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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  Great Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By cntrlflgrrl - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Great all around! Especially for the price. I still smile everytime I get in.

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  Original Owner 3.5 yrs 60K mi - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 23 - 1:40 am

  I went from an Acura TL to the new 2013 Honda Accord XLE with Nav and V6 engine. First, the positives, very quiet ride, excellent suspension – barely feel the road or potholes, and the V6 gives excellent torque. I enjoy the blind spot passenger camera as well. Gas mileage and regular gas make it economical as well. Interior: USB plug and back up lighter socket were nice features. Cup holder in back arm rest also nicely placed along with pockets in doors that will hold water bottles. Head rests bend forward at such a severe angle it is impossible for a woman to have a barrette, or ponytail in her hair without having to bend one’s neck at an awkward angle. Fold down seats – usually requires two people, one to pull the lever in the trunk while someone else tugs on the seat. My latch had to be replaced while under warrenty and is still hit or miss if it works. Interior design - Very spacious in front and back, seems like a much larger car than it is based on design. For a top model, I was surprised to find interior styling not up to par - carpeting unfinished outside of sight line, plastic trimming easily dents and scratches, lots of nooks and crannies for dust and crumbs to accumulate so it is much more difficult to keep clean. Electrical system/Nav Pad in the dash: it malfunctioned in the first year I owned the car. After several “repairs” that did not work, they had to replace the whole system. Even so, it is very slow, not user friendly at all, and overall one of the worst in-dash nav systems I have ever used. Second, the radio does not display artist or song on the Dash. Lastly, the phone system is not compatible with IPhones, so you can’t access many of the features (text “I’m driving” auto message) if you have an IPhone. Entry/Keyless: Nice feature is you don’t have to dig out your keys, just have them in your pocket and touch the door and it unlocks. Also, touch button start also does not require fishing for keys. It is impossible to lock keys in car or truck, it simply won’t allow you to and beeps and pops the trunk if you accidentally try to shut it with keys in a bag in the trunk. There is a battery operated key fob that controls the entire push button start system. If you fob dies or malfunctions (as mine did in the first 18 months) your entire car will not work. There is no key or back up for this. So, be sure your key fob battery is in working order or you are stuck. Battery Died within the first two years of owning the car. Engine/Other: In less than 3 yrs 60K I have had to replace the starter as well which I have luckily never had to replace in any car I have owned. For this to go so soon was disappointing. Lastly, as many have indicated, it has a very rough “down shift” and you can feel and hear the car straining to go into a lower gear. I’m not sure if this will harm the car long term, but is awkward when you feel it. Overall, it has been a good, solid, reliable car. I just wanted to list all the manufacturing quirks that I would want to know about prior to purchasing this vehicle.

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  2016 CRV vibration issue still there. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By pjtr73 - September 23 - 12:09 am

  I can said now that I’m a proudly ex-owner of a 2016 CRV (very expensive washer machine, massage chair…you name it), it was known to happen with the 2015s( service bulletin 15-046) but honda claims it was fixed(which is a lie), so I got a new crv 2016, my mistake, I only had it for 3 months and about 1500 miles but I had enough with the vibration issue, lucky me I felt all the 3 modes described in the 2015 bulletin,. The vibration started @ about 500 miles and getting worst every day, took the car back to the dealer (2 of them) first one told me it was normal, they all vibrate and this is a “characteristic of the car”, the second one agreed with me that it was vibrating but after 10 mins., came back with the same b**l S**t as the first one, what a waste of my time, I called honda and created a case, they assigned me a case manager that called me and kept repeating that’s a “characteristic of the car”( if so, how come is not listed in the brochure?), his only goal was to get me to agree with his stupidity, which I didn’t, I will never purchase a honda again, quality went down the toilet, is not a reliable car anymore and of course their service department sucks.

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  Great van, Chrysler gas mileage - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Redlinez - September 22 - 12:40 pm

  Weve had the van a few months now, love driving it and the kids love it. Great seats, stereo, handling, and power. The interior plastic scratches easily, the gas mileage with stop and go has stayed at 17.5-18.5 period. My Town and Countrys averaged 19. That is about the only gripe I have. Love the ipod plug in.

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  Everything is ok - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ling - September 22 - 11:28 am

  To much nois on the road.

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  Why? - 1998 Honda Accord
  By WhyNot - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After owning my trouble-free 98 Accord for almost 4 years, and in the market for a 2nd vehicle, I tried to make myself buy something other than a Honda; once I did the pros and cons of the Accord with everything else out there-when price, value, performance, and comfort do matter-its still the best thing going. The 4 banger is quick, surprisingly roomy-both front and rear for my 50 something, 62" body. Result, there is absolutely no good reason not to buy this car. Honda makes the best, most balanced, family, fun car in the world. Check the data. Why? Why Not?

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  this has been a GREAT car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By earmenta - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has been perfect for me. It is now going on 6 years old, and so far I have had absolutely NO PROBLEMS with it, not even minor ones! And I just passed 80,000 miles! Often times I will drive this car 1,000 miles in one weekend, and its held up just fine and I never worry about it. If you want a dependable, low-maintenance car, get a Honda. They will last forever and are a great investment.

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  sas - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sas - September 22 - 10:00 am

  What a machine! Only wish it had a V8! From the 1st look I had to have 1.

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  As Expected.... Excellence! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By mjawt - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Wow, Im impressed! A lot of my friends drive Honda Civics and they have had no problems at all with them. My former Oldsmobile gave me a lot of financial burden. The 2002 Honda Civic is a BLESSING! My dealer also sold it to me for $14,450. What a bargain for a reliable, quick, fun to drive, economic, and durable car. An investment not to pass up!

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  Bewildered - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dismayed - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a Honda owner since 1986. Moved up to the EX-V6 with some reservations due to sticker price but got a really good deal I couldnt pass up. On the way home from the dealer that is 125 miles from my home my wife thought the car wasnt running right. It took a few days to determine but sure enough there is a major acceleration problem that has gotten worse over the 3 weeks of ownership. Had the car in the shop three times and Tech Support at Honda cant figure out the problem. The jurys still out on how American Honda will correct the problem but I think another car would be in order.