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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  Very dissappointed! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MarkS321 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Had the car for a month and it has been in the shop for three weeks! Issues with stalling and rough idle! Why me!

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  03 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cvic22 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  For a car that has most everything the average consumer wants, without the unnecessary extras, look no further than the Honda Accord.

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  Traded in my Mercedes - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PhysiciansInc. - June 7 - 10:00 am

  For the last 15 years I have driven Mercedes Benz automobiles. Honestly it was part of my image, I took tremendous pride in the appearance of my vehicle a 500SL convertible which I had paid over 85k. At 46k miles I experienced several mechanical breakdowns so I took it to the dealer without any help: Fustrated I rented a enterprise rental vehicle (a honda Accord) to drive 500miles I was so happy I sold my mercedes and purchased this flawless Accord with Navigation system. I must admit I dont get the thumbs up from passers bye but the overall confidence of this vehicle and predictability factor is worth it!!..

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  GREAT regardless of the weather - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tom Ballantyne - June 7 - 7:26 am

  I drive at least 25,000 miles per year, and this HONDA auto, with high performance all-season tires is GREAT regardless of the weather. This is very sporty and comfortable for me and my friends who ride with me all over the country, and driving up to 9,000 foot high mountain roads, this is still VERY NICE!

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  Whats wrong with the brakes? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mtoda - June 7 - 2:30 am

  Overall we purchased our Honda Accord because of past experience owning one. Too bad for us that we found out that there are some build quality issues that, while not life threatening, are annoying nonetheless on a new car. These include such things as squealing brakes, adhesive protruding out behind plastic panels, and loose rear view mirror. Our manual transmission also is not as smooth as weve been accustomed too. We will be taking it into the dealership to see if we can get any of these issues taken care of. Unfortunately for Honda this will be the last Honda that we will buy.

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  Overall great suv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By king james - June 7 - 2:00 am

  i felt that i shoud give my review of this suv before i traded mine in.Over all its a great ride.just had a few problems.1)i have noticed that when u take a very hard turn such as a u-turn it make a wierd ticking sound like an axel is mess-up but i came to find out its comon in all crvs.It never hampered my driving.2) on long trips i found my feet going numb.well i am a tall guy about 60.i found myself shaking my legs awake while driving.my wife who is few inches shorter never complained about it.but i do most of the driving.3)for a 4cyl its pretty powerfull.

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  Honda Infotainment System Like 2016 Flip Phone - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Craig - June 6 - 11:46 pm

  If car manufacturers are going to bombard interiors with standard electronics, the performance of infotainment systems will be a large part of my review. As such, the Honda Infotainment system in my 2016 Odyssey seems to be 5-6 years behind what I would expect in a new vehicle today. There is a wonderful wide screen on the dash and a touch screen lower down. When you test drive you are thinking, wow! that is pretty cool. But, you can only try so much of the Infotainment system on a test drive. So, after purchase when you sync your phone to your new van and realize, wait!....no Android Auto availability! It is available in other 2016 Honda offerings, but missing in the 2016 Odyssey. So the cool wide screen display on the dash is kind of worthless other than showing the Pandora song that is playing, or your trip computer information. So...overall the electronics are flashy but near worthless. Overall, the controls of the Odyssey Infotainment are clunky, slow to respond, and require far too much "eyes off the road" time. This is my second Odyssey, so other things Ive noticed are.....this van has much more road noise than my 2008 Odyssey. Dealer on the test drive suggested to turn up the radio....LOL. Also, the body quarter-panels and hood on this appear to be plastic or some other non-metal material and probably contributes to the added road noise. Cabin body panels are still metal. Overall, though, it still has good interior utility, decent interior materials (far better than the Sienna which I looked very closely at.) I like the drive and seat comfort of my 2016 Odyssey compared to my 2008. Overall, Im not disappointed in my purchase....it is still a great family mover. Im just disappointed/disenchanted that the electronics are so prevalent in the dash, but seriously lacking in useful functionality.

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  07 Accord is lovable - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ron - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  We have enjoyed the car immensely. Every time someone sees it they say it is such a beautiful car. In addition, they mention to us how reliable and how good the gas mileage is.

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Guy Slade - June 6 - 7:08 pm

  This Pilot is a joy to drive...quiet, comfortable, and will get up and go when asked. The active safety features such as lane assist and active cruise control take some getting use to and can be a little intrusive but works relatively well. I spent some time negotiating an out of the door all inclusive price via email so I did not have to deal with the usual sales process and it worked out well. No regrets so far.

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  The Swiss Army Knife of vehicles - 2005 Honda Element
  By Fred - June 6 - 1:33 pm

  It is all that I had hoped it would be and somewhat more. The "suicide" rear doors take a little getting accustomed to, but are beautiful in their design and integrity. What can you say about being "bullet proof", dependable and of great value ...its a Honda!