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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  Test drive others first - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Kal - April 1 - 6:40 am

  I agree with the precious reviewer, the car is bouncy and you can feel every bump in the road, I did the same thing, I reduced the tire pressures but no use. I made the mistake of not test driving the others, do not believe the reviews they are biased I think, the Sienna drives much nicer, the Sedona has all the technology that the Odyssey does but at a lower price. The Odyssey has a better reputation but thats about it. What Honda needs to do is upgrade the Odyssey to an Acura Minivan, with Acura comfort and styling, it would really go along way. The difference in price between the EX-L and Touring Elite is not really worth it. No LED RDL is stupid. No LED headlight choice is also stupid. The LDW is very sensitive. Drives like a regular car so thats great. Honda Vac? who cares. Wide screen, a gimick. No panoramic roof offering. Dealers are stupid to deal with they are useless, just sell your damn cars direct better than a person spending hours dealing with tall white sales people. Bottom line, its a Minivan, a good hauler for kids but as soon as Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW figures out a way, the high end Sienna and Odyssey will be dead, I wish Tesla comes up with something so I can just buy direct.

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  Less than expected from ratings and hype - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sue Glassman - March 29 - 1:34 pm

  I wanted the Civic due to its reliability and gas mileage ratings and hassle free maintenance. First, the tire pressure light was on from the second day I had the car. I called Honda and ended up checking the tire pressure myself which was fine and then pressing the reset button several times until the light went off. No one mentioned this issue at the dealership or that there is a special reset button for this purpose. Second, according to the Civics own gas mileage indicator on the dash board, I am getting less than 24 mpg. Third, when you connect the blue tooth, the phone is connected but not the media (ex waze). Fourth, there is no cd player (only radio). Fifth, the storage compartments in the car are minimal and do not have closures like the kia forte. There are a total of 3 easily accessible cup holders that double as the storage console. The back seats do not come down for extra trunk storage if you need it. You have to play with the buttons and dials to get the a/c to work properly so you dont die of heat stroke before it kicks in. Overall, I guess as long as this car lasts without any big bills until I turn it in, will have to be happy.

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  Pretty Disappointed with Quality Decline of Honda - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By AJ - March 26 - 8:43 pm

  We replaced my wifes 2016 Honda Odyssey Touring a few months back for the all new 2018 Elite. We were having Transmission Issues at only 21K miles with the 16 and upon reading several online reviews and forums, found this to be more common than it should be. We initially picked up a new 18 EX-L as the options were pretty similar to our Touring and immediately started having issues with a couple of rattles that the dealer could not pinpoint after keeping the car for a week. Being that we only had it in our possession for 1 full day the dealer agreed to let me swap it for the Elite. Fortunately the rattles have not been an issue, but now we have a new problem. There is a rather severe popping from the front end when turning under power (i.e. into a parking spot, parking in driveway). We took it back to the dealer where they kept it for a week to replace the entire front/left strut assembly and coil. Picked it up and less than 30 minutes later when backing out of a parking spot and turning we heard the pop again. Its done this several times since and we are planning to take back to the shop once more. Also as other reviews have pointed out, the placement of the rear a/c vents is horrible if you have children in car seats. I cant believe Honda wouldnt think about this issue before removing the vents from the roof. Other than these problems, the new Odyssey drives great, is quiet and gets better mileage. The new electronics are a huge improvement as well. We love driving the new Odyssey, just very disappointed with the quality of our $47K van.

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  Dual Screen Nightmare! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By jamie v - March 24 - 9:39 am

  Test Drove all models of the 17 Accord including Hybrid, EXL and Touring and very much liked this car, and was oh so close to pulling the trigger on it, however, decided against it for one specific reason.... The absolutely absurd and pointless Dual Screens! Honda, why, why, why??? You would have been better off with a large 8"+ (think along design lines of Tesla) high-res, easy to see, operate, fast display (yes and with a physical volume knob too!) instead of the current cluster-fu*&ery of dual screen mashup youre offering. People today want clean lines, easy to view/read/operate technology in their vehicles, and certainly from a safety perspective while trying to reduce distractions (having to look at 2 screens is unnecessary and dangerous, and I already know someone who just got into an accident because of being distracted by 2 screens) does this matter. Honda, until then, Ill take my business to other brands.

