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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  Tiring to drive - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Alain Boutin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Hard to drive. The slippery steering is designed to create resistance against the driver. The direction is too direct. A slight movement of the hand nearly result in a change of lane. Imposible to drive with one hand making a long trip very tiring. There is no suspension except for something I would call a bump amplifier. There is a lot of road noise. The steering wheel block the speedometer and the highbeam light. The steering wheel is too far from the driver. Not enough clearance for the legs. I seems this car is designed for small people. The seat hurt my back to the point now I am now getting rid of that car. (though the service was good).

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  Why - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard Jackson - February 28 - 7:50 pm

  Operating the features is unnecessarily difficult. The controls for talk or text is difficult and unsafe

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  Not so good - 2000 Honda Civic
  By justaperson - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have my Civil for almost 2 years, havent driven it much until recently I starting working outside of the city. Had a small accident. The car I hit had no damage, but my civil was awful. It was a small hit in the front but Im estimate to pay 3 grand to get the hood and the radiator frame to replace. And now that Im on the highway all the time, the car does not pick up fast enough. Its too slow for my opinion. Overall, the car is reliable and performs well for what its worth, but the build quality is awful. A slight hit, and youll see major damage on your car. I would not buy this car again or recommend anyone to buy a civil.

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  65,000 miles road test - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Driving Far - February 14 - 9:30 am

  Build quality: My car had a shocking number of fit and finish problems, including very annoying noises from the drivers door that the dealership could not remedy properly(neither was Honda prepared to exchange the car as a lemon). They were very disappointing but didnt impair the functionality of the car. Driving experience: After 65k miles I continue to be impressed by the excellent engineering. Honda has spend a lot of time thinking about details, such as the lights. For long distance driving I find the suspension too hard. One can feel very ripple in the road, without any highway benefit, whereas for sporty driving the tires give out too early and the car has too much body lean

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  Dont Buy This Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Squirrel - February 7 - 8:20 am

  I would not recommend this car to anyone I know. I regret the day that I traded in my Honda Civic for this car. I have 50,000 miles on the car and nothing but problems with it. I am hoping to trade it in soon. The air conditioner went just after the warranty expired and cost $900 to fix. Now it makes a grinding sound everytime you turn it on. Brake sensors have gone bad, drivers window motor has been replaced 2 times already. The wheel cylinders have gone. The car used to have lots of pickup and was fun to drove but now it struggles up hills. Also, interior is cheap. Carpet is pulling up already and the plastic scratches very easily. The paint also is chipped more than it should.

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  okay car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Bl - February 6 - 10:20 pm

  I wish that I researched this car more. I had to get seat cushions because the seat was not comfortable, it was hurting my back. I had to get pedal extenders because I was sitting to close to the wheel and i couldnt reach the gas comfortable and adjust the wheel comfortably. I like the climate control and the fact that I sit high and its roomy. I am getting used to the car and now I do like the car after all these adjustments. I just hope I wont have car problems like I am reading that people have.

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  Battery problems - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Fern - January 29 - 9:00 pm

  Have been having battery problems. During the winter had problems driving car. Dealership said not using the car a lot and going on short trips would probably do it. At stop lights the car cuts out - I thought it was just me but anyone who has driven the car said the same thing. Drove to New Glasgow 200 km trip - When heading back car wouldnt start - had to call roadside assistance - which I must say are excellent. I have Sirius Satellite in my car - they said that it is a serious drainage on my battery using it. I contacted Sirius on this and they have never heard of this being a problem. My boss has his plugged in all the time and never had a problem.

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  not the best - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gswcs - January 26 - 3:16 pm

  great looking car but worse car i have ever owned. day 2 car leaked oil crank shaft seals were leaking = in honda shop for 3 weeksin july, now car has been in the shop for the past 6 days replacing steering rack. will trade out of car as soon as its out of the honda shop. VCM/ECO=constant surging on the highway even with cruise control on. averaging 20.7mpg combined

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  NOISY NOISY NOISY - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Berk - January 25 - 12:59 pm

  UPDATE 7/2017- I dislike this car more than ever. The drivers seat comfort is my greatest issue. I have added a foam cushion to the backrest, without it I cannot drive the car because my back aches. (I dont have that issue with any other vehicles I own). The audio system is just a PIA to operate. Road noise is terrible. Have decided to ditch this car ASAP. Bought 2016 CR-V EX. as the replacement of a 2006 Hyundai Tucson Limited. I considered the Mazda CX5 but hesitated because I couldnt find long term data results for the SkyActiv engine. Was unimpressed with the RAV4 and the Ford Escape. After 2 weeks with the Honda I regret the decision. No matter what I do I cannot get comfortable in the drivers seat, The car has power adjust seats but no position is satisfying. I am 5 8" and 190lb. The seat is wrong at the lumbar no matter deflated or inflated,- hard on the butt , poor conforming and feels to narrow across the back, just terrible. Not looking forward to a long trip in the saddle. Road noise volume is unbelievable, It came with BridgeSTONE tires, I never had them on a vehicle. I am hoping that once they wear out, a set of Dunlops will improve the noise level. Obviously the roof has NO sound proofing because during a heavy rain the sound was brutal. The audio system has no possibility for satellite radio. The Bluetooth is spotty. The displays are minimal in choice. The gas mileage has been great, With the ECO off the car has adequate power, when on NO. There is no doubt this is a four cylinder when you give it the whip, but its OK. Handling is good, wheel feel is good. Transmission is smooth. Hope to never experience diabetic neuropathy in the feet, gas and brake pedals are very close together and have at the same time hit both a few times, confident I will get used to this. Not thrilled with this car, hoping that opinion changes in the next 150,000 miles.

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  Drive Left Only - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By cmd - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Although my wife and I love the Honda (the DVD with wireless headphones let us can talk while the kids watch) the Odyssey has a serious alignment problem and pulls hard left at highway speed. Cannot be attributed to "road crown", wide tires, or other potential causes. In for service twice for over five days and the Honda dealership Operations Manager is not satisfied with the results. This is a design flaw and cannot be fixed unless taken out of manufacturers specifications, which would cause extreme tire wear. If your dead set on buying an Odyssey, drive the actual vehichle youre buying (not a demo) on the highway, and let go of the steering wheel.