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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  My 2003 Accord EXV6 is a Lemon - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Netti - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I am not happy with my EXV6 or DCH Paramus Honda. Water has leaked in from the front windshield which was replaced twice. Water also leaked into the trunk because a rear body seam wasnt sealed properly. The front passenger window mechanism also had to be replaced, due to loud noise. There was an interior squeaking sound that turned out to be improper welding of the panels under the car, it was rewelded.

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  Im not so sure - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mike112 - September 21 - 7:10 pm

  Well, this supposed to be nice car with navi and v6. Well, the body is kinda weak, gets dents easily, paint chips, and brake and tires arent so good for what I paid. Even though it is Honda, they should improve on those categories. I bought Honda for quality, but now their quality is getting poor. The seat is kinda uncomfortable compare to TL-S 2003, and compare to VOLVO T60 which I had. Also one of my dim lights is not working.

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  Navigation system is very slow - 2014 Honda Accord
  By D. Huynh - September 21 - 11:48 am

  I noticed the built in navigation system is quite a bit slow compare to the stand-alone unit. The display is confusing when you get to the intersection. Worst is when I got to a stop sign, the display just froze because it needed more time (probably about 10 seconds or more) to figure it out and to update the display. I couldnt just stop there and waited until the display is update. I got lost 3 times in a trip and waste about 15 minutes because I had to turn around. The system is good if you travel in high-ways or big roads, when you got into small roads that is when it got screw-up. Even on the high-way, a few times, the exit display gets update just as you got very close or passed the exit! You dont have time to react. The problem I think is the system is TOO SLOW and perhaps the software needs to be update. The conclusion is this system is unsafe (you need to spend more time to figure thing out or you have to make a quick move to get into the right exit), waste your time and gas because you have to turn around. If I have to give it a grade, it would be between a D and an F

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  Terrible Fuel Economy - 2009 Honda Accord
  By deported - September 21 - 3:20 am

  Traded in my gas guzzling V8 BMW when fuel prices spiked. I expected better fuel mileage with the 4-cylinder. Only getting about 19-20mpg driving like a grandma. Not the most exciting car but very comfortable leather. Ive talked with other 4-cylinder owners who complain about fuel economy. The 4-cyl just isnt beefy enough to pull the weight of this car. Go for the V6 or get a different car.

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  A disappointing purchase - 2009 Honda Accord
  By violin8 - September 17 - 11:20 am

  I bought the 2009 as my 5th Honda accord, and couldnt be sorrier. My previous ones were excellent, so I didnt pay as much attention as I should have to this model. After 40 min. the seat is so uncomfortable, I have to get out and give myself a break. It feels like concrete inside it. The road noise on trips is unbelievable. I really miss my 2003 accord and regret trading up to this model.

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  CR-V Test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John S. - September 16 - 8:24 pm

  Noisy engine, very loud at higher RPMs. CVT keeps the engine in higher RPMs. Not a fan of the transmission with this engine. The interior is roomy and I like the control placement, but lots of air and tire noise can be heard inside making it difficult to have discussions from back seat. I do not recommend the CR-V based on the harsh sounds from engine, tires, and highway noise. I purchased a new 2016 Hyundai Tuscan Limited instead of the CR-V Touring. The Hyundai is quieter and has a smooth ride with lots of options, better warranty.

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  Look for something else - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Bob2007 - September 16 - 2:08 pm

  The driving performance on the 2018 is passable for what it is. Dont let the turbo charger fool you- it is there to help gas mileage (which is ok); the CRV has all the acceleration you would expect from a low end economy 4 cylinder; i.e., not much. What is really poor though, and was poorly represented by the dealer is the "infotainment". The navigation is terrible (eg, searching for locations doesnt really work), the interface is clunky, and the syncing with phones is shaky at best. Its a shame that they dont offer the EX-L with a much more basic (and user-friendly) sound option. For the price, in retrospect I wish we had gone with a Subaru or Toyota.

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  Little improved over 2001 model - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Peteman - September 15 - 11:36 pm

  This is a disappointment after owning a 2001. Fit / finish are not as good. Cabin noise is only slightly improved. Fuel Economy with the variable displacement has been about 16 mpg around town. Max mpg of 20 on a 200 miles trip.

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  SOSO VAN - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Nokkie - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Its just a Honda thats it. Sliding door, transmission problems are some of the flaws.

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  disappointed - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By honda pilot - September 6 - 3:13 am

  have had this for only two months and the gas mileage has been no better than 15 mpg. we lease and i called to see if we bought another honda vehicle would they consider to get us out of lease. response was it would cost us at least 3000 dollars to get out of lease. very disappointed with all parties concerned.we had a buick rendezvous and were much happier. should have stayed with buick.