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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  Honda Hybrid-RIPOFF - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Frustrated - September 6 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased a new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L in August 2016 on a Friday. Took it right back to the dealer the following Monday. Here are the items that have been replaced on my new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid in the last 6 months-battery module, seat warmers, speakers, Bluetooth and its been in the service dept over 10 times. Seat warmers didnt work and battery drained quickly. Dealership blamed American Honda and said the technology was to new that they didnt know how to fix the car. American Honda did not respond for five months. After five months Isabel the Regional Manager met with me and tried to excuse the lack of contact to a retirement. American Honda worth billions of dollars cannot afford to overlapping reps? We sat for 45 minutes of me telling everything that was wrong with the car and assured me they were going to take care of me. A month later it scheduled for me to drop off the car for the Engineer at American Honda to finally look at the car. No one checks on me although Isabel is there, no one know whats wrong with my car as she did not pass on my notes to the services center or the Engineer and the Engineer came after hours so I never got to meet with them. All I received was notes that he drove it on cruise control on the highway at 65 and it works correctly. When I call American Honda to speak to Supervisor I speak to David who is the Gatekeeper who will not give me any information on a Supervisor to report how badly this experience was. Hondas used to be good cars, but if you look in the service centers all you see is brand new Accords. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR DO NOT BUY A HONDA ACCORD HYBRID. HONDA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CARS. RIPOFF RIPOFF RIPOFF!

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  Great performance on winding coastal hwy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Chln - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It hugs the corners on winding roads and drives like a dream on straight stretches with plenty of power to spare. I like the minimal interior.

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  S2000 Better than advertised - 2004 Honda S2000
  By xxxx - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the top up once since I bought the car two months ago. Its just a kick to drive (itll snap your head back in all six forward gears) and Im constantly being asked "What is that?" wherever I take it. I really dont think Id change a thing (other than I wished someone made a quality bra for it).

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  Love It - 2005 Honda Accord
  By b - September 5 - 3:13 pm

  I own one, and I love the car. A bit pricey for what you get. But its worth it when shes clean, looks great and drives great.

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  squeaky noise - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Albert - September 5 - 10:36 am

  Every time that i put pressure on the steering wheel i heard this squeaking noise, i return it to the dealer but they still canot fix it. plus the seat is a little bit too long, very uncomfortable.

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  Thrilled after looking at them all - 2008 Honda Accord
  By OUTAMYWY - September 5 - 8:46 am

  Well, I own a 2008 Corvette so I really wanted to buy the new Malibu whose dash & controls are similar, but the new Accord is just fantastic. Lets start with a motor that shuts down 3 cylinders when its not working hard. The space inside is larger than an MB E350. Controls are ergonomically pleasing like the temp and fan blower speeds (toggles).

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  New Honda CRv - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Venkat koyeda - September 5 - 8:41 am

  Check the price on Edmund first and try to negotiate on top of that.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH THE 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Teri - September 5 - 5:56 am

  We traded in our 2011 Honda Pilot, and went for the top of the line this time. While the interior and amenities are very nice, they dont make up for the problems with the transmission. Two months after purchasing the car we noticed a whining sound while accelerating. Took them 2 months and me being very insistent on getting a fix, which was a new wiring harness. Recently the vehicle started having transmission problems, similar to other reviews. Transmission was glitchy, lurching, missing gears, this was most notable when climbing a hill. The vehicle then started with some sort of belt squeaking noise, engine then started overheating while idling. Back to Honda Service...."somehow" transmission fluid had gotten into the radiator, and the Honda service verified the transmission problem, the fix replacing the entire transmission. Found out at the Honda Service desk that they had to replace a transmission on another Elite just a few weeks before mine. After doing extensive research on this 9 speed transmission, it seems this transmission is not reliable. I too like other Elite owners, am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH HONDA. Why would they put this transmission in their most expensive vehicle? I have called American Honda to open a case, with the hopes of getting out of this car and into a Pilot EX-L with the tried and true 6 speed transmission. Of course the dealer with "let" me trade my car in and accomplish this, and then I can loose twelve grand. SHAME ON YOU HONDA!!!

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  about what I expected - 2007 Honda Accord
  By TimC - September 5 - 4:06 am

  I chose the 07 Accord SE over a Camry LE as the Accord has a better engine (VTEC) and to my mind sportier look and feel. I chose the SE specifically since it has the better brakes and tires of the higher-priced models (as well as the six CD changer) but not the luxury accutrements I dont need at this point. Ive always been a fan of Hondas and the Accord has not disappointed me so far. There are no surprises--a great look, super reliable engine and superb engineering.

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  Sporty and fuel friendly - 1994 Honda Civic
  By cnyej1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ok so its a 4 cylinder, yeah it has good fuel economy but most would guess it has lack luster performance. Well when equipped with a manual tranny it does just fine for a daily commuter or young persons main transportation. It keeps up with most vehicles from its era which are available with V6s. PLus its got the Honda reliability factor and great looks.