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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  Mostly happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kat - April 3 - 9:14 am

  Weve had this CRV for 4 years now for the most part were happy with it. But, paint application is so weak that a simple fingernail rub or anything brushing by scratches deeply, and bugs splatted on the hood during a long trip ate to the metal by the time we got home. Interior plastic is the same story. Weve had to replace the tires, battery, and muffler (our 92 Honda Accord has never needed a muffler replacement). It was out of warranty, but Amer Honda gave us 50% off. So why is repl muffler a lifetime warranty? Ave city mileage: 18-20. Ave highway: 25-27, depending on A/C usage. This unit was manufactured in the United Kingdom.

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  wheel bearings - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By moussa m - April 2 - 9:55 pm

  Hard driven 96,000 miles, 1st real problem ever is front wheel bearings, gotten so bad so fast, was first mistaken for noisy out of alignment tires, @ 48 mph is worse, put car in neutral and cut off engine (in a safe manner) if noise remain it is a $850 repair job @ a Honda dealer. Watch out for the common scams, you have water in your transmission and your $700 engine mounts are broken, 2 @ $1400.1st ever brake pads in front, spark plugs but was not needed, 6 cd changer is stupid in todays cars, they break, mp3 is better and cheaper choice. Anyway dealers double charges you for everything, $60 for shop supplies? Engine mounts for $1400 and scare tactics youre going to crash, will hurt Hondas reputation.

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  Flawed upgrade from 2013 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By bruce kuechmann - April 2 - 6:04 pm

  Overall, Im reasonably happy with my new CRV, which replaced a 2013 version of the same vehicle. Reasonably happy, since we bought 2 2016s a month apart. However, the electronics package (no navigation) is a muddled, poorly designed and implemented step backwards from our 2013 Civic and 2013 CRV. In the 13s, push a button and say a name to make a phone call to someone in your speed dial list. Easy to use, and nearly always got it right. In the 2016s, its not only cumbersome, but it usually comes up with the wrong name. At best, it provides a list for you to pick from on the screen, which involves taking eyes off the road. If these functions are important to you, examine them closely and consider whether you are willing to put up with the shoddy behavior of the Honda system. Compared to the system in a Subaru rental car I drove for a few weeks, Honda has a long way to catch up.

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  Honda Pilot First Impressions - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Carabel - April 2 - 3:13 pm

  Safety and reliability is what made me look at the Pilot to replace a Toyota minivan. For the value of the current incentives, it is too good to pass up. It is a great choice for a family vehicle. The interior is logical and the exterior, well, its a traditional SUV look. I like the Pilot but I wouldnt label it as a stand out. I do recommend it for its practical purpose and Hondas good safety name. I also feel that Honda treats their customers better.

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  Covers all the Bases-- Great Value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MIMI - April 2 - 2:40 am

  Dont know why more arent being sold, as the price is right for a car that is reliable, safe (check out NTSB 5 star ratings) comfortable, nimble and fun to drive, and 40 mpg to boot! Must be the anonymous styling and boring color choices Honda offers. Still, the New generation Civic vastly improves over previous model years. Notice that the negative reviews are all on old civics, for inaccurate rating reflection. My sister drives a monstro SUV for "safety" and I love rubbing it in whenever we fill up her 12 mpg SUV vs. my 38-40 mpg five star safety squirrel Civic.

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  Great - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Mooch - April 1 - 10:08 pm

  I have 160,000 miles on my Passport and have done about 30,000 of those myself. I have have had no repairs and have only had to do common maintenance (tires, oil, spark plugs and wires, and oxygen sensor). Running strong and with no signs of problems.

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  Disappointed in car & dealership!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By vee - April 1 - 8:23 am

  I followed consumer reports recommendation and purchased the odyssey. Overall I like the car, but am disappointed with the service I have received at the dealership and repair problems. At 74,000 the catalytic converter had to be replaced. Five days later the check engine light came on. I was told the rear converter needs replacement! Does the car really have two converters or are they giving me the run around! Im currently waiting for the new part to be installed. Thank God I dont have to pay for the repairs (covered under the federal emissions warranty)... I was overcharged for a previous repair by $300. It took over a week to straighten the problem out!

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  12 years and still going strong - 1996 Honda Civic
  By mark machula - April 1 - 12:52 am

  I had this car given to me as a gift it had 28,000 kms at the time I have had it 3 years and 50,000 kms later and all I have done is change the oil every 5,000 kms new front brakes and tires. I am impressed it never breaks down. It is fun to drive and it has a lot of pep for an engine and car of its size I am also impressed with its safety. I was in an accident last year with it. I hit another car head on driving 80 kmh and did not even suffer any injuries and my car was fixable. After that experience I feel very safe in my car. Over all I think Honda has built a great quality vehicle with this car.

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  great car and affordable - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Werho - March 31 - 2:30 am

  I really like the Civic from this year. The car drives great and has a ton of trunk space. The entertainment system mostly works all the time, but theres a few glitches with the OS sometimes and the volume button is annoying, but easy to get used to.

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  Reliable but....... - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By frogdaddy - March 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have to say this vehicle never left me on the side of the road somewhere. 118k without having transmission fail. Spent over 6k in scheduled recommended maintenance and wear. Including things I wouldnt expect to fail so soon..... Auto sliding door junction boxes, Motor mounts, and EGR. Did I mention EGR? Reason for that is I had it serviced under recall and it still need service for same issue yet I had to pay $700 for it. Ugh!!!