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  Clunker level MPG 17.4 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - March 17 - 9:00 pm

  I am utterly disappointed with the mileage Im getting per gallon. Its brand new and Ive driven it 1200 miles. Im getting 17.4 mpg. Unbelievable, both highway and city driving. On slippery or snowy roads, it slides easily. I am going to try to return it.

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  Whining noise CTV transmission - 2005 Honda Civic
  By PAA - March 17 - 8:43 pm

  Am formerly loyal, multi-Honda owner: Had problems from week 1 with intermittent high pitched whine from Hybrid CTV. Honda replaced transmission. 2nd trans was quite for about 1000 miles, then whine started again. VERY DISSATISFIED-6 months of hassles. Honda says this is interent and cannot be fixed....Have asked Honda to buy back or trade for a quite car. Anyone else?

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  broken navigation system. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Wayne - March 14 - 12:46 pm

  I have a new 2016HRV. I bought it 1 month ago in Arizona and drove it to New York. At least a dozen times the navigation system gave me wrong readings and showed me wrong maps/exits at highway interchanges. Once thru the interchange the system would show the correct directions. On arrival to NY I went to a local Honda dealer. After their 10 mile test drive they determined the navigation system is working fine and they will do nothing to find out why it acted upon on my 2300 mile trip. I called the 1 800 number in the manual got a reference number and after a few days Honda Corporate also stated they will not fix the problem. I am stuck with a brand new HR-V with a navigation system Honda refuses to try to fix. I will not buy another Honda if they will not back up their product.

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  Not what I was expecting - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Sabs - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is very noisy.you can hear rain drops falling INSIDE your door.I had many other minor breakdowns: the gas tank doesnt know when to tell the gas pump to shut off so gas always overfills,the rubber bumper in front fell off, among MANY other things. Seats are hard, many features standard in other similar cars are not offered in this civic.I have owned this car for about 1 1/2 years,after the initial "break in" of the car, (no pun intended), it seems to run smoother. At least now the ride isnt so jerky.so if you dont mind a lot of time at the dealership the first year getting the little things fixed, this car is ok.

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  Poor Design for the Money - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By khb - March 7 - 10:10 pm

  Before purchasing a 2010 Honda Pilot, I would urge a sense of caution!! I purchased mine in Aug 2009. Within 2 weeks I wished I hadnt. There is a terrible dash reflection on the drivers side window that if the sun is in the right position obliterates the side view mirror. To check the oil is just plain poor design. The access to the dipstick cable really is dismal. You cant even see the port to reinsert the "stick" so you need to have your fingers go directly to the port to guide the "stick" to assure that it goes in and avoids getting any outside grime into the oil. To get oil in the fill port-really poor. If youre on the road without a funnel youll get a 1/2 qt in for every qt.

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  Dont Go Away - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Barbara - March 7 - 1:14 pm

  If you leave town, the 12V battery will die while you are away and when you start the car, all lights are flashing and the horn starts beeping continuously. Was definitely not prepared for this. The Service Department will come out and charge your battery, but then advise you a trickle charger is needed ($200) plus installation, and you should plug the car in when you are away. They indicated this was a common problem when the car is not continuously driven. Nowhere in their materials is this mentioned, nor do they know how long you can be away without this occurring. This also causes the battery to wear down faster needing replacement sooner, one more additional expense. If Id wanted a plug in, I would have gone electric. Drove a Prius for five years and never once had it serviced, plus the mileage was considerably better. Big mistake making a switch. Now were leaving town again - who knows what to expect. Phase 2. Returned from second trip and same problem again. Car was towed to dealer and the battery was supposedly ok. Only remedy was plug in battery monitor which would make resale quite difficult. Try explaining this to a prospective buyer. Now only remedy is a lemon law lawyer. Don’t buy this car if you travel!