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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  Diappointed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By veridikal - November 5 - 11:33 am

  bottomlin: 2007 Honda Accord EX-L disappoints. Compared to the competition, it hold its ground but compared to previous Accords, it fails misebrably. i have owned a 2002 Honda Accord and a 2006 Toyota Camry in addtion to this 2007 Honda Accord EX-L. Things I dont like: The interior material is cheap and subpar. the 2002 accord has superior interior craftsmanship. 2007 accord has black leather interior. the leather is of the cheapest quality. it emits a fould odor like bad body odour.the pillar and roof are light grey while the rest of the car is black. it is supposed to be black uniformly but the dashboard is dark black plastic while the vinyl dashboard is grey. no black uniformity.

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  A bad taste in my mouth - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Shawn Smith - November 4 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased my 08 Accord, March 08. Since that time I have had navi replaced, brakes started squeaking at 4k miles, I was told this was normal by dealership, maybe weather related, followed regular maintenance and complained about brake noise during service intervals total of 5 complaints, at 13k had to have complete brake system replaced. I have decided to the file a lemon law complaint. This process seems lengthy but I am very unhappy with this purchase. I should have stayed with my first chioce BMW. This is my 5th Honda and my last. Lemons are sour! yuck!

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  crv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By capecod - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Already got rid of it and bought a Mercury Mountaineer. Was very disappointed in it.

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  Over Rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mike - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Town and Country for this Honda. I thought I was getting a better vehicle, but now I wish I had simply bought another Town and Country instead. The Odyssey is not as comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. Doesnt feel as solid as my old Town and Country and the road noise is bad. The third seats folds into the floor is nice but I think thats where most of the road noise is coming from though. All the reviews I read seem to suggest its a better van, but I now do not agree with most of those reviews.

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  Poor build quality - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Brett - October 30 - 5:57 pm

  Hood and tailgate came misaligned from the factory. Large gap on one side and almost touching the surrounding body panel on the other side for the hood. Tailgate flush to surrounding body panel on one side and inset with larger gap difference on the other side. Dealership acknowledged issue but diverted me to Honda to resolve. Usually this is something you only need to look for in a Used vehicle to check if it has visited a body shop before. Not something that crosses your mind to look for with a new vehicle. Overall driving is good but does have more road noise than an MDX or larger vehicle. Gas mileage is good. Interior is nicely laid out. CarPlay works great for navigation and playing music from Amazon Prime or Pandora. Bluetooth phone works great using an iPhone 6s or newer. Heater painted on lines on back tailgate window peel off if the dealer tapes your temporary license on the lines.

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  As they say, a fool and his money are soon parted - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Guadagno - October 27 - 4:45 pm

  The Navigation/entertainment system is HORRIBLE. The software ease of use is a nightmare, its like Texting and driving. Brakes are ok and the wind noise is much better compared to my other Pilots. This is my 7th. The push button transmission stinks. When am I going to learn? Will I buy a 2018? Probably. Its like falling in love with a Tramp. Even though shes getting worse, I go back for more.

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  Engine problem already! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Michael Williams - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car not too long ago, and it only has about 1000 miles on it. At around 500 miles or so, the engine sounded unusually loud, and I felt a loss in power. A week or two later the car started to shake and the engine died! The technician took a look at it. He found out that one of the pistons was cracked! I cant believe it! It was covered by the warranty, but it really boasts my confidence on this car now! Ive asked around other people who owned an Accord about this problem. To my surprise, there are numerous occasions of similar problems! Too expensive!

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  the car stalled the first day. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By phil - October 2 - 8:46 am

  the car died while driving two times the first week, I brought it back twice and they figured it out, loose wire, no problem with car other than poor fuel mileage, 20-26 mpg. Going back for first oil change hoping they will be able to improve mileage, sticker-26-34 mpg.

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  Ok Car - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By sankara - September 25 - 1:17 pm

  43MPG.. 12 months of driving. Very poor pickup ( even compared to other Hybrid). No so fun to drive. Not worth the extra cost.

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  Honda Fit Is it really Fit? - 2016 Honda Fit
  By tom - September 25 - 5:53 am

  I read all the reviews and thought I would get one. The reviews on them seemed so good, but when I took it for a test drive the erratic noise level drove me nuts. the Fit has way too little noise padding in it . I have had an older Honda Civic that I cut and placed heavy rubber back carpeting over everything I could. I would think that would be a consideration if you buy this.