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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  Transmission went bad after 2 days - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Robert - October 14 - 1:50 pm

  After 2 days of driving I got transmission light. Vehicle needs new transmission. Honda refuses to buy back this vehicle. Last time I am buying Honda.

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  Damaged goods - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BOB - October 4 - 7:06 am

  Car was damaged when I purchased it from the dealer. It started showing signs of rust on the passenger door just behind the hinges. Dealer said he was aware of the problem when I purchased the certified used car, The car was only 2 months old when I bought the car. I contacted Honda and they stated that it was not their problem.

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  PLEASE DONT EVER BUY A HONDA - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Susan M - October 4 - 1:02 am

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 CRV and noticed shortly after purchasing a terrible vibration at idle and at varying speeds. Brought it in twice because I was told they finally had a fix but they lied and were unable to fix the problem. Now I am unable to drive this car and have 5 years of car payments on a car I cant drive. Other dealerships will basically give me nothing for a trade so I am stuck. Please DONT buy a Honda, they used to be a reliable company but they are not anymore. I test drove 8 2016 CRVs and they also had the same problem, but Honda continues to sell this vehicle. No reputable company continues to sell a knowingly defective vehicle. How can Honda get away with doing this to people?

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  Great product ruined by infotainment system - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Magnolia - September 26 - 1:44 pm

  Do not buy a Honda until they replace the current infotainment system! Screen goes dark randomly and often. Back up camera frequently does not come on. Bluetooth hands free intermittently will not make calls and/or drops calls. Dealer replaced system and new one does exactly same thing! No cooperation from Honda. Honda America representative said they have no fix at the current time. Another representative said it could be my phone--IPhone 6splus or carrier--Verizon. Said it may not be compatible even though it works fine about 50% of the time. Car purchased new and now has only 5000 miles. I have filed for arbitration and Honda has suggested I drop the case and then they may be able to offer some help! I will never purchase another Honda.

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  It was a great run...Until it wasnt! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard - September 18 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our Odyssey new and have loved it and had no problems with it...until three weeks ago. We have maintained it very regularly in necessary ways. Other than the excessive road noise (so much noise!), we have been exceedingly happy with it. Until three weeks ago when an odd noise started happening. After ruling out the transmission and engine problems, it has been determined that we have an internal problem with a rod. The only answer is total engine overhaul or a total engine replacement. We were told by Honda "Tough Luck!" with no further explanation. I called Honda Americas service line and was essentially told the same thing. I have sworn by Honda...Until now. The service guy at the dealership said that he had never seen this on a car this well maintained. Great...I guess I won the lottery where I loss $6,000 of my money instead of winning.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ericnaz1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  21 days in the shop so far for repairs including transmission leak,rough engine idle requiring a valve adjustment and replacement of all mounts. Engine problem still not fixed and Hondas answer to the problem is to deny that it exists. Other repairs include the seat frame which was defective and rocked, major rattles requiring replacement of multiple parts and lots of foam tape and epoxy to fix, fuel gauge failed, A/c fan relay clicks constantly but never when at a Honda dealer so Im told I have to live with it, Brakes squeal since day one. Interior panel warp and distort, arrived damages and just plain fall off

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  The worst car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kydrizer - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car.I chose honda civic because of brand power. But it is very noisy that really annoying me when accelating.It has real weak power than its competitor like hyundai elantra,toyota corolla.. And gas milage is not good especially in city as it is advertised. (genuine 25mpg)

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  minor items - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By P - August 21 - 1:21 pm

  I like my CRV. Perfect for a small family car. I can drive 3 or 4 teenage girls around in it comfortably. Its pretty good in the weather on wet or snowy roads. The clock is so high on the dashboard that it is always in the sunlight and I can never see what time it is during the day. I wouldnt want to use it if I lived in the mountains though. The engine is 4 cyl. and it does well until I have to go up hills. Then it seems to strain the transmission and no gears seem to be a good fit. Poor visiblility on the drivers side blind spot but if you get the mirrors just right you can compensate for it. But it is reliabile and fits in with my commuting suburban life style.

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  Traded Cadillac for Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By deco drive - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my loaded Cadillac CTS with Nativagion today! AFter constant problems with the CTS and GM just manufacturing horrible vehicles with worse service, I couldnt take it anymore. Today, I saved over $10,000 on a car that has more acceleration, though a little less horsepower, every bell & whistle I can imagine, absolutely a blast to drive and I could not be happier. The dealer was fabulous and I am absolutely satisfied!

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  Great running BUT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Darbee Lee - August 15 - 8:33 pm

  The paint and the interior leather and trim have held up very. Dry poorly. Paint was horrible after 5 years!