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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  Disappointed. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Sandra Cameron - October 27 - 12:54 am

  Ive had the car 6 wks, it currently has 1500 miles on it. The vehicle has a "condition" so its called by the manufacturer (Honda) wherein the car vibrates when you accelerate and idles rough. Honda is aware of this "condition" and has been aware of it, and has not determined a fix for it. IF and WHEN they do find a fix, owners will be notified. This "condition" has been verified by the dealer. Honda chooses to ignore it.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ralvord - October 26 - 11:11 am

  Honda made a disfunctional CVT and the battery is drained down to being powerless when the car is parked a few days. These are obvious major problems that should not come along with a $30k car. Honda knew about the rubberband effect and the battery drain on 2013 Civics and Accords yet it did nothing and has still not corrected the issues. This was my fourth and last Honda. Its obvious that they could care less about return customers and are focusing quencing on their appetites for big profits at the time of sell.

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  CRV ok but is no Pilot! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Sebastian Rodriguez - October 26 - 7:51 am

  Needs a little more leg room, arm rest on passenger side, better horn and better acceleration.

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  I will keep this car forever - 1999 Honda Civic
  By David N. - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic as a used "certified" car with 41,000 miles on it. The car was bought new from the dealer I purchased it from, serviced there, and then traded on another (same color even!) The car is a blast to drive, and looks good getting great mileage. I took it on a trip recently and even with a lot of secondary road travel, I got 41 mpg. I have the taller spoiler and have been asked what kind of car it is (it has been mistaken for a prelude by some) I just had it painted at a cost of 4,982 dollars due to a gravel hauler incident (no body work, just paint) and plan to pull it off the road for the winters now. When I pay it off, Ill buy a little larger Accord and have fun with this one

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  My baby! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By kmcphail - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Civic! Reliable, quite comfortable, and just the right size. This is the first Honda Ive ever owned I definitely would purchase another one. The 100,000 mile extended warranty ($850) purchased and financed when the vehicle was new proved to be about even in payback. The first repair occurring at 80K (rear seal leak) and a split manifold at 92K were both covered by the extended warranty, including car rental. The only other repairs were brakework at 90K and 106K plus a timing belt and water pump that I elected to replace at 105K as a preventative measure. The muffler is the original. Although I have 111,000 miles on the vehicle, it appears to be mechanically sound.

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  Great Buy! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MANUK - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I got the last of the 04 Odessey EX- RES for $25K_tax and title. Unbeleivable price for the bay area. $3.5K less than MSRP. The vehicle rides great and everything works perfect. Mine was built in August 2004, must be one of the last to roll of the line in Lincoln, Alabama before the new 2005s models took over. I think Honds has had time to fix every little design and build issue in the 6 years they built this truck, becuse I have not had a single problem or even a minor irritant with more than 2500 miles on the van already. I drive over 80 miles a day in long freeway stretches and the great hight visibility of the van is good, without a major sacrifice on

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  2008 Accord - 2nd owner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Haroon Jamshed - October 25 - 10:02 am

  I love Accords...wait, I used to love Accords. This is my 5th Accord and never again. Ive tried so hard to love it but I will never buy another. Im the second owner and driven it to 108,000 miles and will drive another 100K. Problems are: oil consumption, power steering pump noise, oil consumption, VTC actuator noise (severe) and did I mentioned oil consumption. Im mad tired of the oil consumption. Have to refill every 500 miles even though I have cleaned throttle body, changed spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve...Ive tried Lucas, STP, full synthetic, semi synthetic, nothing works (except Lucas helped but that thing is not oil, its freaking grease and dont use it)! Tired of oil consumption! Call Honda headquarters, called local Honda...nothing will work.

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  2008 Accord - 2nd owner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Haroon Jamshed - October 25 - 10:02 am

  I love Accords...wait, I used to love Accords. This is my 5th Accord and never again. Ive tried so hard to love it but I will never buy another. Im the second owner and driven it to 108,000 miles and will drive another 100K. Problems are: oil consumption, power steering pump noise, oil consumption, VTC actuator noise (severe) and did I mentioned oil consumption. Im mad tired of the oil consumption. Have to refill every 500 miles even though I have cleaned throttle body, changed spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve...Ive tried Lucas, STP, full synthetic, semi synthetic, nothing works (except Lucas helped but that thing is not oil, its freaking grease and dont use it)! Tired of oil consumption! Call Honda headquarters, called local Honda...nothing will work.

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  Good van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By minivan driver - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We just picked up this van last week. EX with leather, DVD. We love everything about the van, except the seats, I think they are the most uncomfortable seats Ive ever sat on. Im surprised others rate the comfort as high??? The engines awesome though!

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  Eight is NOT enough - 2003 Honda Civic
  By warnerjm - October 25 - 10:00 am

  There are 8 Hondas (from Del Sols to Accord V6s with leather in our (extended) family and were all very pleased.