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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  Other than the mileage....... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kerrman47 - March 4 - 11:15 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Driving it is fun....I feel safe, and it goes VERY well in snow. Bought the car used, was hesitant at first, but it was the right decision. Not very good on gas, and that is really the only drawback. Hondas certified used program is excellent. My wife has a CRV we bought new in 1999, has 67000 miles on it and its been in for service once, and that was for brakes. I am a big Honda fan.

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  Best of them all - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave of NY - March 4 - 10:30 pm

  Although Ive only owned my Civic for a week, I did my first fillup and got 41 miles per gallon (mostly hwy). I expect this number to increase as the car gets broken in.

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  Great - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By PW - March 4 - 7:19 pm

  This is our 2nd Odyssey, having previously purchased one of the original 99s. Both vehicles have been wonderful. Very comfortable and roomy. Lots of cupholders and storage cubbies. We owned 2 Windstars before the Odysseys. While the Windstars were good vans, they couldnt compare in reliability and convenience features (magic seat) and especially resale value. A few days ago I would have said there isnt a better minivan than mine anywhere. But...that was before I drove the 2005. Wow!!!! It just keeps getting better!

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  Still Going! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By luvmyhonda - March 4 - 11:24 am

  At 185,000 miles....only thing needed was the routine maintenance, am now needing to replace my timing belt for the 2nd time. Still going strong. Cant imagine having to replace the motor??!!! I had brake pads put on, and besides that, routine maintenance at 50,000, 100,000 (replaces the timing belt), plus oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. I asked a Honda mechanic how far did he think my Honda would go and he said, "400,000" after confirming that I get oil changes regularly. I bought this new in 1997 but my next vehicle will probably be a used Honda after this experience. Wouldnt trust anything else. Runs great! Im shooting for 300,000.

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  Good Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lawrence - March 4 - 8:53 am

  2006 EX-V6 Auto-5speed. This is my second Accord and 3rd Honda. The engine is very powerful and responsive. Im currently averaging 25mpg in mixed driving and 28 on mostly highway. The interior is fairly quiet: the front seats offer lots of support and the rear seats have more than ample leg room for a 6+ footer. The Grade Logic transmission takes some getting used to during deceleration. No regrets in the purchase, though.

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  Hands Down A Winner! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Susan - March 3 - 5:00 pm

  I recently traded a 2002 Civic EX Sedan for the 2006 2 DR Coupe. Although its a change getting used to not having easy access to the back seats, I rarely think of that when driving the car. 500 miles so far and the performance is totally awesome! Fun to drive, engine responds beautifully, great interior design and comfort, great gas mileage in the automatic and Honda really had the consumer in mind when designing the car with side curtain airbags and the impact zones. Safety features rarely offered by other manufactures at the compact, low car cost equivalent to the CIVIC. That says a lot for Honda and their ongoing effort to take care of their customers. THANKS Honda! GREAT CAR!

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  what I think - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tom c - March 3 - 4:03 pm

  Ive been reading a lot of reviews things I notice is the car does rattle, that is because if you have anything in the glovebox or in the trunk it will rattle inside with the cheap plastic. Car looks nice, but overpriced for compact car. Price in the entry midsize range. This car is begging to be a sports car, but its economy roots with is tiny 1.8 is evident, thus good gas mileage. So if you want so so power with good mileage civic is for you, if you prefer a faster car get something else and give up a few mpgs.

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  Love My Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Natalie Cipriani - March 3 - 3:47 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car! The ride is super smooth, the interior is beautifully laid out with quality materials. The exterior is eye catching. The only faults that I have found so far is that occasionally the CVT does not feel as though it engages properly. It just feels a little sluggish. Then other times, the car feels like it accelerates with ease. Also, the entertainment operating system has been glitchy...not unbearable, but glitchy. But overall, this is an INCREDIBLE vehicle! I LOVE IT!

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  My Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By My Accord - March 3 - 2:12 pm

  Ive had my Honda two years today. I love driving the car and its well equipped. I love the moonroof, keyless entry and 6 disc CD changer. I take it in for maintance and Im yet to have any problems. Im currently at 92,000.

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  Bad back? Do NOT buy this car! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By IHateMyHonda - March 3 - 9:15 am

  I bought one of the first HRVs at my local dealership and its been the WORST car that Ive ever bought! After 5 month and 8K miles, its been to the service dept repeatedly for squeaking, rattling and suspension issues. The suspension rides very rough and I bought the car because I have a bad back and its higher than my last Honda. Big mistake! My other Honda was lower (2013 EX Civic), but it didnt cause pain when I went over bumps in the road- the HRV does! On a recent road trip, the freeway was under construction and the car was difficult to drive on the uneven road. It was swaying and hopping up and down soo bad that it literally "jumped" into the lane next to me! It scared the death out of me! The dealer would not document the freeway event and maintains that there is nothing mechanically wrong with my car. The service manager told my that the what Im experiencing is "inherent" to HRVs performance. The dealership was talking about getting me into another car but decided that it wasnt "cost effective" for them. After one of the many visits to the dealership, one of the squeaks was thought to be coming from the drivers seat and the guys in the service dept eluded that maybe it was "my weight" causing it! Im 65" 225lbs. I was very offended, but I didnt say anything in the hopes they would just fix the problem. It didnt happen. On the most recent visit to the service dept, the car had 61 miles put on it overnight without anything being fixed. When I asked why so many miles were put on my car in one night, a person in the service department became confrontational and screamed at me. Despite being in the shop MULTIPLE times, my car still has the same problems. In all good faith, I could not recommend this car or even Honda as a brand anymore. I have waited weeks to speak to a rep from Honda about their "brand new car," but they have NOT contacted me. The dealership tells me a rep will be here in the next few weeks. I have been a Honda customer for the last 10 years and have bought three brand new vehicles from them, but this is the last one. I have never been soo disrespected by a retailer or ignored by a manufacturer like I have been in the last few months by Honda and the dealer. Ive been meeting with attorneys to find out what rights I have as a consumer because neither the dealership or Honda is fixing this car or care about how bad it is or my safety! WARNING! Its VERY easy to get into this car at the dealership but VERY hard to get out of it once you realize how bad it is (and drop thousands for tax, license, doc fees and extended warranty). Outrageous amounts of road noise, the A/C is under powered, the list keeps going on and on. Read some of the other reviews on this car before you buy! Its not just the HRV either. Research the vibration problem with 2015 CRV. Shame on you Honda!