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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  Horrible Economy, Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Landman - September 24 - 2:10 am

  While the Touring is a very enjoyable vehicle to drive and ride in. The fuel economy is horrible. This is as bad as an SUV without the benefit of AWD. Dont believe the EPA estimate. It isnt even close.

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  Super Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By lushan - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Car..cant beat the relailbility and the drive...engine rocks...very responsive...feel the road!

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  Great Car for young people - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Cinnie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1998, and it has been wonderful. I never had any real problems with it, just upkeep, and gas. Although when I had a baby in 2001, it became very apparent that it wasnt a family vehicle. No room in the back for her now that she is 2, her feet have to rest on the seats, and I have to pull my seat up closer to the steering wheel, so I cant drive comfortably. If you are single, with no children, this is a great car!!!!

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  Waranty woes - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Not impressed! - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently purcahsed a low mileage 2000 CR-V. An ABS sensor failed just outside of the 3 year bumber to bumber warranty ( Canadian) . By just outside I mean 7 HOURS. Warranty expired on a Thursday at Midnight and the ABS sensor failed on the Friday morning at 7 AM. The Honda dealer adivised me i was out of luck and would not consider goodwill as this particular vehicle had not yet been serviced at the dealership. I only had owned it for 5 days. . I am appealing the decision to Honda Canada. Needless to say , I am not impressed or happy.!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda Civic
  By MaeMcDonald - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car, and a great value. I havent had a SINGLE problem with this car. Granted, I am very good at keeping the regular maintenance schedule.

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  Frustrating technology - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Andrew - September 23 - 9:55 am

  I had the Touring 6 months 5 K miles and was frustrated by the tech system used. The Bluetooth rarely understood commands, dropped my phone continuously, did not have my phonebook most of the time , rebooted itself, just pure frustration. My wife did not like to noise or seat comfort. Body parts not fitted well. On the good side it got great MPG, looked good, handles well But the turbo lag along with the CVT was frustrating as well, try to get out into traffic was waiting a second till the turbo spools up along with the CVT stunk . Traded it in 9 weeks ago and the dealer is still sitting on it as they lower the price weekly.

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  You will not be disappointed! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By mdot - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I never realized how enjoyable this car was until I recently drove a 1997 SH. The 97 was not much of an improvement over my old car and it made me reconsider even purchasing a newer car. My 90 with 100K has gone to the shop about 3 times since 68K and none have been major repairs. This car is very quick when driving locally. It only gets strained when driving a considerable distance on the highway. The handling is amazing for such an old car. Anyone considering an older prelude will not be disappointed.

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  Problems keep adding up - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ncg - September 23 - 12:57 am

  Let me start by saying I am currently in arbitration with the National Center for Dispute Settlement http://ncdsusa.org/ and will move onto Lemon Law litigation. I have a 2015 Honda CRV AWD Touring currently over 13k miles and have experienced an array of problems which really has put a sour taste in my mouth because of the numerous problems with our CRV and the type of response from Honda. I have taken the car into service departments that have either took note of, tried numerous fixes or not at all, but in the end we are told that nothing can be done because this is a "characteristic of the vehicle" and no fix is needed . Ive even been told by my Honda dealer doing the warranty work that I can take my business to another dealer. I recommend you document all of your visits, even test drives with service advisors, log phone calls and make sure service records state what you reported, what work was done, what was noticed on test drives. I have met with District Parts and Service Manager, filed with Honda Customer Service, sent certified letters and all have resulted in the same response. This is a characteristic of the vehicle. Make sure to file these problems/complaints with Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009 and the NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ so the government takes notice. Here are some of the issues you may experience with the CRV. 1. Vibration issues for mode 1, 2 and 3 before and after TSB 15-046 -Driving Mode 1: While stopped with vehicle in gear. -Driving Mode 2: While between 1,000–1,200 rpm at takeoff. -Driving Mode 3: While driving between 1,800–2,200 rpm around 40–50 mph. 2. Vibration at highway speeds 70-80+ 3. Shudder, stall when in reverse 4. Steering issues -Pulls left under acceleration when wheel centered -Does not maintain center/neutral position or track straight down the road without excessive intervention. -Intermittently needs unexpected intervention through turns as the steering is not direct or does not reflect input from the driver. -The steering requires more input in one direction versus another. Intermittently steering becomes very heavy as if no power assist is given. 5. Car whines/whistles when driving These are the problems my car continues to have after taking them in to get "fixed".

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  Civic - Fun to Drive; reviews helpful! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drs00 - September 22 - 8:40 pm

  I was looking to get an end of the year deal on an Accord EX; but after I saw, then drove the Civic, it felt more comfortable and I thought it looked bad. I love how it looks everytime I get out of it. There are some drawbacks, and the folks here have hit them on the head. Gas mileage for me is way lower than advertised, both City & Hwy - around 20-24city & 26-31Hwy; XM Ready means little; I got XM Hardware after the sale (Handa.com) for $375+$150 install at AudioExpress; still pricey for XM. E-Brake is annoying, esp if you are taller than 6, rear visibility is not great, but remember, its a coupe (you can always get the sedan). All in all, love the car, good pep (not great)

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  fun to drive - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jason freeman - September 22 - 7:23 am

  I feel its a small car. yet very sporty and fun to drive. I have experienced a very secure feeling on long distance trips, and gas is great, very city friendly for parking.