016. On $27000.00 Price tag and no memory seat, no seat cooling option for driver seats annoying. Cheap Tablet in the name of Infotainment system and Navigation, which is gives you a wrong directions5 out of 10 times, GPS never calibrate for the first 5 minutes. Clock never sync always stuck on previous time. Otherwise its a great car.

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  Doesnt live up to Honda quality - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Candice - February 3 - 3:17 pm

  Traded in a Dodge Minvan and wish I hadnt. Found that this vehicle is very noisy. Unhappy with transmission dropping the gear due to recalled problem. Have gotten no help from several dealerships that dont think I know what Im talking about and since theyve installed the Honda "fix" they say that there isnt a problem. Husband drives a Pilot - thats very nice. Will be trading in soon (and cant wait). Will never buy and Odyssey again.

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  Mostly disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Marley - February 1 - 12:46 am

  Quality doesnt seem to be that great and fuel economy disappointing. Spec indicates city MPG at 19 with expected range of 15 - 23 mpg. I get maybe 15 mpg. Two months and only 1400 miles on the car, my tennis shoe or docker shoe has worn a hole in the driver side floor mat. Mat quality is the worst of any car Ive ever owned! Brakes already starting to grab and make noise now that there is 2300 miles on the vehicle. I expected a lot more from a higher end Honda and am mostly disappointed.