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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  Hideous Wheels - 2017 Honda Accord
  By TAR - June 24 - 12:08 am

  I have owned 3 Accord Sedans, all EXL, both 4 and 6 cylinders. Think the car itself is the best on the road. I would have purchased a new one last week except for the only available wheel on every car on every lot ... talking the EXL4. Hideous wheels, cheap looking, not the least bit refined or classy, why belies the rest of the car. I would never buy a car with those wheels. Brain dead on the part of Honda.

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  Horrible vibration and heater - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Springtime - June 21 - 10:48 am

  The vibration is ridiculous. I had two fixes and still have vibration. The amount of time it takes for the cabin to get warm is unacceptable. I live in the NE and if it wasnt for the heated seats Id freeze to death. I drive both city and highway and I havent even achieved the listed city mpg. This will be the last time we buy a Honda.

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  Dollar value comparison - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By rod - June 19 - 11:23 pm

  Having had a RX300 in the family, that we love we think this is still the best combination of interior space..overall design..price on the market....

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  Dont buy this bucket of bolts - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Karen - June 19 - 8:57 pm

  Omg, I thought I was going crazy until I read the reviews. My car and passenger seat vibrate, I was told this was normal. Drive the car and it feels like I am stuck in cruise control. Car engine vibrates violently on first start up, brought back to deal and they told me and I quote"operating as designed". I thought bc I was a female they were giving me this crap, they are but reading these reviews the guys got the same story. Dont waste your money. Car is 9 months old and Ill be trading it in for a Guinean or Toyota. My Santa re was 8 yrs old and had182,000 Plus miles,no one issue.

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  Honda Odyssey Trans Probs. rated POOR! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TELL THE TRUTH - May 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE Intending to purchase the Honda Odyssey van. GO TO a search engine and type in "HONDA PROBLEMS". THE ODYSSEY HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM 1999 TO 2003,AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM.YOU MUST PAY OVER $6.000 to have them repaired when they go out of warrenty at about 36,000 miles/3 years,so dont listen to all these reports how great these van are. There are several sites with true comsumer comments. Like I would tell anyone buying a new car..take a little time and...Due some checking before your purchase!

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  Transmission getting replaced as I type on touring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Amanda P - May 19 - 2:57 am

  I heard a chirping sound in my car the last 2 weeks & made an appointment at the dealership. They didnt know what it was, but thought it could be the transmission. They put me in a rental car & called today to tell me that they have to order a whole new transmission for the car!!! I just bought the car in October & this is such a disappointment! Do not recommend!

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  its all talk. you gotta represent. - 1996 Honda Civic
  By boohiss for civics - May 13 - 2:00 am

  i bought a honda becuase i thought i could reley on it to provide me with good transproation. i bought the highest grade model, and things just started going wroge within two weeks of my car off the lot. my electircal system had to be completely rewired, my head had to be replaced, and my transmission was less than satisfactory. after two montehs with this car, i left my civic crap for a new cavalier, which has been much more reliable, and saved me about 3000 dollars, even after the hondas bills.

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  Honda CRV-EXL vibrate during idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By cutylun - March 23 - 3:03 am

  Just picked up new 2015 Honda CRV EX-L few days and quickly figured out the problem that most people mention about the vibration during idle. When put on the brake at the stop sign or traffic light, driver can feel the vibration on the chair, steering wheel, some time the vibration is strong like having a massage on the back.

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  Im telling you, DONT DO IT! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By M. Rexroad - March 17 - 11:07 pm

  I have had MAJOR problems with this vehicle and EXTREMELY poor support from Honda in getting it fixed. I bought this car in December by June, it had 3,000 miles on it and the a/c didnt work - in Texas - in the summertime. This was the first time I heard "it seems to be fine to me. Lets compare it to another 2015 CRV." I have heard that phrase EVERY SINGLE TIME I have taken this vehicle in for service. Each time I have replied "I dont need to compare it to another. I know how this car was performing X days ago and its not performing to that level today." Any, I am promptly dismissed. This exact scenario has taken place at EVERY dealership for EVERY service issue. And, the service issues have been many: the windshield wipers dont always work, the sound system works intermittently, the dashboard lights work sporadically, the windows leak, and the ever present a/c problems- in Texas. I believe that Honda once made a good vehicle. I also believe that Honda changed something after the 2014 model year. Now, anybody I speak with who owns 2015, 2016 or 2017 Honda expresses major disappointment with the vehicles quality. I wont be purchasing another Honda.

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  TERRIBLE QUALITY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy Oscoe - March 14 - 1:26 am

  We have had this van for almost nine moths and the transmission has had to be rebuilt. The lights in the dash go out evry once in a while when you hit a bump. It rattles. Doesnt want to start when its cold. We were going to buy a Chrysler Town And Country. Wish we did.