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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  Definitely worth the money - 1997 Honda Accord
  By heyguysitsme - October 17 - 9:11 pm

  Bought the car from another college student. Already gone on multiple long road trips(100 miles or more one way), and it just keeps on plugging along at 250,000 miles. I drive 80 miles a day round trip on the freeway, and its done very well. 28 mpg average. Only problem is that these cars are supposed to have 17 gallon gas tanks, but when the needle is on empty, mine only takes 13. Not a major issue though. Definitely worth the 1000 dollars I paid for it.

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  This car is the best at its price! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By jpaule - October 17 - 2:45 pm

  Yes, the Prius is roomier and even more fuel efficient, but, after five and one half years and 71,000 miles, our Insight is a great value for the price, which was about $ 4000 less than a comparable 2010 Prius. We have replaced only tires at 30K and are still running safely with the original brakes at all four wheels. We have had no warranty, recall or parts replacement issues and fully expect to get another 70000 miles with only normal maintenance. Honda builds quality and it shows!

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  Too much wind noise - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By huyt - October 16 - 6:24 pm

  Radio/Nav unit died after 10 miles out of the dealership. The left front corner of the moonroof was sticking up a little. On highway (70mph), I can hear a lot of wind noise from the ceiling - near windshield. The day I took it to Honda dealer to check on the noise, I also got a message to check the fuel cap. The technician heard the noise, but the noise was the same when test-driving another 2015 Odyssey. So, he could not tell if anything was defective. Today, I drove the van with a service manager any an American Honda Rep. We heard the noise, but it was concluded that it was due to the exterior design of the trims. Im wondering why many Odyssey reviews on popular sites say "quiet"???

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  Nicely re-done, Honda - 2015 Honda Fit
  By rvarney - October 13 - 1:47 pm

  I just bought the Fit last week and havent even used an entire tank of gas, but thought Id share my experience so far. I have been driving standard shift cars for years and the last one was the Mazda 2. Id had enough shifting for one lifetime and despite the bad things I continually read about the CVT, I decided to give it a try. Im a driver who cares about maximizing mileage rather than performance and I like the CVT. Its very smooth and the paddle shifters still allow me to do engine braking. The Fit has decent power and is able to pull smartly away from stops and up hills - something the little Mazda wasnt always able to do. It corners pretty flat and the ride is comfortable

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  Not buying Honda again - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By catnparadise - October 12 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Odyssey new in 2006. First 4 years, everything was perfect. The last 4 years a money pit. First thing that went wrong was a cracked rear motor mount apparently Honda put some kind of electrical piece with that part, making the repair be over $1000. I have gone through several batteries, way before their time. DVD player stopped working. Window screen clips break easily. My most recent repair was a new alternator, and now I have a whining noise that comes and goes, probably power steering pump. I really expected more from Honda, and was hoping to get at least more years out of it, now I am shopping for a SUV, not even gonna look at the Pilot.

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  my black accord - 2012 Honda Accord
  By christosd - October 11 - 1:37 pm

  I have the 2012 accord SE for 2 years . I lease it after my 2002 Mercedes c class took water in the engine in a rain storm and was total. the car is very good for me . it doesnt drive like Mercedes but I was not expecting that . so far zero problems . it is roomy and easy to drive . very good visibility from all sides . very good for driving in long trips . I have no problem with the drivers seat but my wife said that the passenger seat is not as comfortable so she use a special seat pillow. I do about 31 mpg in long trips but incite city driving mpg is not very good average about 15mpg

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  2011 Honda Accord LX- Noisy on the road - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kay57 - October 10 - 6:06 pm

  This car ought to be awesome. The only issue with it is the road noise. When running still no noise but once you start driving, the engine is really loud which takes the fun away.

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  Buyer beware: The uncomfortable drivers seat should be recalled!!! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By mybackhurts - October 10 - 1:32 pm

  I test drove my new Accord for a few miles and everything felt fine. I immediately felt lower back pain when driving the car home from the dealer. After making daily adjustments to the seat, and trying different seat cushions and lumbar supports, I came to the disappointing conclusion Ill never be able to comfortably drive this car. The drivers seat should be recalled to address the following issues: 1. The metal plate in the lower seat back stabs into my back causing debilitating pain after a 15 minute ride. 2. The active head restraints lean too far forward causing severe discomfort on my neck and back. 3. The seats are far too firm, like sitting on cinder blocks.

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  We love our pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By yohahn_bravo - October 2 - 6:53 am

  Oir Honda Pilot is the best. It is so versatile and big yet drives like a small car. We have never brought the car into a repair shop for anything more than scheduled maintenance. I swear this car will run for ever. The interior has supportive seats and after 100k there is not a tear in the drivers seat leather not even wore out. Really good on the snow stability control barges in exactly when u need it. It is really just like a box so visibility is crazy good. Rearward visibility is as good as it gets with a back up camera. The only feature I would like on this pilot is just a little more horse power and torque it never feels stressed but I just LOVE power.

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  Was excited now disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By desertguy2 - September 25 - 12:48 am

  Purchased this 2008 CR-V as a certified vehicle. Based on Hondas reputation, I was expecting a vehicle to be quite reliable. Thats not been the case! First problem was tires cupping so bad it was terribly noisy in the vehicle. Even after regular alignment checks by Honda dealership! Finally solved the problem by having upper control arms added to rear wheels and now have a new set of Michelin Defender tires and good wheel alignment. Power door locks have been a problem. Have had to replace two already. My first problem was discovering no automatic headlights. What a dumb decision to leave this feature off an EX-L model!!