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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  Disappointed - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Ibrahim Awwad - April 18 - 10:02 am

  I have just received my car 5 days ago, the driver seat cushion is too short and not comfortable at all. Every day im trying to find a good position to drive and cant reach that! When you try to adjust the seat by tilting it, it only raises the front part which makes more pressure on the low back portion. What’s more depressing in the touring model they have ignored a very small details, while in dark both, indicator knob and wipers aren’t illuminated so at night you won’t be able to see them at all :(. When you backup and the car on the R gear the side mirrors aren’t tilting downwards. With a fully loaded car, these tiny issues are really a shame not to be there.

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  Ody 2002 Nice van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mauibound - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Looked at them all and found this one to have it all, power, looks and comfort. Reliablity is also a plus. No problems to date, oil changes only!!!

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  making a statement - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dukegrad2000 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  What a great way to make an eco statement...without looking silly (have you seen that other hybrid on the streets?). This car is great!

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  review - 2002 Honda Accord
  By shell - April 18 - 10:00 am

  So far the car runs like a champ but it does not take off like a sports car.

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  Excellent!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Timmy D - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 2 000 miles on it. Ive put another 5 000 on it with no problems whatsoever. No rattles or sqeeks. My previous vehicle was a Ford...aka Lemon! The engine is good for a 4 cyl and the auto transmission reacts well. Im lovin this Honda, and I recommend an Accord to anyone looking for a sedan. Rear spoiler is a must, the car looks 10x better with it.

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  Im back for a second round - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hooked - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I had my first accord for 13 years and put 220000 miles on it. I really wanted a different car this time. Determined that there would be another car out there that I would like as well or better, I test drove all the cars in that class ranging in price from $18,000-$32,000. When I finally tested an Accord, I knew I was getting another one. There wasnt a car I drove that had as much to offer for the price. The style is much different than my old Accord so I really dont feel like I have the same car again. This car has power, comfort, style and is nice to look at too. I highly recommend it.

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  Poor Radio Reception - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ed martin - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Poor radio reception. Addition of traditional external antenna would improve reception. The passenger seating is too low to the ground.

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  2010 Honda Accord EX 4 cyl. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jason Quade - April 18 - 9:01 am

  Leased the car new, and then purchased based on trade in value. Very good mileage. Was overall a solid car with minor issues that were not addressed by Honda during visits. The car had issues with some gaskets causing cross contamination between oil and coolant systems covered under warranty. Poor range/life with the keyless entry was replaced several times under warranty, but you still need to be within 20 feet of the car to open/close locks. The engine made rattling noises at startup from the day I purchased it. Once warm, the care would not make the noise. Several years later a TBS was put out for a faulty VTC actuator that Honda will not honor. Top that off with the fact that the car burns 3/4 quart of oil every 1000 miles (Honda warranties require 1 full quart per 1000 miles for warranty claim) and this is not a good option for anyone looking to purchase a used vehicle. Other minor issues are uncomfortable seating (forward fixed position head rests), noisy AC fan (would not cover under warranty), noisy drive in general, lights went out in dash (5 years is common according to Honda service) and repairs at a dealer are absolutely insane ($200 for swap out bulbs in center console, $650 for front brake replacement only, etc.) I believe the Honda products have fallen off. Family friends Fusion was the same price and features (some extras) and the car is holding up much better mechanically and resale value.

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  STILL Unhappy With Car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By brdln - April 18 - 8:38 am

  Dislike this car more than ever. Posted earlier review, titled "buyers remorse", and it just keeps getting worse. The radio sceeches and will not work at times, the floor mats are so cheap, drivers is showing wear at 3 mths, 1600 miles. Had to buy aftr mrket mats. Car rides rough, any small bump in the road beats you to death. I hate driving this car, it is the roughest and bounciest car I have ever driven. My Tacoma Prerunner w/hard suspnsion on unpaved rds is smoother. Daylite running lights Can Not be turned off when the car is running. If there was any way I could afford the thousands in loss, I would dump this pig. The list of what is wrong with this car keeps going.

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  Tough little car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By hatch - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Through years of abuse and neglect it still happily went of 160K mileage. Cant imagine any other vehicle taking the kind of rough riding and neglect and keep on ticking.