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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  Honda doesnt honor its warranties - 2004 Honda Accord
  By whybee1st - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Loud noise when on idle and when you are stopped on the drive shift (roaring noise, close to a diesel engine) and that since the first 500 miles.The front windshield has stress points, causing it to crack, they didnt honor it, were rude and arrogant. Early on the breaks were making noise,they were aware of the defect but refused to fix it under the warranty. Another break problem(I use original Honda break pads) every 10,000 miles screeching sounds starts and vibrating movements occurs when applying the breaks; the rotors gets wavy surface and needs resurfacing every time the break pads are changed and goes bad shortly after.

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  3 week review!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 1st Impression - April 10 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had the car for three weeks now and in mixed driving Im averaging 25 mpg. Overall I like the car and dont regret buying it. Its reasonable comfortable and very roomy. The engine is a little harsh sounding. I feel a lot of vibration on the steering wheel when Im on the highway. The stereo is typical Honda which isnt saying much. The dash is nice but the plastics seem on the cheap side. No outside temp gauge, my fathers toyota corolla has that. One thing I really like about this car is the bodystyle. I really think Honda hit a homerun with it, very classy but sporty at the same time.

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  16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 10 - 8:17 pm

  Love the car,the only thing I would want to see them add is a sunroof. I love the sensing package its saved me from a possible collision already.

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  16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 10 - 8:17 pm

  Love the car,the only thing I would want to see them add is a sunroof. I love the sensing package its saved me from a possible collision already.

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  Unhappy with my 2016 Crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By F.Litt - April 10 - 7:08 pm

  This car is so noisy its embarrassing, I brought it in June of 2016, I have been complaining to Honda about the noise and vibration since, they keep telling me thats normal, I have never in my life heard such a noisy brand new car, the driver chair is so uncomfortable Ive been having back and leg problems since driving this car, I almost got into accidents a few times because when it rains the rear camera gets blurry, I feel like Im always driving with the Windows down because I can hear every wind that pass by, Honda was no help at all no matter how friendly the staff is that do not help the problems with the car, so basically Honda told me to wait until other people have problems with their Crv then maybe they will accept the fact that the car have problems, this car is such a turn off, I am sooo dissatisfied with Honda, Im stuck with a noisy vibrator, every time I get in my car I hate it. Honda is deceiving people because satisfaction and warranty means nothing, they tell you everything other than they will fix the problem.

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  Our First Honda - So Far So Good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bigsioux - April 10 - 6:07 pm

  We recently replaced my wifes VW Passat 4 Motion with a 2015 Honda CRV Touring and weve driven it 3000 miles so far. We have not experienced any of the vibration other reviewers have noted. In fact Id describe driving it as "smooth and effortless". My wife sums it up by repeating frequently how easy this vehicle drives. However, I have to believe the ride would be smoother with the smaller rims of lower trim levels. We felt sort of "trapped" into going with the touring because there were features like the power lift gate and some of the automated safety features were only available on the top trim level. The 18" rims really set it apart from older CRVs though. Its a trade off.

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  Happy but mpg terrible - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Wisconsin Owner - April 10 - 3:50 pm

  So far weve put 2K miles on the van and are very happy with our purchase. The van interior is fantastic with very nice leather and dvd system. It drives more like a sports car/van rather than a floaty minivan. Overall we are very happy except for the fact that it has been getting between 12 and 14 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. Both my wife and I drive very conservatively and even more so with the gas mileage. Mpg has improved some but were no way close to the 25 hwy. If it does not improve we will be taking it in for service. Also, transmission does not allow van to coast and slows speed at 40 mph and under.

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  2008 honda odyssey beats other vans - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By John Topi - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this beautiful van in october. I love the 2008 odysseys solidness and luxury. This van has nothing wrong and at 4000 miles its never had a single problem. If you are looking for a van the Honda Odyssey should be your only option!

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  nice van if no problem - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By D.J. Woods - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I felt it was a nice car until I got several problem on it. I had honda to repair the power sliding door twice in 1999 and 2001 and had the engine repaired in 2001 for clogy(fortunately still within warrenty period). Hopefully I do not get any other major problem soon (my warrenty has gone). Driving this van is still a lot of fun. It is powerful and big.

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  Honda Civic EX 4 door - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Jordan Burrack - April 10 - 2:00 am

  with 70k miles, never ever had any problems. ex ex ex exellent fuel mileage! (32city/ 38 hwy). 1 time we got 42mpg avg. economy on a trip home from Utah!