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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  Why does the paint peel off? - 1991 Honda Accord
  By MichelleT - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why Honda does not recall cars from this year - every one I see on the road has the paint half peeled off. It has become a running joke in my family also because each time we get in the car to go somewhere, another piece of the fabric decorating the various parts of the car falls off. What is that flapping sound? Oh, its just half of my door that is hanging out. Also the trunk leaks horribly. P.U.

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  Honda passport - no issues - 1999 Honda Passport
  By xyz - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Have not hand any major problems since owning the Passport. I have had to carry to dealership for 2 or 3 recall related items. ONly problem is that my gas indicator has gone out and will cost $652 to replace and the car is out of warrantly. Feel like warranty should have been for at least 5 yrs or 50000 miles NOT 3 yrs 36000 miles. overall I have no other issues.

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  Lots of Problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By UnhappyHokie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our van for about 1 year. In that time its been in the shop over 20 times. New struts, DVD player, seat belts, etc. Most recently weve learned that the intake manifold cover gasket was install "upside down." As a result, EGR and air intake ports are/were covered so the whole air/fuel mixture was messed up leading to a "multiple" cylinders failure. BTW: This problem also affects Pilots. So, weve now had the gasket changed but havent seen an improvement. So many repair under warranty what can we expect once the warranty has expired?

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  2 years. 3 transmissions - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eaglesontheroad - October 17 - 1:56 pm

  the transmissions on theses cars have been recalled for defects, i am on my third in two years, they seem to last about 20000 miles. save yourself the hassles and get something else.

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  could be better - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dr. han - September 27 - 5:13 pm

  i had a problem with driver seat. whenever i turn, the driver seat moves side ways. i went to the dealer to fix it. i am not happy with option. i spent extra money for fog light, wind spoiler and wide tire. those come options will come with if you buy hyundae car. next time i will buy hyundae instead of honda.

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  Hmm, I guess its alright - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Mike E - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I always liked the look of the Honda Passport although several of my friends jokingly called it the Assport. I have since bought and would have had a huge problem with a BLOWN catalytic converter, but as luck would rarely have it my warranty covered the $1700+ expense. I sorta glad it did happen because of a couple things that I had been putting off which were covered under another extended warranty I had purchased -- fuel gauge and horrible brakes. The brakes are still crappy I believe the SUV burns a quart of oil every 3000 miles. Rides like an Amish wagon. Highway noise is like driving a wiffleball down the highway.

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  The word for this vehicle is "Nimble" - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Billy - September 25 - 12:55 am

  We traded our 5 year old Accord for this new baby and after three weeks of ownership the opinion is mixed. On the positive side this is a very easy to drive and very nimble vehicle, zips around corners easily and the acceleration is great. Ride comfort is okay, not great -but the noise level is a little much for an SUV of even this size. Our first three weeks average mixed mileage is 27 mph driving fairly conservatively, so not sure where that wonderful reported 32 mpg is. The most annoying thing about this vehicle is the controls for the radio and heater- big huge buttons for the temperature control but tiny little useless dials for the radio volume and channel control. Yes if youre not driving you can do lots of things but easy control for the driver does not exist in this vehicle. In addition the braking is very choppy- but perhaps this is due to the newness of the vehicle. We hope to love this vehicle eventually.

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  Waranty woes - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Not impressed! - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently purcahsed a low mileage 2000 CR-V. An ABS sensor failed just outside of the 3 year bumber to bumber warranty ( Canadian) . By just outside I mean 7 HOURS. Warranty expired on a Thursday at Midnight and the ABS sensor failed on the Friday morning at 7 AM. The Honda dealer adivised me i was out of luck and would not consider goodwill as this particular vehicle had not yet been serviced at the dealership. I only had owned it for 5 days. . I am appealing the decision to Honda Canada. Needless to say , I am not impressed or happy.!

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  Laughable Build Quality - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Patrick - September 20 - 8:00 am

  I bought this 2008 Honda Civic Ex brand new. Although the gas mileage is great I was averaging 33 mpg. Everything else about this car is horrible. I have been to the dealer countless times to fix suspension issues and rattles all over the car pretty much everywhere from the moon roof to the dash and pillars. The car only has 13k miles and most of the tire tread is gone. Also the road noise is really bad.

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  8 months and 3 transmissions - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Karen Hull - September 19 - 10:00 am

  After driving mini vans and other "family cars", it was nice to drive a small vehicle. I was looking for a car for commuting 100 miles per day. The Honda Hybrid seemed to fit the criteria. To date, I have had three transmissions and the third transmission is causing problems. If Honda could fix this car, I would like it much more. I dont think Honda is willing to work with me. I have had trouble with the dealership and the Honda company. I want a dependable car that doesnt spend every 3rd month in the shop.