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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  A Big Disappointment - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By George - January 21 - 12:13 pm

  My wife and I bought the vehicle two weeks ago and it has spent more time in the shop then us enjoying it. The vehicle has been there three times for the same problem(front alignment). Afetr each visist we were told that the vehicle was corrected and that it meet Honda specs, and each time they found something else wrong. If this is Honda specs I would advise against purchasing a Honda. The enigne is lack laster at best. The body is suppose to be on a Civic chasis but fels more like a jeep.

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  Could be a great car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Steve - January 21 - 2:09 am

  This car could be great, but I have had electrical issues well as problems with the third brake light housing. I have found, per my dealership, that every coupe with a third brake light has the housing coming down. Honda has not developed a fix for this yet so I have a third brake light housing that is hanging down from the rear area. As well as the electrical issues have left me less than satisfied. I hope Honda gets it together and fixes these problems soon.

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  Brakes Squeal All the time - 2009 Honda Accord
  By geibelkj - January 18 - 9:46 am

  I would not recommend this car. My 2009 accord has 6000 miles and I have painfully squealed my way there. I have been to the dealer 4 times for buffing the rotors, replacing the rotors, replacing the front brake pads and each time after a few days the loud piercing squeal is back. Called American Honda Cust Service and they say that they are unaware of any problems. The dealer says there isnt a problem and that brakes do make a little noise. (I can hear it over my radio blasting, trying to drown it out!!!) This has been a horrible experience and I will not purchase from Honda again.

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  Watch out of 05s Issues - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mommy-Van Driver - January 17 - 12:06 pm

  I love my van as far as features, roominess, etc. but Ive had continual problems with grinding brakes. The dealership FINALLY resealed around windshield to rid wind noise, plastic around glove-box, leg area gets VERY easily "bummed" up. I would not recommend an 05 to anyone. In general its a great van but the new model has had way to many quirks for me. My 9 year old Ford Windstar could beat this van up as far as durability, now special features it does rate tops. Considering trading my 05 for an 06 hoping theyve fixed the quirks.

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  Poor Handling - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By David - January 15 - 9:27 am

  My biggest complaint is the poor handling, very rough ride, on some surfaces it feels like the rear wheels hop over surface especially at freeway speed. At times it real feels dangerous. Road noise is high at 70mph on some surfaces you cant even carry on a conversation. At slower speeds the ride is rough. It only rides well on a very smooth surface. Fuel mileage is good for the size of vehicle. Engine performance is good for a 4 cyl. Transmission has works well. It is the base model so maybe the other models do better.

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  Good Looks, Loud Inside - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mes357 - January 13 - 11:53 am

  I traded my 2003 Camry. Went to get it back in 3 days but was sold. Accord drives like a sport car with lots of interior noise. You feel all small bumps in the road. The steering wheel does not have a comfortable spot for my large hands. Is fun to drive around town but lacks power when you step on it. When you let off the gas it is like you down shifted, the car slows itself. Weird!! The brakes squeak from the day I bought it. Stops good but the squeak is annoying.

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  Transmission wheezing - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Adams - January 12 - 6:46 pm

  My transmission emits a high pitched wheezing while in motion. Two different Honda service managers from different dealers tell me this: These new transmissions are designed with "gears that float"???? This seems to cause internal pressure not found during design testing. The wheezing sound is the pressurized air escaping from a tiny hole in the trans gasket. Honda knows this and as everyone has heard they do NOT care. Perhaps the reason I do not experience any shaking is due to the pressure being released and not pent-up. In any case, please know I will be hiring an attorney skilled in class action suits and will urge you to join in!!!!! Stay tuned

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  A very disappointed Longtime Honda Owner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RPJD - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt wait to buy this car. I have owned Honda for over twenty years. This car has been trouble right from the start! I have had so many problems that I cant list them here. My car is just over one year old and sounds so loud that I thought I had muffler problems. It rides like a ten year old car too! My dealer has tryed to do their best but cant do anything about the fact that this car is just not a well built car. I wish I kept my old honda. I have spent more time at the dealership with this "NEW" car than I have ever in the past. I can assure you that Honda is no longer built any better than any other car out there! Very disappointed.

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  HR-V Not Quite Up To Honda Standards - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By gwm907@gmail.com - January 8 - 2:47 pm

  I have had the HR-V for nearly two months. Have driven about 3000 miles including a road trip to Chicago. Overall satisfied but certainly not blown away. The car handles fine but the engine is clearly not powerful enough. Acceleration is an effort especially from a running start (ie: doing 60 mph and want to pass someone). The miles per gallon is a disappointment especially around town. I am getting about 32 mpg on long highway trips but less than 15 mpg around town. My previous car was a Honda Accord on which I regularly got 40 mpg highway and 30 around town. The range on a tank of gas is not good. A full tank registers about a 360 mile range so I find myself having to gas up more often than I had become accustomed to. The Accord registered 600+ mile range on a tank of gas. On the positive side The HR-V handles well and has a nice amount of storage space. The location of the charging outlets, however, is inconvenient. The technology package is ok. Overall I rate the vehicle as a 3 out of 5. Not bad but not great. I would not consider purchasing another HR-V although I would consider other Honda models.

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  A lot of road noise - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Margaret Dysart - January 8 - 12:47 am

  This car gets very good gas mileage, I havent been really happy with the car, has a faulty part that you have to repair in order to align your car, has to repair the entire air conditioning which seems soon for a vehicle only 4 years old. Again, gets good mileage!