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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  2008 Honda Accord LX - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Greatcare - June 11 - 9:20 am

  I have owned this car for only a few days. Had a 1999 Honda Accord LX that got totaled so needed a new car. What a great car. So roomy on the inside, nice size trunk and great Honda quality that we all come to expect. I am very pleased with this car and purchased it over Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. The base model has all the features one could want at a minimum in the car, keyless entry, daytime running lights, 6 airbags, power windows/door locks, steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system. Also the automatic maintanence reminder is a great plus for this car.

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  Love the "green" Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ArmyDude - June 11 - 6:06 am

  Rides like a car, quiet interior, handles all my outdoor gear, a trunk in the bed, and 21 mpg. So far so good. Have had to replace A/C line and get computer adjust but all is well now.

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  Great looking & Great driving - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Anthony S - June 11 - 4:16 am

  Very pleased with the purchase. Solidly built, great technology, reliable.

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  Never buy Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Shaw - June 10 - 11:26 pm

  I bought a new Honda CR-V EX 2017 in February 2017 from the dealership, Castle Honda, in Morton Grove, IL. The car has problem getting started and, as a result, has become very unreliable and undependable. It has happened four times already and three times in less than last three weeks. First time the problem happened in August 2017 when I tried to start it after not driving it for a week when I was in vacation. I was able to jump start it with my other car. Second time the problem happened on 12/11/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I had to call the Honda roadside assistance on 12/12/2017 to tow the car but the tow truck guy was able to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department did some testing of the battery and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. I told them about the tailgate door not working properly as well, they tested that also and informed me that the struts were broken and and they ordered those parts. I drove back the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. I drove the car to Castle Honda again on 12/14/2017 to install the tailgate door struts. I am yet to find out what else is wrong with this car. Third time the problem happened on 12/29/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I called the Honda roadside assistance and this time they sent a guy to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department tested the battery again and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. They told me to tow the car next time the problem reoccured. I again drove the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. Fourth time the problem happened was on 12/31/2017. I had to wait and seek roadside assistance on 1/2/2018 as the dealership was closed on 12/31/2017 and 1/1/2018. I called the Honda roadside assistance around 6.30 AM and requested specifically for the car to be towed, they said the expected time was between 3 and 8 hours. The tow truck showed up to pick up the car around 11 AM. The tow truck guy from J-TEAM AUTOMOTIVE declined to tow the car and started showing lots of silly excuses of why he could not do it. I did not want to let him go and wait another 5 hours before any help arrived and so I let him jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda and turned it off while waiting in the queue in front of me, the car could not be started after that. The dealership service department tested the battery and this time found the battery to have issues and replaced it. I do not know if this will resolve the issues with the car and the car continues to be as unreliable and undependable as it were. It appears to me that the dealership sold me a faulty car which has caused me lots of inconvenience and has costed me quite a bit in terms of hassle, time spent on the issues and missed work. I have been in contact with American Honda since 12/11/2017 and they have opened up a case on my car. The case manager keeps telling me that they bear no responsibility for the dealership or the roadside assistance and also only thing American Honda can do is to fix any issue the car may have since that’s what warranty is for. He does not appear to understand that having too many issues like I experience make Honda CR-V a inferior quality product, American Honda a low-grade manufacturer and Castle Honda a low-grade dealer. I have extremely negative customer experience with Honda CR-V, American Honda and Castle Honda. I will never buy any Honda product and tell others not to buy Honda products as well.

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  A Steady, Peppy Companion - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Tracy - June 10 - 10:58 pm

  My Honda has been a cream puff for 12 yrs. Have had to fix a few things every 3 years but mostly just oil changes and scheduled maintenance. This is a great economy car and the EX Coupe with its VTEC engine and extras has been fun to drive. Cant go wrong with this car.

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  You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda - 2006 Honda S2000
  By CB 750 - June 10 - 10:19 pm

  My Red S-2000 is my retirement present to myself. This will be the 10th Honda Car I have owned, and each one was an improvement over the previous. However, the S-2000 is unlike any Honda I have owned except my vintage 1970 CB750 Four Motorcycle Finally a Honda that draws upon is racing heritage. Around town its a fun well mannered car but its meant for two lane black top. At 6,000 RPM the 2.2 Vetc really kicks in and the close ratio 6 speed keeps it on cam through all the gears. The first time I red lined S-2000 through the gears I learnd is not just a pretty Boulevard cruiser it is an all out performance machine. One word of warning with the top up you have lots of a blind spots.

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  fantastic car for the money - 2000 Honda Civic
  By tracy - June 10 - 9:11 pm

  I bought this car new. had it for 6 years now, driven it for 186,000 miles. Ive only had to do standard maintenance on it, nothing has gone wrong. I plan to buy another civic when and if this one wears out. Fabulous car... go honda.

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  Minivans have changed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - June 10 - 7:20 pm

  The first thing that you notice is the improved looks, best among minivans (in my opinion). Then you jump in the drivers seat and experience a great drive. Yes, its still a minivan, but a great minivan. Along with the smooth ride, the Odyssey has great function. Limiting standard features and some options on some models is frustrating but overall we are very happy. You can get some options, such as the auto-dim mirrow with compass through the dealership. We were fortunate enough to get a little off of MSRP and have a few accessories thrown in. I didnt like the beige interior much, but kind of wish we had chosen it over the gray. The gray interior is kind of monotone, boring.

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  Modern, Economic, Fun to Drive, Comfort - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Frank - June 10 - 7:00 pm

  These are still my first month with my Honda Civic and I am just so happy to drive it. Its quiet on the highway and very comfortable. Its also fuel efficient at this point.

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  Wish I had bought one sooner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scott - June 9 - 9:13 pm

  The coupe is a fantastic vehicle. On the first tank of gas I got 7.5 more mpg than my previous car. The ride is extremely comfortable, it rides like a car that costs much more. Having the controls on the steering wheel is an added bonus of the EX that I enjoy. I dont have to take my eyes off the road or my hands off the wheel to change the volume or station.