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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  Infotainment system is a disgrace! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dean Owens - July 25 - 1:24 am

  1. No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Honda wont even tell owners why their $40,000+ flagship doesnt have these features when their Accord & Civic do. Honda ignores all inquiries regarding this. 2. Incoming or outgoing Bluetooth phone calls are dropped if either right or rear camera is started; as in lane change or reverse gear. 3. Bluetooth voice commands are very unreliable. 4. USB audio fails to start 1 out of 4 times on ignition turn on. 5. USB audio status not saved; restarts at 1st folder if ignition turned off. 6. USB audio has no Pause or Play buttons.

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  Pewter SE Problems - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By ClaytonHonda - July 18 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my Pewter Pearl SE on 2/14 from a dealership. It had 24 miles on it when I got it. The next morning there was a puddle on my driveway. Took it for repairs, and they changed out the power steering reservoir and hoses. The next morning, I had a smaller puddle, but this time it was oil. There is a faulty seal. It is 2/17 now and the car is still in the shop. The drives from my house to the service center have been enjoyable. The car is comfortable and seems to drive a lot like a nice car. My wife loves the room and the way it drives. Anyway, the dealer will not replace it, so I guess I will be trading a CRV SE with 100m in and taking a hit. Obviously this one is bad.

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  Please change the rear seats! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ray - July 17 - 6:47 am

  HONDA DESIGNERS BEWARE...The Touring model is really a beautiful car until you notice the front and rear seats are completely different!?! The front seats are perforated leather worthy of luxury cars, but rear seats are of plain jane variety reminding you of police cruisers and taxicabs (puke!)

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  Do not buy - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Bekelech Getachew - July 16 - 9:22 pm

  Do not buy this car because Sliding door has creaking noise, Honda service Department also they cant fix , dont west your time. On 10/09/2016 I bought 2016 Honda odyssey from Round rock Honda, They repaired 3 times sliding door creaking noise, but it is not work, I recall Honda America with calmed Number 05092045. but the so cold recall Manager wont answer my request. so this car good looking but sliding door is not good, Round rock Honda service department also they dont now how to fix the door.

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  Black Flag Honda - 1995 Honda Passport
  By McJJrod - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst truck i have ever had. I had the car a year and it was in the shop 13 times.. I even had the engine replaced and it still doesnt run right. This car has cost me 7,000 dollars in repair out of my own pocket.. and I pitty the person who has to drive it next. Honda sucks!!!!!

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  My Element has problems! - 2003 Honda Element
  By DEF532 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Battery is dead if not driven in 7-15 days and the dealer cant figure out why. They replaced the battery, radio, multiplex unit and amplifier and something is still draining the battery. Its now under Lemon Law, which is a real joke. Runs great if you can get it started.

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  Think twice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Laura - July 6 - 8:56 am

  This is my third Honda. I loved the other cars (Accords) and bought the Civic mainly to increase gas mileage due to long commute and high marks for reliability and safety. But, there are several things that are truly annoying. The main problem is the front seats are very uncomfortable. After 45 mins of driving my back was hurting due to the hardness of the seat and the way it pushes in your sides to mold you into the seat. Theres no "give." Another big problem is the side door frame blocking you view while driving and especially while turning. Not being able to see the front of the car (end of the hood) is a big problem in trying to park, turn etc. Maybe you eventually get used to it.

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  Damn, its broke again!!! - 2000 Honda Passport
  By rbeatty - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Where do I start? The truck is in the dealers shop so much that the shop manager keeps telling my wife that she should be on the dealership payroll.

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  Rush to Market - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By S. Zimney - July 4 - 11:29 pm

  The interior on the prior models of the Ridgeline are much better. I own an older model Ridgeline and have been waiting since 2015 for the newer version. Initially told it was coming in Jan of 2017. It came out sooner but the interior is a big disappointment. It looks as if they put in a Honda Odessy front panel so they could get it to market. I wont buy this current version. Someone told me Ford is coming out with a truck with a trunk and tailgate like Hondas. I will have to check it out. Maybe their interior is better.

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  2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Warning - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Christine Wagner - June 27 - 11:06 am

  Honda is aware of an issue with the control arm, however, they are not giving a recall notice. I was told they are not making the owners aware of the problem, because it is "intermittent". I went in for an oil change and tire rotation at 14,000 miles, and was told that the inspection indicator on the dash was requesting that a full vehicle inspection be conducted. Since my gas mileage had gone from 41 mpg to 34 mpg, I agreed to pay the $150.00 to Sunnyside Honda in Parma OH for the inspection. I was told that the control arm was defective and that both rear tires also needed to be replaced as a result. The dealership would only replace the control arm and not the rear tires.