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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  Unacceptable harsh ride for family sedan - 2016 Honda Accord
  By cc - April 28 - 6:35 pm

  Ive always loved Hondas, ever since my college years when I started with a plain old civic hatchback, then in 2000 I got a new Si, with superb handling and still great reliability. After getting my wife a brand new 2016 Accord, I was surprised by how harsh the ride was, specially the rear of the car seems like its riding on lowered suspension and I felt every bump on the road. I can understand having a sports suspension, however this was not the well behaved suspension I had on my Si! It transmits too much of the roads imperfections and its definitely much worse than my old Si in handling the roads imperfections and transmits more of the vibrations to my back than the civic. And are we talking about a family sedan?! The worse is that the Accord nearly went airborne on the toll way with one of the bigger bumps, something that alarmed everyone sitting in the car (5) at that time. Wow... how did the Accord go from a family sedan to something I wouldnt recommend to anyone buying a sports sedan I dont know... bad Honda. This is definitely the worst riding sedan Ive owned and driven from MB C, S class, to Fords Mustang and CV.

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  Disappointed - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Ibrahim Awwad - April 18 - 10:02 am

  I have just received my car 5 days ago, the driver seat cushion is too short and not comfortable at all. Every day im trying to find a good position to drive and cant reach that! When you try to adjust the seat by tilting it, it only raises the front part which makes more pressure on the low back portion. What’s more depressing in the touring model they have ignored a very small details, while in dark both, indicator knob and wipers aren’t illuminated so at night you won’t be able to see them at all :(. When you backup and the car on the R gear the side mirrors aren’t tilting downwards. With a fully loaded car, these tiny issues are really a shame not to be there.

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  Wind Noise on the Highway: - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Parvez - April 14 - 6:14 pm

  I just bought my 2017 Accord Sport SE last week as I love the design of this car. But quickly found out that Cabin of the car is too noisy on the highway, as we have to drive more than 100 miles on the highway to get back home. You hear the wind noise much more then normal, especially if you are sitting on the back seat, but even you hear the wind noise on the front seats. I complaint bout the wind noise and took my car back to the dealership and they try to adjust the doors but that didnt make any big difference. I am wondering if anyone else has also experienced the wind noise on the highway? It could be annoying if you are driving long distance and continuously has to listen to the noise. I would like to add one more thing which could add lot of comfort to the passengers sitting on the back seat to have a AC went in front of the back seat.

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  dealership sold me a lemon!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By amanda2 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  the reason why I bought a 2003 Honda Accord was the fact I loved the exterior design and I thought since it was a Honda it would last me for a long time. at this rate, I dont think thats possible. the dealership sold me a lemon and whenever I call the service dept. they give me the run around. one person working in the service dept. had the nerve to tell me a certain smell was normal for my car. which I know is false information. does Hondas employees seriously think whenever they hear a female voice on the other line they can give out b/s information?!

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  Not my dream car- updated from 8/06 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Myfirsthonda - April 8 - 11:23 am

  My 1st Honda-after 7mo, I like even less. Car struggles to change gears-told not fixable-electronic transmission. Learn to live with it. RPMs get stuck too high. If driving on bumpy road-car feels like it is thrown sideways out of control-especially on highway over 55 mph,-scary. If past miles the maint.minder scheduled oil change,each time cars started it blinks with the # of miles youre in arrears until you reset it until oils changed.(Maint. light on dash is enough).Drivers window now squeaks with window up/down.Brakes squeal with stop in rain.Car rattles like a car I drove over 90,000 mi.For all the Honda hype, Im sorry I traded in my old car. What did people drive b4 rating this car a 10?

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated

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  sorry i bought this car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Harold Bachmann - April 3 - 4:16 pm

  My car came with a vibration the dealer tells me this is "normal" the tires that came with the car out of balance the dealer balanced them but the car goes into vibration @different speeds. I bought this car from Nardy Honda Smithtown L. I. N.Y. my advice is drive the car you are buying be for you "buy" it. I DIDNT

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  150k and going strong - 1991 Honda Civic
  By gromit - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, and besides scheduled maintance no major repairs. It was the best car purchase I ever made. Used for commuting to work and around town, this car still looks fine (minor paint fade) and runs good. Recently noticed a slight oil burning problem, but with this many miles on this tiny engine, hey Im not complaining. I got 10 years of service and with no major problems. And I still commuting 100 miles a day!