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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  Dissapointed - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By J Papadatos - January 29 - 10:36 am

  For years I heard about how great Honda cars were. I bought this one and said never again. Its got no power. Ive had loads of trouble with it from day one. It eats brakes, always needs something adjusted or replaced. The drivers window has cost me over $300 so far and still isnt 100%. Overall a very poor quality product in my opinion. The dealers I have dealt with are arogant and unhelpful at best. You wont see me in a Honda after I get rid of this one.

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  Bad Brakes - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By abwilson - January 27 - 7:32 am

  With only 3000 miles on the vehicle, it has been in for repairs 3 times. All of which are brake related. Rear brakes had to be replaced already. Its a fun to drive mini Suv, when it isnt in the shop. Very disappointed because it is unreliable. I will never own another Honda.

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  Chronic problems with BlueTooth and Audio System - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By K Curtiss - January 20 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Honda Pilot brand new in January. Within two weeks I started getting error messages on the audio system and the bluetooth system does not work regularly - frequently I get a message saying the the car can not find a phone to connect to - even though the BlueTooth on my phone is turned on and the phone is plugged into the car. I have spent 7 months trying to get Honda to fix this but they can not seem to figure it out - they have told me that many Pilot owners are experiencing the same issue but they do not yet have a solution. I purchased this car for the Hands Free Technology and since it is not working regularly I am in the process of asking Honda to refund my car.

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  WHAT HAPPENED HONDA? - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Robert chase - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Being a loyal Honda buyer for several years and having a short experience with an unreliable European sedan I decided to come back to Honda. I bought a 2002 Accord with all the options including leather interior and spoiler. The car has been nothing more than a complete dissapointment. The fuel economy very dissapointing as well as the ride and comfort of this car. The car is noisy and the interior appears to be put together VERY cheaply with tons of squeeks and rattles to visit the dealership over. I owned 5 Hondas before my Volvo and they were high quality cars that were comfortable and drove well. Honda what are you doing to your cars?

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  Honda Quality and Custorme Care - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GM - January 15 - 9:40 am

  Purchased an 05 Accord EX w/Leather in 10/04 from Performance Honda in Fairfield OH. By 11/04 the windshield began making noises. Tried twice to get this fixed and failed both times. Called Honda Care to complain about the car (not the dealer). With Honda Care involvement, the service manager decided to make it personal and the situation got ugly. Honda walked away from their responsibility and I lost a dealer I had been using for 15 years. Windshield still makes noises and the problem is spreading throughout the interior. The rear window, passenger side molding, drivers door window, etc., etc., all pop, creak and snap. All-in-all a most frustrating and unpleasant experience.

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  grumpy honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By grumpy car - January 13 - 2:18 pm

  Grumpy car. Doesnt like to start in the winter. Expensive to fix when the AC broke 2 times and a pain to fix when the car would randomly stall and not start again on hills. Espically during rush hour. The gear shift occasionally decides not to budge, leaving me without a ride. And the trunk and windows leak. otherwise, not bad

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  Typical Honda - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Tony from Tampa - January 10 - 1:08 am

  Its another buzzy four cylinder overpriced import. The car magazines will gush over it initially, then back off in a couple of years. Hondas reputation for reliability is well deserved and is a big plus. But the car is small and feels cramped. It does handle well. The tech is good, especially blind spot detection. For the same money you can get a nice Kia Optima or Mazda3 or Mazda6 even. They deserve to be driven too.

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  Power sliding door not opened - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ray - January 5 - 11:14 pm

  I owned this minivan for 5 months so far and Im not satisfied with the reliability. First I need to point out that this car is made in USA. So I will except some little issue will happen but it is too soon to my expectation. I have a 1999 Honda Accord and never had any issue, only replaced one light bulb and turning bulb (regular maintain not included) for 18 year of ownership. So for this 2018 Honda Odyssey, I have a couple issue so far: 1. Passenger power sliding door just not opening yesterday, I can hear the motor is trying to open the door but cant. I tried everything such pullin the outside handle, remote control, inside button and driver side main control button. No succeed. 2. Auto shut off idling function is not working most of the time, when I activate it, do nothing, engine not auto shut off. 3. The motion sensor from the tail door is not working most of the time, I followed the video from you tube and I can only open it 2 times so far. (Lol) 4. Driver power sliding door sound weird now, hopefully it wont break.

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  Tales of the Transmisson- The AL. Saga - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By oddy_no - January 4 - 12:45 am

  Looks like I am not alone in my transmission woes. At 44k the trans is starting to jerk and pull at 50-60 MPH. Did the recall thing. Also, A/C is out and the dealership wants $150. Called Honda customer service and waiting to see what happens. I did get a free EGR valve, :-) and told I was given Hondas "Good Faith Deal". I guess they really see me coming. Im slowly but surely learning, buy many thanks to the other reviewers for stepping up to the plate and sharing. Very good info. Like previous reviewers, beware after 36k miles. It starts to fall apart...literally.

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  Quality Not Up To Hondas Reputation - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Bryan - January 3 - 1:46 am

  I have had more problems with this van than any other vehicle I have owned. I bought it based on the Honda name and have since realized that even Honda can make a lemon. I would recommend avoiding the 1999-2001 model years and get the 2002 and later years. Or better yet, go for the Sienna or Grand Caravan. The Odyssey offers a stiff ride with good handling. It is extremely manuverable. The interior is so-so with hard seats that are not too comfortable on a long ride and the stock radio is about as good as my clock radio next to my bed. Plan on upgrading unless you only listen to AM radio. The side doors have a problem with sticking in the winter and the dealer cant seem to fix it.