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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  First Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By tjones - June 30 - 2:36 am

  I saw this car was going to be released this past Spring, so I waited to see it before decided on a new car to purchase. I like everything about it, but as some reviews indicate, after driving it a while, it starts to make noises that seem to come from the back seat on the drivers side. I initially thought it was the cargo I was carrying or perhaps the wheel and other stuff stored under, but Ive checked and everything seems secure. Its weird though. Seems to only happen at low speeds under 35-40 mph. My passengers hear it as well. The second week I had it the wheels seemed to make noise and drag, but it eventually stopped, so I didnt get checked. Now this noise. Perhaps they are related. Ive had my first oil change, but forgot to ask them to check to see why all the noise. I expected quality from Honda brand, especially in a brand new car! I see Im not alone. The HR-V has noise issues after driving for a while. I already got a recall notice, but not for this issue.

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  Bought it used - 2000 Honda Passport
  By mike - June 29 - 6:42 pm

  Bought my Passport used with a full warranty, 2 years old and 13K miles on it for 7,000 off list! It has problems now 7 years later, but whats new about that? It has had for several years a bad sensor in the gas tank so fuel gauge does not work. Costs $350 at the dealer to get it fixed so never fixed it! Same sensor also makes the check engine light stay on. One problem, cost $1400 to fix. Bad wiring from the factory got installed in some of these vehicles and insulation came off, so had to have entire wiring harness dealer replaced. That was the ONLY problem. Never has let me down..always starts and runs. Normal maintenance. Strong engine and transmission. Good air conditioning!

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Stuck - June 29 - 5:03 pm

  The van drove well for the first few years. Smooth on the road and comfortable. The capacity and fold down seats are a big plus. Easy to get in and off. Plenty of engine power on the EX. The major problem is I am on my 3rd transmission after 113K miles.

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  The best for price you pay - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Diwakar - June 29 - 3:30 am

  I owned this for over a year and this is my second honda. Loved this car so far. Not much power though, but gives me good mileage...

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  Whats going on with Honda? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jlloyd - June 28 - 11:56 pm

  This is my wifes car and she likes it me, not so much. Performance is very good and the ride is better than most within this size of car but the problems appear with the brakes and engine. Both the check engine and brake light come on and, at times, the engine runs very ruff, almost to the point of stalling; turn the car off, restart and it returns to running normally. The brake light is on most of the time but maybe its our winters in Wi. The dealer says there is no computer "error" info so they do not know whats going on. Its pretty bad when you are questioning whether you should take this "new" car on a long trip because of this intermittent problem. What happened with Honda?

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  06 HCH Great For Me - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dsilva - June 28 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had my Civic Hybrid for 3 and half years now and it still feels nearly as tight as when it was new. My mileage is 50-57 in summer and 42-45 in the cold northern winters. It handles great in the turns though fully loaded you can tell the difference. It is a nice smooth and quiet car that driven lightly will get outstanding mileage in town. Two gripes only. The electric power steering doesnt have a good sense of feel or on-center and will drift if twitched even the smallest bit. Winter warm-up of the battery/hybrid system takes way too long and drops the cars mileage a lot in winter. That said, I think its a great ride that has really taken the pain out of the high gas prices.

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  My last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Denny - June 28 - 9:56 am

  Great reliable car for about 4 years. It did pretty well in deep snow, had lots of room for hauling just about anything. My A/C exploded at less than 58,000 miles. Honda told me to basically drop dead. There should be a recall on this A/C problem. Honda no longer cares about their customers.

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  A good commuter but not much for fun - 2007 Honda Accord
  By crazygrrrl - June 28 - 12:13 am

  I bought my Accord new in 3/2007 and it now has 29,000 miles on it. Its been mechanically reliable but it does have minor quirks: dashboard rattles, hard uncomfortable seats, door tape that keeps bubbling/wrinkling up, and weak paint that chips easily. Ive had to take it to the dealer several times to get rid of a check fuel cap message that was caused by a faulty evap system in the gas tank. Other than that the cars been reliable. It gives me 28-29 mpg in my commute. Tops is 31 mpg when I drive like a granny. Its a good car but it lacks passion. I have a lot more fun driving my 2001 Firebird and the seats are more comfortable in it too. Still, the Accord is reliable and cheap to feed.

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  Great...except...rocks behind the brake plate? - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kelly M. - June 27 - 12:28 pm

  I love this car...except two weeks in it was making a horrible noise. The noise stopped and the dealer told me a rock had probably gotten stuck behind the brake plate. Freak occurrence, right? Then, it happened again yesterday, while driving in a rainstorm in unfamiliar territory. I stopped the car, then accelerated quickly and the noise went away. A second freak occurrence? I will check with the dealer when Im back home. Feels like a rough start 6 weeks in.

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  first suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john bratvold - June 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliable, well thought out, good power, disappointing mileage.