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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  bumpy noisy ride - 2016 Honda Accord
  By George - May 20 - 6:11 am

  do a very long test drive before buying it

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  MAN! I wanted to love this... - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Nicole R. - May 9 - 5:38 am

  As an owner of a 2005 Honda Pilot EX, and itching to get a new ride, I test drove the 2014 Honda Pilot EX-L while I was getting a new catalytic converter at the dealership. The exterior was beautiful (Im a fan of the "squarer" bodies and think the new ones blend in with everyone elses vehicle), and the interior was "standard" Honda (definitely not as appealing as a Highlander, but Im not picky). Everything was great, until I pulled onto the highway... OMG, can I just tell you that my 2005 Pilot has MUCH MORE pick up than the 2014! I have a heavy foot, and when I merge I want to get to the speed limit as soon as possible...well, not with this one. You gotta be kidding me! The salesman said it has something to do with ECON but honestly, its an SUV - I dont care about gas mileage (I know... I should...) Plus there is no way to "save on gas" with the way I drive. What a disappointment!

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  Do NOT buy a 2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BLUEEYEZ77 - May 8 - 2:30 pm

  I have been having NOTHING but problems with my 2008 Honda Accord. First, the steering column had to be replaced within the first month of owning it. Ever since then, my car is in, on average, once a month for servicing. The rear brakes wore at 15,000 Kms when all I drove was highway. My clutch squeaks when releasing it, but they told me its in my head. And now, I am burning oil like there is no tomorrow - its a brand new car!! Honda will not support its customers and fix the problems I have been telling them about for the past year! What a let down Honda - you are suppose to be the best and most reliable car on the road. Maybe I just bought a lemon. But this is my first and last Honda.

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  Honda Nation not holding up Warranty - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Katy - May 2 - 7:24 pm

  My last 2 cars were a Toyota Tercel and a Toyota Camry- I love Elmore Toyota in Westmister- So, I decided I wanted an SUV and bought the Honda CRV- I love the car; however, after only having it for a little over a year, I am having problems---The windshield washer fluid depletes or stops working after a week of filling- They would not return my calls and I had to resort to writing a letter- Then they responded--I dropped it off and they are telling me there is no leak- Which I tested myself and already knew this- So, I asked if the reservoir was still filled with fluid- The Manager said he didnt know and I said well, if it isnt a leak, then maybe something is clogging it- he said they do not know so, come and pick up my car and whenever I come in, they will re-test it--Are you kidding me- They are returning my car to me without it being fixed and it is under warranty-they also had to order a motor for the apparatus that sets the door locks as this is now broke---I have never had problems with my Toyotas or experienced such bad customer service as with Honda Nation in Costa Mesa--The manager even said maybe I use the washer fluid too often- Really??? Are you kidding me- I dont know what to do so, maybe I will call BBB or Consumer Affairs-I am so disappointed because I love the car but, if things are breaking after only one year, what does the future hold- I do not trust them and will be getting a different car or a different dealer!!!

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  Longtime Honda Owner, Called to Return - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cirdevsys - April 20 - 5:08 am

  I bought this 2013 Accord to replace my 2012 Civic that was destroyed in Hurricaine Sandy. The salesman steared me into this car and now I have Buyers Remorse. I have owned many Hondas in my day, Preludes and Accords but this model is a looser. 3 weeks in I called to ask the dealer if I could exchange for a Civic and he said "Not without big fees" The problem is they have tried to make everything microprocessor based. You cant just spin a dial and tune the rabio anymore. I gone off the road, twice already just trying to search for a new station. This car is an overdesigned dog! Take it from a longtime Honda owner. Consider the features offered and if you really need them.

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  Odyssey Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By links1 - April 11 - 3:33 pm

  We just bought a 2006 Honday Odyssey EX and had problems with the stabilization light, ASB and brake lights coming on. It was in the shop within minutes of driving it and had to be taken back twice within 24 hours for the same problems. Horrible start to what we thought was going to be a perfect choice!! Were worried what will be next!

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  My 2004 Accord EX-V6 is a lemon! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tony123 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first honda and will be the last one for sure. The car was bought one month ago and failed to start twice. The battery keeps on running low because some parts are consuming energy after engine is off. Now the dealer needs to locate the problem.

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  Transmission Control Module - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Marissa Solomero - April 3 - 4:42 am

  When I had owned this car for about 90 days when I was leaving TopGolf the dashboard warning lights were all flashing and then the car transmission had locked and I could not put my car into drive. I had to tow it to the dealership where I bought it and they reviewed the car and found the TCM had been disconnected so they reconnected it and I went about my day. Then the error occurred again during a move and drive down to Florida. When we stopped to fill up and I turned on the car the issue happened again. The part apparently needed to be completely replaced because the pins meant to keep the TCM connected had been faulty. Please be aware of this and HONDA please place a recall/replacement on this issue. Several other people I know have had this same issue on brand new Civics. Being stranded and in need of a tow is dangerous and frustrating. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!!!

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  Transmission Control Module - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Marissa Solomero - April 3 - 4:42 am

  When I had owned this car for about 90 days when I was leaving TopGolf the dashboard warning lights were all flashing and then the car transmission had locked and I could not put my car into drive. I had to tow it to the dealership where I bought it and they reviewed the car and found the TCM had been disconnected so they reconnected it and I went about my day. Then the error occurred again during a move and drive down to Florida. When we stopped to fill up and I turned on the car the issue happened again. The part apparently needed to be completely replaced because the pins meant to keep the TCM connected had been faulty. Please be aware of this and HONDA please place a recall/replacement on this issue. Several other people I know have had this same issue on brand new Civics. Being stranded and in need of a tow is dangerous and frustrating. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!!!

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  Should have bought a Prius! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Lyon - April 1 - 5:30 pm

  When I went shopping for my car, I was looking for fuel economy and a little bit of fun. I first went to a Toyota dealership to test dive a Prius. Well I at least got to look at one in a brochure. I tend to buy cars on the spot (its more fun that way) and I did not want to wait 30-90 days, but I went ahead and put myself on the list. The next day I went to a Honda dealer and they had 7 Civic hybrids on their lot. A 5 speed even, so I bought it. What a bad decision! It cost me less than the Prius, but its trade in value is $9,000 less than the $2,000 more for the Prius! Its cramped, slow, and completely dull to drive. Skip this car! only 10 miles per gallon better than an EX civic.