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:

• 

  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

• 

  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

• 

  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

• 

  bumper honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By todo - March 26 - 10:00 am

  although the car is very reliable the corners of the bumpers are extremly weak,any slight bump and the bumpers colapse and it is very costly to be replacing the bumpers ive complained to the company i hope they re-design the bumpers all together.

• 

  Beware of the road noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By scain - March 24 - 4:40 am

  We have a Camry and Accord. Exterior styling of the Honda is great. But, we should have driven it longer. Road noise is horrible when about 40mph and you feel every bump in the road. So loud, it causes the Bluetooth calls to break up. Hondas Nav system is much better than Camry. Camrys ride is more like a Cadillac.

• 

  CRV LESS THAN EXPECTED - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marissa - March 21 - 12:50 pm

  I had purchased this 2010 CRV approximately 4 months ago from COGGIN HONDA in Ft Pierce, FL. They tried to rip me off and succeeded, after fair negotiations in the financing room; typical cheesy, low life car salesmen, and this goes for the sales manager especially. I know others whom had a disappointing and frustrating experience there. I had traded in a Pilot, which I loved after lease was up, and the smalller SUV, really does not compare. The ride is not as smooth and comfortable + the interior is made of cheaper looking materials. The gas milage is only a couple miles per gallon less at about 25. So far, it has been dependable and have had no mechanical problems. Ranks high for safety.

• 

  2000 Honda Prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By lighthouse - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Numerous squeaks and rattles. Annoying wind noise around drivers door that dealership could not detect. Extremely noisy at highway speeds.

• 

  Not as good as I expected - 2003 Honda Element
  By namealreadyinuse - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I think I got a bit of a lemon here. My Element has been back to the dealer 5 times in the 2 months Ive had it - rear bumper not attached properly, steering wheel column cover fell off, rear view mirror came loose and several rattling noises corrected. Ive owned 2 Hondas before and never had issues with build quality but now I have !

• 

  Honda Accord Sport-good value among competition - 2014 Honda Accord
  By K Duffy - March 12 - 2:56 am

  Good car overall for the money. Good fuel economy, looks sporty, typical Honda dependability!

• 

  Honda Fail - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Peter - March 10 - 10:21 pm

  This is Honda number six for me, but sadly, the last. Purchased with 8k " certified". Car was delivered with multiple problems, broken power seat, interior rattles, and damaged paint. Certified indeed. Have owned for three months and have been to the dealer nine times and counting..... Cannot remedy the multiple interior rattles. On the plus side, looks amazing, drives fine but not exciting, pretty good gas mileage. But not enough good to overcome the poor quality construction, dealer deceptions, and a complete lack of support from American Honda.