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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  Hondas Are Wonderful - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Suzan Rollins - November 14 - 6:26 pm

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  Great Vehicle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Great Ride - November 14 - 2:33 pm

  Nice smooth ride handles well off road. Comfortable seats high off the ground.

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  Timex watch and 97 accord take a lickin - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Larry A - November 14 - 8:08 am

  Very well built car easily repaired FYI people dont be stupid and get taken in by crooked mechanics. YOU CAN repair your own car all u need is google, you tube and some tools and dont be afraid to get your hands dirty.

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  Rest in peace, Ronda my Honda <3 - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Yours Truly, Jenna. - November 14 - 6:28 am

  before you buy this car, be aware that one day, an old man can randomly SMASH into the side of your car, totaling it, and leaving you with nothing but a memory of what used to be.

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  The absolute best vehicle ever - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie - November 13 - 11:34 pm

  I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this vehicle. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Vibration when you stop - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Donny genao - November 13 - 10:20 pm

  I bought a crv EX-L 2015 las sep 30 2105 and after 2 weeks l start feeling a vibration when im at the light waiting. I went to the dealership and they say its normal for a cvt transmition .

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  Honda reliability reputation-A thing of the past - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jim - November 13 - 12:55 pm

  I bought this car brand new and had problems shortly after with fit and finish - the carpet would continually pull up on the passenger size. The dealer failed 3 times to re-attach it and after a stern talking to, agreed to replace the carpet with one that fit. In the meantime, the dealer would perform unnecessary maintenance at their convenience until I gave the service manager an F-bomb laden speech about who gets to decide what gets done to my car on my money (they threw out my 15$ old filter and mobile 1 synthetic change that was less than a month old to replace it with shop-quality replacements that time). I had the usual problems with brakes and rotor replacements and I thought it was all over. Then I get a notice about oil burning and the 2.4L engine. They extended the warranty in a way that seems to suggest they will try to weasel out of paying out. This is done by limiting mileage and date and specifying a redemption process which is a PIA. I did have to add a quart between changes, but I try to take care of this car as if I would keep it forever - this is why I spend the extra money to get high-quality fluids and filters and yet keep to the mgrs maintenance schedule. I have just sent some used oil out for analysis and if it shows oil burning at 73K miles, I will trade the car in. The transmission went out at 72k and required a full replacement. Since I had no faith in the abilities of the dealership, I had the work done at an independent shop I trust. I inquired about a "honda good faith" program and the gentlemen basically tried to hang up on me when I told him I wasnt working with a dealer. I asked him how long a transmission should last and the answer in a nutshell was 5 years/50K miles. This lifetime on a modern car is, quite frankly - unacceptable. Ive had 3 Hondas in the past and they were boring and reliable. This one is just boring. So no more Hondas for me. Ever.

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  One of a kind - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Nelson - November 12 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Odyssey about 7 years ago. It then had 170K. It now has 240K. With the exception of a new radiator, the only other repairs have been the usual maintenance. It still is a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable and the interior roomy. Except for a little carpet wear in the front seat area, it looks almost new inside. Of course, the car-like doors are a wonderful addition. The folding, back seat is a nice touch we use it often to provide more storage space. It is absolutely reliable and still looks remarkably good, at least to us. We have looked at new cars thinking to replace it, but just walk away from them. With a car that offers us low insurance rates, good gas mileage (21-29mpg), low taxes, and no repair costs, why would we want a new one. We dont need all the techno stuff, so why spend big money. Maybe someday, but not yet. Just a great car!

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  Most uncomfortable driving position ever! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Lorax Lorax - November 12 - 3:08 pm

  The head restraints (mandated by the U.S. government?) push your head forward and down as if you are reading an iPad. In order to see the road in front of you, you must tilt your head forward and look through your eyebrows while cricking your neck. In that position, you will get a neck and backache in five minutes of driving. The head restraints are not adjustable, just up and down. You have to set the seat uncomfortably back to have any reasonable driving position. These restraints will probably save your neck and back in case of a collision at the expense of definitely wrecking your neck and back every day. A new Civic sedan should come with a lifetime free weekly visit to the chiropractor. The base of the front seats are also unusually thin and non supportive. I did not buy this car because I cant imagine driving it for any length of time. Also, there is significant instrumentation far forward (where the wipers are!) that make them impossible to read if your wear bifocals (too close for far vision and too far for close vision). Do not buy this car if you wear glasses or if you dont want to destroy your neck and back.

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  Stress, Depression & Sickness Due to Vibration. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By AMarc37 - November 12 - 2:38 pm

  I have a very wonderful family with a typical normal life, and I bought this Honda CRV 2015 a month ago for my family to enjoy their everyday rides. But this car was a nightmare for all of us. It has a multiple Vibration modes such as, Acceleration at 30-40 Mph, 50 to 60 Mph and the worse is, when we stop and in Drive shift gear, its feel like the whole car is vibrating. Every time I get out of this car my hands feels like I use a "Jack Hammer" after a while. This is very unsafe to drive coz I am always getting out of focus on my driving, and it is very annoying and mentally stressful while driving it. This is frustrating, its caused Our Money, Our Safety and Our Health. I am not sure how long can I keep this car, but for sure, I will not recommend this Brand anymore to all my friends and to all people I know.