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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  Some problems with this one - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Blake - November 19 - 4:21 pm

  Bought w/ 50k mi on it, drove it till 158k, then the tranny locked up. Engine works great but needs a quart every 3000 mi. Replaced: radiator, starter, window switches, batteries (3). Gas guage never worked, get about 400 mi on a tank. ABS light is on, brakes are dicey, esp when towing. Rear gate lock broke into the door, now I cant open the back, which was lame anyway with the insufficient support of the back glass dropping on your head. Yes, its for sale - need something reliable.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - November 19 - 1:03 pm

  Always owned Honda, Acura or Toyota due to the quality of the cars. Now I have this 2002 Honda Accord, 4cyl. I am very disappointed. I have 106k miles and the transmission is slipping. I had the major service performed and am told the transmission will need replaced. Honda will do nothing-says that my VIN# does not qualify for the 109k ext. warranty. Obviously, there are several others having the same issue & their VIN doesnt qualify either. Honda obviously has a problem with these cars and is not willing to do anything. Very disappointed. My next car will probably be a Toyota again. Wanted this car to last a long time but Honda is not taking care of the problem as they should.

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  2009 Honda Accord Failure - 2009 Honda Accord
  By rockwell - November 19 - 6:46 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 Accord LX-P because of my pleasure with a 2003 Accord I own. I must say the drivers seat for a six footer is the most uncomfortable I have ever used. My back hurts after 15 minutes of driving the vehicle. I will try a seat cushion and hope it helps. I test drove the car before purchasing and did not notice the discomfort. But after driving it more I now notice. It feels like a lumbar support is engaged but the car does not have lumbar support.

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  Problem alignment not tires - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Joe R - November 18 - 7:50 pm

  I noticed that most of the 2008 CR-V reviews fault the tires and poor mileage. It appears the problem is alignment. I purchased a shop manual when I bought the car. Four attempts at the dealer to bring the alignment into spec resulted in the car pulling to the left (read head-on collision if not attentive with constant input). I took car to a local alignment shop. They said an after-market kit exists for rear camber adjustment. Installed kit and now, mileage is up and car goes straight down the road. Problem now, Honda Corporate and dealer say warranty is void. Appears this is a generic problem with the 08.

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  Obsidian blue crv - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Stephanie Dembski - November 18 - 7:30 am

  The suv drives really smooth, dont realize how fast your going till you look at speedometer. Can hear some outside noise, all items are touch control, but you have a knob for volume, and some climate buttons. Only thing is I dont like, no CD player. All, safety extras can cause unwanted things to happen, so I turned them.off, too distracting. I wish instead of all radio options, like Apple car play, and such, they had a maps, navigation feature.

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  Love it but Keep in Mind... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By CJ - November 17 - 3:38 pm

  I just bought a beautiful 2009 Tango Red AWD CR-V EX and I have to say I love it. The steering and the front view you get is the best! It has a very secure feel to it including when its pouring rain. The only down fall to it is that even though it claims to make 22 city and 26 hwy miles (for gas) and it has only given me an average of 16 which means that Ive had to refill my tank after only 250 miles. :( It should be at least after 350 miles. I dont drive much in the city so I was extremely concerned. I just spoke to two different Honda dealerships that told me that it takes up to 5000 miles on the car before it gives the average of 22-26 miles on gas. I was relieved to hear this news!!!

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  2010 Pilot Touring 4WD- 2 Thumbs up!! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By SB - November 17 - 5:23 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our growing family. We looked at the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Forerunner, Highlander, and Buick Enclave. For many reasons (fit, feel, steering, 3rd row, all-wheel drive) we chose the Pilot. We have had it for 2 weeks now, and its been great. We put a rear facing car seat with a infant car seat next to each other in the left side of the car. Still enough room for adult on the right and for access to 3rd row. 3rd row is very usable for kids and adults. Tech in the vehicle is great. Impressed with the bluetooth, iPhone integration, Nav, and entertainment system. Gas mileage isnt great, but we knew that going in. Its been a great choice for us!

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  Second Element, Second Car bought new - 2008 Honda Element
  By pepsicolacat - November 16 - 5:27 pm

  I own a 2005 element ex awd which has a four speed automatic. The 2008 ex awd has five speed automatic which gets better gas mileage than a five speed manual. I average 20-21 on the 05 if I drive 80 to 85mph on the freeway. I averaged 24mph on a all freeway trip averaging 90mph driving from Columbus to Dayton.

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  Leaks and squeaks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DrivenMad - November 14 - 9:33 pm

  I thought this was my dream car but now I guess the honeymoon is over. I have put 600 very carful miles on this thing and already the rattles and squeaks are starting. A big let down was the tranny started leaking bright red fluid on my garage floor. I had believed that the previous years (98- 02) transmission problems would have been long gone but apparently not.

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  So Much for Honda Reliablity... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wkc112 - November 14 - 8:32 pm

  This Honda is the second one Ive ever owned. And may be the last Ill ever own. I had an Acura before, worked beautifully. So I thought hey, lets buy an Accord. So very disappointed. After taking it to the local dealer and had them swap the wiper motor (factory recall) the LCD display for the clock/temp/cd info stopped working. Every time we hit a bump itd go in and out. Transmission is NO GOOD. Slips in 2nd and 3rd. And twice quit working all together on the Highway, so very dangerous when suddenly you just lose drive power all together. Dont look to customer service for help, nope, they wont do a thing for you. Car was under 100K miles. I mean come on.