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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  It works - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By guy44 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pilot for three months and have been very happy. I love the functional interior and large cargo area. I find that it meets all my needs and the EX Black is better looking then most of the other colors IMHO.

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  Good car bad radio and dealer - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hello y - September 10 - 10:00 am

  The accord is a very good car. I purchased a 4 banger so power is low, but fuel mileage is very good. Quite a bit of road noise. Great suspension and brakes (abs w/ex model). Car seems to require very little maintenance, unless you follow the dealer suggestions which will bankrupt you and probably do more damage than good to a very well assembled car. Rear seating is average and trunk is small. Radio reception is very poor and I was very pleased to find out the dealer could have cared less. Their loss as I no longer have the car serviced there and will not repeat purchase.

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  Excessive Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ravens2353 - September 9 - 6:31 pm

  Long time Honda owner and i finally decided to get my first SUV. Did my research, saved my Money. Naturally my pick was Honda CRV- I cant believe Honda built this car. It has bad vibrations when stopped and idling, it has bad engine/ transmission shuddering when I accelerate. Even at highway speeds it shudders at random intervals. This is a big problem. Spent almost $ 30,000 for this??? Honda responds " Vibrations are characteristic of the car". Strange, didnt see that description in the brochure at the dealership. Honda needs to acknowledge this problem, find a solution, and apologize to me and all those 2015 CRV Owners.

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  REO - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By lee perry - September 9 - 7:19 am

  Our Honda CR-V has impressive responses, actually took some getting used to, everything is very tight and precise. The speedometer is right on the mark. The engine is peppy and mountain driving has little effect on it. The interior is especially roomy. Love the dual temperatures , including the rear seating area. Disappointed the passenger seat did not have electronic adjustments like the drivers, BIG DISAPPOINTMENT, but we hear that was remedied in the 2017 model. The ride isnt bad at all for the size of the vehicle and being all wheel drive, it is probably the most comfortable in its class. However, our former car was large, Q45 sedan and it had a great ride and amazing seats, so I am having to adjust, a little disappointed but my husband has no problem with the CR-Vs ride. The rear seat room is amazing! The cargo area is perfect and we love the way the rear seats fold down easily with a pull of a lever. We love the look of our 2016, glad we didnt wait to see the 2017 change, while subtle, we prefer the 2016. On a mountainous 400 mile trip we averaged 29 miles per gallon on a new engine. Over all we are 5 star pleased with this vehicle and highly recommend it.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 9 - 12:30 am

  3000 Miles on my new long awaited 08 V6 Sedan. This car is a nightmare. Shifting is up and down, surging and vibration at higher speeds is ridiculous like I have 4 unbalanced tires ( I donÂ’t). I am shocked that Honda would put this into production. The constant shifting and changing of the VCM is maddening and almost can make you nauseous. The vibration juts adds another layer of frustration. Dealer has the car now for the last week!! They agree itÂ’s not right and working with Honda to see what can be done. So far the picture looks bleak. Buyers be informed!

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  Honda got it right with the HR-V - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By John Warren - September 8 - 9:37 pm

  After one year, my comments after one month still apply: Subcompact exterior, SUV interior, very good acceleration and performance and fun to drive with 6 speed manual transmission, a true value for a quality car with tremendous versatility, LX well equipped and easy to figure out audio and controls - preferred it to the EX. Look forward to driving this car for many years.

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  Lemon - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Roger - September 8 - 7:43 pm

  Car has several problems, not including a couple of rattles. Car has always had an idle problem that results in hesitation in the mid RPM range. Honda will not fix the problem because they are in denial. Most likely cause is a bad throttle sensor. Very annoying and dangerous (the car can fail to turn off the throttle). In addition, the rear differential is binding.

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  w/ the 5 speed=perfect daily driver - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Nate - September 8 - 9:42 am

  Clear coat peel is a major problem with this particular year and model Honda, first year of water born clear coat as opposed to oil. Motor itself is bulletproof reliable, think AMC/Jeep 4.0, Ford 4.6, GM 3.8, etc. These motors are that rugged! Use a high quality oil/filter and change them every 5k miles and these things will literally run forever. Do yourself a favor for both drivings sake, as well as stated reliability, and find yourself one equipped with the 5 speed manual transmission. Currently at 214,000 miles and climbing on mine. Dollar for dollar you will not find a better daily driver. First year for the transponder key which is huge on these cars in terms of theft deterrent. My only gripe is the lack of leg room in the front seats for plus 6 footers, and the lack of availability of a V6/manual trans Sedan in this generation.

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  Best Civic yet?? - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Basset3 - September 8 - 9:10 am

  This is the first Civic Ive owned; I owned 4 Accords in the past and all were very reliable. The Civic is now the size of the older Accords, which I like. Great gas mileage, peppy little 4- cylinder and handling like a sports car.

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  Quality!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tim - September 8 - 1:26 am

  Cant find any thing wrong...perfect paint and body alignments. VERY practical car. You either luv it or hate it as far as looks.And Honda dependability. Tim