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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  Get Ready... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mn_nick - February 6 - 4:20 pm

  We were the typical young family... will never own a mini-van mindset. Guess what, there is a reason why there are so many out there. They are great vehicles for families with kids. They haul people and stuff, lots of great features for ease of life - remote doors (that cant ding the car next to you) remote rear hatch, etc. We drove lots of vans... the Honda Odyssey was BY FAR the best ride and drive, so we bought one. Learned about PAX tires, de-PAXed it, then was totaled in an accident. Bought another (used) already de-PAXed (BTW, dont have to use Acura wheels to do this). Then the problems. AC - replaced. Torque converter - live with it. Now, front camshaft loose - $2,000+

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  Terrible Full Beam Headlights and Cold in winter - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By nmark - January 22 - 9:56 pm

  I bought the 2013 CR-V because of how much I like my 2010 Odyssey. There is absolutely no comparison because the CR-V is so inferior to the Odyssey (sadly). Problems: 1. Full Beam Headlights are hopeless. The area in the immediate front of the car and at the sides is far too dark. Its almost as if the headlights point straight ahead and are elevated. Its a road hazard driving at night in the country where there are no city lights. Honda dealer replaced bulbs but no difference. Honda and Dealer simply deny there is a problem. 2. Car temperature inside is unbearable when temp drops below 20 degrees F.

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  Poor Heat and comfort - 2012 Honda Accord
  By minnesota_jon - January 22 - 8:42 pm

  This car does not blow hot air when the temp is below 0 deg F. If you live in cold climates and dont want to over dress for a long commute to work, then make sure to test drive this car in the winter on a subzero day before buying. I actually took this car back to the dealer to have the heat checked in my first winter. The dealer said it was working normal. Ive since asked other Honda owners about this and they agree that the heat is poor. My old Galant with 230,000 miles heats up much quicker and hotter! I am sadly trading this car in because of this as Im tired of driving in an icebox. For a car with such a vaunted reputation, I am greatly disappointed with this vehicle.

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  not what we expected - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rjb1122 - January 20 - 9:01 pm

  We did not notice the road noise while the salesman drove with us and talked during the drive. We are also a disappointed in the lack of options included. We did not realize until after buying the car there is not even a homelink control for a garage door opener. The ride is quite stiff and the car seems to have a vibration above 60mph. We have taken the car back to the dealer for them to evaluate but no luck in solving the problem. We bought the car off the showroom floor and did not drive the specific car before purchase.

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  Oil pump, timing chain failure at 15,200 miles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By fishrman1 - January 18 - 9:15 pm

  2013 Accord LX, CVT Auto, 15,200 miles (bought new). A few seconds after starting the car, it made a horrendous grinding, screeching sound, with every indicator light on. I did not drive it, and it was towed to a dealer. It needed a new oil pump, timing chain, sprocket, etc - all covered under warranty. The dealer had no idea why the failure occured, and had never seen this on a Honda with so few miles. It took a week to repair, which was a major inconvenience. The car ran fine with no problems at all prior to this incident. I am sorry I purchased a Honda with so many other choices out there. I was sold on their legandary reliability.

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  Disappointing 2014 Ridgeline - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By laxlasatl - January 7 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this vehicle because of the large amount of storage and cubbies, and smooth test drive. Im happy to say thats what the purchased vehicle delivers. Unfortunately, it falls short in nearly every other area.

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  Not much extra about EX model - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By don0xff - January 3 - 9:23 pm

  CRV EX-L. It has heated leather seats. Weve had hondas, Accords and Odyssey, before, which were very good vehicles: reliable, great value, good performance, comfortable, etc., so thought this would be a good choice. Issues: headlights, tranny, radio, info screen. Seems as though part of the headlights are blocked, and even more so with with the high-beams on. Tranny: test drive seemed very smooth, but later noticed that when decelerating then give it gas there is good amount of delay in the acceleration. Cant you go with 6 speed? Radio: Really? lower grad than what I had in my 1995 Accord. Why put that in top-end model. Info screen: was this project complete?

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  Cheap Continental Tires - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By watsonk - December 25 - 2:22 am

  After 2 years of driving the mini-van, here is my review: 1) Cheap Tires - After 21,000 miles, the original Continental Tires already wore out. I had to spend over $600.00 for new tires. 2) Too Wide - I had an accident involving my garage and the mini-van fender. The car is just too wide for my garage. 3) Cheap Spoiler - The spoiler at the top rear of van is made of cheap plastic (but expensive to replace). I prefer it to be made of metal. 4) Sliding Door Jam - Clicking the pushbutton two times will cause the sliding door to stall. 5) Cheap Plastic Bumpers 6) No Side Molding - Paid about $300 for side molding purchase and installation. 7) Outside Temperatre Gauge not Accurate

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  Not what Honda a worthy car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By herkel - December 21 - 5:58 pm

  Bought the 2008 Honda Accord V6 late in 08 & really thought this was a car that would be built good & solid. In November 2013 it was missing when I would stop so I took it to be looked at the local garage. They mentioned that Honda has had a lot of trouble with these V6s & that they dont even suggest buying a Honda anymore when someone asks for a reliable car. They had checked it out & replaced the #3 plug which from the posts on line, this is a common problem. So after getting home I looked online as to the problem with these & find that they start burning oil. This seemed total crazy, a car burning oil before, say 100K? In the old days yes but newer cars? Some had said they were putting

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  Honda missed - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By rickricka - December 19 - 7:06 pm

  Got my 13 Honda Pilot 5 months ago, 17k miles, at about 10k the known and accepted (By Honda ) Shudder Vibration in the VCM started, Since I drive so much it is not a characteristic I can accept, it shudders and vibrates at about 1500-2200 rpm. I will write to Honda but dont expect anything back since the dealership is aware, so should be HONDA. If you dont care about long trips being disgustingly frustrating, buy it, if you want a reasonable ride ,stay away until Honda get its right. ALSO Bluetooth Microphone is from the dark ages ( Toyota fixed theirs years ago) it doesnt work well with cell phone. I think I trade for a better ride,but it will hurt because may features are nice