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:

• 

  Fantastic car , - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Claudia Bittner - November 19 - 4:33 pm

  Beautiful car. Fun to drive. When you step on the gas it goes and when you step on the brake it stops. Can really get you out of some tight spots. A really neat automobile. Its a Honda!. I remember the ad on this particular Honda, was the guy that went to the Dr. with the lead foot. Dr. I dont whats wrong every since I bought my new car...

• 

  Good machine with uncomfortable seats - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Robert R. Thompson - November 19 - 3:43 pm

  My 08 Accord EXL-V6 has been reliable over the past 6 months with only a few minor rattles which were fixed by dealer(loose fog lights). Still enjoy interior and exterior styling as well as overall performance and handling. However, long-distance comfort(over 2 hours) is poor due to hard, narrow and deeply-bucketed seats combined with a very taut suspension which transmits even minor road imperfections through the whole vehicle. The seat contour creates uncomfortable pressure points which quickly become tiring and downright painful.

• 

  Awesome! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By berg matt - November 19 - 2:17 am

• 

  Worst Purchase EVER! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kevin Reeve - November 18 - 10:08 pm

  I bought my Pilot in November 2015. Out the gate I have had problems with the entertainment system. Problems consist of hands free button not recognizing my voice, dropped calls, people saying it sounds like Im in a wind tunnel (even though all the windows are up and A/C is off), radio stations not showing on the display, voice recognition system not being able to distinguish what name is being said, system randomly re-booting while driving, calls not being transferred to car system. There are more problems but I think you get the idea. I have an Iphone 6S (IOS 10.2.1). I have also tried paring a Samsung and LG phones to the system and still the problems exist. In the last 6 months I have had the entire info system replaced, the FM receiver replaced, and 2 software updates. Problems still exist. I have a case open with Honda USA and now (as of February 24th the dealer is saying that I have to live with the problems with the info system. I will be contacting Honda USA again. No one should have to live with a problem with a new vehicle especially after spending >$35k for the vehicle. In addition to the info system problems I am experience problems with the vehicle locking (or lack there of) while walking away. The dealer has replaced a sensor in the drivers door and a proximity sensor in the car but the problem still exists. Other issues include the wipers malfunctioning and the spin control system kicking in when the vehicle isnt spinning. I have owned Hondas in the past but they did a poor job on the new Pilots. Update 3/13/17 On March 9, 2017 I was parked in a parking lot waiting for my daughter. As I started the vehicle I received 3 warnings which stated the following: 1) Brake system problem; 2) charging system problem; and 3) Anti-lock brake system problem. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer through the Honda Emergency Road Service. The dealer is still working on the vehicle to figure out the problem.

• 

  07 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AB - November 18 - 8:10 pm

  Purchased vehicle last week. Prior vehicle was 2006 CRV SE. Love the new styling. Interior is beautiful. Great leather upgrade from 06. Interior compares to Accord V6 EX-L. Ride is smmother that Gen 2 Cr-V. Did not think I would love the new style this much but I do. Have glacier blue w/ grey leather. Have been told car is very "pretty". Love that car looks different color in different lighting. So far performance is great.

• 

  Bad Choice on my part - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BADCHOICE - November 18 - 6:26 am

  I am ready to sell it after one week. Last car was 01 T&C LXI which was quiet and had good sound system. Honda road noise on highway unsatisfactory despite active sound controls. What were they thinking. 120 watt stereo muffled at low volume, only hear tweeters - main speakers are set to low by feet and cant get aftermarket stereo. Diversity antenna in side window looses signal. Cant open 2nd. row windows too much air buffeting noise - need tail swing out windows as in Sienna. trailer towing requires expensive addons. Interior plastic scratches easily.

• 

  VIBRATION ISSUE ....HUGE VIBRATION... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By pramod1 - November 18 - 12:13 am

  Huge vibration in brand new car and this is coming for all new CVT 2015 crv as per their dealer testing . I called honda 50 times, wrote letter but honda turned blind eye and did not help at all.

• 

  I LOVE It!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Adrian - November 17 - 9:56 pm

  This car is great. It is my first car and I love it. It looks great and it is actually kinda strong for a 1.8 L engine. Its better than a lot of 2.0 L engines because it preforms better on gas but has as much power as a 2.0 L engine. Its fun to drive and the speedometer is soooooo unique. Everyone that rides in my car loves it. This car is perfect for anyone who doesnt want to spend so much money on gas and perfect for someone that wants a car thats worth your money, not to mention how long this car will last. I JUST LOVE IT.

• 

  First Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By alshoe - November 17 - 3:04 pm

  Looking for a four door midsize sedan. Was open to all makes and models and test drove several different ones. Narrowed down to the Hyundai Sonata and the Honda Accord. Bottom line, got a great deal on the Accord V6 EXL model and couldnt be happier. Have owned the car four months now. Taken a few short trips. Am happy with the V6 power but, am pleasantly surprised of the outstanding fuel mileage for this V6 averaging over 31 mpg which was a mix of freeway driving and stop and go traffic. Very comfortable car to ride in and enjoy all of the features. Only issue have the older style flip cell phone. It has blue tooth but, for whatever reason, I cannot initiate calls from the car, only receive them. Not a huge deal for me as I am not much of a talker on the phone while I am driving. In addition, took me a while to set the preset stations on the radio, as this is the first model I have owned that is fully touch screen. One area for improvement, the front doors open nice and wide making it easy to get in, but once in the vehicle, it is a big reach to close them. Wish they had a door handle on the inside to grab for better ease of closing the door.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - November 17 - 12:30 pm

  This vehicle is very comfortable. It has been driven to Florida from Massachusetts with a 6 month old infant & all the things that go with a baby & there was plenty of room left to spare. The ride itself was also quite comfortable. We had made the trip before in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac & we were much more happy with our new 2005 Honda Odyssey.