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:

• 

  Looking for a transmission? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Upset and angry - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I would never recommend this vehicle to anyone. Ive already gone through one transmission (less than 1000 miles!!). Seems like this is a standard problem with the Honda. It got all these great reviews and suckered me into buying. Stick with Toyota or Kia if you want a minivan.

• 

  wear your earplugs - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Susan Morrow - December 2 - 11:04 pm

  I really like this car but the poor acceleration and loud engine are real cons for this car. Why honda would not put a bigger engine in this car are beyond me. When I test drove it up a hill I actually thought the engine sounded like it was going to blow up. Its the same engine thats in the Fit, a lighter smaller car. I think the HRV needs more horsepower.

• 

  Valuable knowledge - 1991 Honda Civic
  By james - December 2 - 10:28 pm

  Very fun car to drive, has some good get up for 110hp. Tight cornering, has plently of space for such a small car. But i have not seen one of these last past 160000 miles, stock. do not buy if it has close to that...rear suspension gives, tranny starts to slip and scratch, ac/compressor goes out, clutch needs replacement alternator and timing belt as well. this may just be me but i have known 3 other people same year all sis with same problems...

• 

  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Naveen - November 29 - 11:43 pm

  Purchased 2008 CR-V in the month of May. We are very disappointed with the quality. It vibrates a lot and we can feel it in the steering wheel and seats. As soon the drive stick is put in drive position the whole cabin starts to vibrate. Also, while driving it drifts towards one side. Dealer had taken the vehicle four times for repair but there is no improvement. Filed case with Honda too but they never responded. Honda is known for quality but at least we cant say that after this purchase.

• 

  I will never buy a Honda Odyssey again - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ive had it! - November 27 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my Odyssey for almost three years now and I regret I ever bought it. My wife wanted the Chrysler Town and Country and I convinced her that Chrysler had a bad reputation of making unreliable vehicles. But after all the problems we had with this Odyssey, I think we should have gotten the Chrysler instead – it might have been the same headaches but it would have been far cheaper after the rebates. Weve had so many problems, from a failing transmission to recalls after recalls tranny, pcm, etc. In addition, weve had so many noises and other problems that it not even funny -- trust me, we tried to laugh about it!

• 

  Brakes and wheels - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By b mytinger - November 11 - 9:15 pm

  Have had problems with warping of the brake disc and was told this happends often by the dealer. Tire wear is uneven and the car drives stiff.

• 

  Bad year? - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Working Mommy - November 11 - 1:37 pm

  Problems from the getgo. Any ride is a noisy ride with all the exterior road noise. We bought it used at 42K, had the transmission replaced at 44K and now are having more transmission issues at 70K. Doors have had constant buzz for 10K miles. Dealer claimed no problems until and now and we have to replace both latches and sensors. Door flew open on city street-- luckily child secure in car seat. Any small interior light left on drains battery and there isnt a way to ensure all lights are off in a well lit garage-- our fix is to tape the light switch to the off position. Others love their Hondas so maybe we got a bad year but The Siennas do look great in 2005.