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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  Did I get a lemon? - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - November 21 - 2:58 pm

  Walked out one day and the running board on the drivers sides was hanging down. Didnt get hit or hit anything. Did drive over a dirt road with washboards. I was able to clip it back on but dont trust that it will stay on. Then washing my car I noticed some of the clips on my font bumper were overlapping and visible (they should not be visible). Again I didnt hit anything. Perhaps some one backed into me but couldnt find any marks on the bumper. Then notced the back bumper on one side looked to be pulling away. The only thing I think that could have caused it is driving on a dirt road. Seems like it should be built to withstand that. Second issue is poor sound system. I have the SE model with the rear entertainment system. Well kids keep complaining that they cant hear the movie when I put the sound through the car speakers. Guess what there arent any speakers in the back. What was Honda thinking on this one. This is my second Honda odyssey, loved the first, drove it for 200K miles over 10 years. Bought a new 2016 and seriously regret it.

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  2015 CRV AWD Vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Linda Burr - November 20 - 2:12 am

  I had a great 2009 CRV AWD LX until I purchased this 2015 CRV AWD LX a few days ago. There is vibration in the steering wheel while driving. As I read reviews today, I see that other customers have reported this 2015 CRV vibrates. The service staff at the dealership told me that the 2nd gear is "slow" and once out of this gear, the car will no longer vibrate, and that Honda is aware of the problem, but is unable to fix this problem at this time. I wish I was told about this problem before I purchased it. The salesperson told me today that he was unaware of this issue. The dealership has been very helpful so far.

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  Last Honda Ill ever buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - November 17 - 10:50 pm

  Must be another version of the 2006 Civic I dont have. Whats wrong? Unacceptable radio reception. Most uncomfortable seat I have ever had in an automobile. Auto 5spd is a disaster around town (5th gear 1K rpm @35 mph, give me a break!). Front driver side visibility is terrible especially when made worse by poor wiper blade coverage. And the wipers are also incredibly noisy. Plastic dip stick, please!

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  1 month review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By krispykremee - November 16 - 6:33 pm

  Has both 08 Sienna limited and 07 Odyssey EX-L Navi. Like about Odyssey- stereo, brakes, and handling. Dislikes- rough ride. 2nd row seat is too firm. 3rd row seat is too narrow. Navi-screen is big but has less resolution and color. Plus the rear view camera uses cheaper CMOS sensor. Which makes rear-view camera useless compare to Sienna. Dont like all of the door switch is on the driver side. No door switch on the b- pillar. Biggest gripe- Gas mileage is horrible. Averaging 14.3. My Sienna gets 20.7. The old 04 Sienna we owned averaged 21.3 through 70k miles.

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  Okay - Not as good as I hoped - 2007 Honda Accord
  By James - November 14 - 12:33 pm

  Was expecting all round goodness but was surprised and disappointed by this car. Was not going to buy a new car but the presidents day sale made it all worthwhile. I like sporty cars but this car does not know how to smother a sharp jolt. Sends it right to your bone. May be the 17" rims. Steering is stubborn when you just want to make small corrections to your line. The sunroof is so far back that most of the time you will not realize it is there. Access to storage is not convenient, you will have to snake your arm through obstacles and make awkward contortions to access any main pockets. The rear view mirror blocks the sun visors movement. Creaks and groans. Plenty of blind spots

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  Rare manual transmission EX 4WD - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hiroshi - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Hard to find 4WD with manual transmission, Fiji Blue. Shopped around but no discount. Finding the actual vehicle was tough. Highly critisized rear access door is less of a concern as long as you recognize its not a four door vehicle (think of double cab pick up truck).

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  made a mistake - 2005 Honda Accord
  By puki - November 12 - 5:23 am

  I am really sorry to have even considered this car because from the very first day that this car was bought, it has been giving me problems (squeaking, brakes are bad, got recalled for trans and airbags). Looked at the toyota and no such recall on that car. Bought the camry and am very happy with that car.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cardriver - November 10 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car while commuting to college and work daily. MPG and cost were the determining factors in purchase. The engine, apart from VERY loud revs, is just fine. It has no problem getting to 80-90 MPH and going steady. My major and only real issue with the car is the interior. For short trips (i.e. test drive) the interior is just fine. Get past 20 minutes in the car and youre ready to kill yourself. The seats are rock hard and HURT the back over time. The cup holder is awkwardly positioned behind the shifter, the radio is too far to reach while sitting back and the car lacks an armrest all together. Claims of high MPG are lies; rarely over 25 MPG on street w/ highway

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  EX 2003 4D-AUTOMATIC - 2003 Honda Accord
  By FRANKlin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  nice car, kind of rough on road, engine is good, responsive(not v6), huge space interior. the design is not great esp. the rear with tail lights, looks odd.

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  Think Twice Before Buying A Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Buyer Beware - October 30 - 1:56 pm

  I have had the Civic Si sedan for not even a year (13K miles on it). Shifting to third is notchy and it feels like there is something blocking the shifter from engaging third. The passenger airbag off indicator comes one when nothing is in the passenger seat. The indicator is supposed to be off when there is nothing in the seat but because there are no error codes registered when the light comes on the engineers at American Honda said there is nothing wrong with the car and refuse to authorize any repairs. On at least 5 occasions nothing happened when I turned the key to start the car. The starter spins but does not engage.