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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  Sport car performance, Honda reliability = win win - 2011 Honda Accord
  By deemic - June 8 - 9:16 am

  I knew I wanted an Accord for my next car. Honestly, before researching I didnt even know Honda made an Accord Coupe though. Once I started researching this vehicle, I knew it was the one for me. It has every option imaginable in this version, except navigation which I havent missed. The look is definitely Accord, but much much sportier than the sedan version. Also, the handling is improved with the 18in. wheels and tighter suspension. You can paddle shift down a couple gears and take the hair pin curves and freeway ramps with incredible speed and precision. For that handling dynamic, the ride quality suffers slightly. But with a 6 second 0-60, Its well worth it.

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  Stay AWAY! A/C and air bag problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By po1968 - June 7 - 3:57 pm

  After owning a number of Hondas due to their reliability, I finally have a bad one, and it looks like others have the same issue. The A/C compressor went belly up and its expensive to fix. There was a lawsuit about it, but too late to join [HTML removed.} I also have continued problems with side airbags where I get a message saying that they are turned off. Its been fixed twice and still it comes back. I dont think Im willing to pay the premium for owning a Honda any longer when other car companies are improving their reliability and cost less.

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  Sport Manual Rocks! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lokerola - June 7 - 11:20 am

  I bought a 2013 Accord with the 6 speed manual and its fantastic. It drives with precision, yet isnt twitchy. the manual is just one of the best Ive ever used - snick, snick like butter into each gear. I also love the car isnt bogged down with too much technology. It seems like every mfg. is trying to outdo each other with tech goodies, when what most people want is a basic, good, easy, yet fun to drive car. I fear this Accord may be the last of those honest, easy to drive, basic cars. If you like to shift yourself, and like a bit of sport with you r dive and dont want a ton of tech goodies - it doesnt get much better than a 2013 Accord Sport with a manual.

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  instrument display problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By american - June 7 - 10:10 am

  Picked up my ex-l on Monday,everything was as good as Honda advertized, EXCEPT for the instrument display daytime brightness.the dealer salesman and their tech played around for an hour or more trying to adjust it.They called Honda corporate tech support who says it is set at the factory and can not be adjusted any better.im not a happy camper spending a lot of money on a faulty display.I called the Honda customer service who took note of the problem. I think Ill have to keep after them to see if anything can be improved.

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  Poor Exterior Lighting - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pompom - June 7 - 7:09 am

  I was so looking forward to purchasing my new car. I did a lot of research and came to 3 top cars. I chose the CRV and I think I made a big mistake. It did not help that the dealer delivered a very dirty car to me and when I called to complain the salesman would not assist me. The finance guy tried and tried to get me to put almost $2,000 on my loan for an extended warranty. It would have been nice for someone to show me what the so called ten computers do instead of trying to upsell me so hard! Now when I drive at night the exterior lighting is so bad that I almost always have to drive with the high beams on something I have never had to do with other cars. Very bad experience!

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  Getting better! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jill59 - June 6 - 7:31 pm

  Wow. And I was getting ready to give up on Honda. Purchased my first Honda in 1985 and they were awesome cars until about 10 years ago I noticed reliability and fit and finish deteriorating badly. I saw the revamped 2013 Accord and read the reviews. I decided to try one more time...MUCH improved but still a ways to go. The interior fit and finish is reminiscent of older days quality-excellent. There is still a bit of cheap hard plastic though. The CVT does not bother me at all and I find the 38mpg I have been getting amazing (ECO on). Road noise is still evident but not as bad as before. Comfortable ride as I commute 100 miles daily. Stereo so-so. Curious to see if reliability improves.

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  This car will be the death of me - 1995 Honda Civic
  By haili73 - June 5 - 10:40 pm

  Ever since we bought this car, it has given me nothing but problems. The first day I had it, the passenger door handle broke, next the windshield wipers fell off. The car doesnt beep at me when I leave the lights on, which resulted in several dead batteries. (yes, I realize that this is operator error, but still) It broke down four hours from home, leaving me stuck in gas/service station for a day and a half. Just about everything was wrong with it...timing belt (which we specifically were told was fine) radiator, among other issues. Then the AC went out...then something else broke down, it started making funny noises and shuddering, smelling weird, acting like a stick shift...its scary.

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  really great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By carzcrazy87 - June 5 - 5:34 pm

  my 07 civic hybrid has 81k on it and I have had zero problems or complaints with this amazing car. It has the built in navigation and great sounds system all of it is voice activated. It also has the sunroof that is very nice and gets used alot. This car is so comfortable for me and roomy for the carseat in the back. The trunk holds alot for a smaller car. Very sporty dash and outside design. Have never had this car in the shop for anything. I do all town driving and get 40mpg every time. Ive seen some reviews that complain about this car and it has to be the owner being too rough. This is a great quality car and have no problems inside or out with it!

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  Bought a used 2005 Odyssey EX-L - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By darkside559 - June 3 - 11:47 pm

  I dont know why other people giving the Odyssey a bad review. I bought mine used with hella mileage, 180k and it still run good. I had no problem whatsoever. The only issue I had since owning was both catalytic converter went bad, luckily the used car dealer give me a 3 months warranty which cover R&R both catalytic converter which I didnt pay a dime. The VCM works great, no starter issue, A/C blows ice cold even the rear A/C blows ice cold. P/S is kind of rough and needs replacement, but thats an easy job to fix, considering all those mileages, its still have another 100+K on it.

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  Almost perfect! Except... - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By minivandad1973 - June 3 - 2:26 pm

  All-in-all the 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a fine mini-van. We traded in a 2010 Cadillac Escalade for the Odyssey. We are exceptionally pleased with the overall comfort and flexibility of the seating configuration. I wish the passenger front seat offered 10 way adjustments for longer trips & comfort. My biggest issue is with the navigation system. It only displays a few street names when zoomed in on the map. This is a first of any car we owned with navigation. Shame on Honda for not updating their software to be on par with almost all other NAV systems currently manufactured. Honda tech support is aware of the issue. Besides these two minor issues it is a great mini-van.