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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  Stay away from this vehicle at all costs - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Tomaso - May 2 - 1:51 pm

  I had a 2013 Vw Touareg tdi, and it was my wifes decision to buy this vehicle. Worst mistake I ever bought. First off they didnt tell you at the dealership that the vehicle has a special traction control system that automatically works when engaged and almost cost me three accidents because it slams on the brakes then the drivers view on the dashboard goes all nuts. The lights are very distracting on the dashboard and to me can not be turned off. Then the radio setup for blue tooth and radio stations sucks! First off they only give you 10 presets for your Sirius radio which is not good. Especially if you want to hear other things. Functionality of this radio is system is horrible and not very user friendly. Finally the worst thing about this vehicle is the gas consumption. I feel like Im only 200 miles a week but I had to fill the truck up three times. Im not impressed if it wasnt for my wife I would never buy this vehicle! Just because its made from Honda doesnt mean its a great car. As soon as I can I will get another Vw and stay away from Honda products! Dont waste your money! Get a nicer sub with better gas Mileage.

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  was^ - 1991 Honda Accord
  By little nikky - April 22 - 10:00 am

  It has broken down a couple of times.

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  Terrible suspension - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By J. Linch - April 8 - 7:16 pm

  I have had Nissan, Toyota before. Honda seemed to be the worst so far. After about 25K, the tires wore to 3/8 and needs to be changed. No Honda dealer honored any tire waranty. They dont want to pay for it. Their electric system may have some problems too. I am talking about hundreds or thousands of dollars from year two and on. Go buy Toyota or Nissan

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  How can you not buy and odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey #2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new odyssey 2000 and 2002. I paid just sticker price no add on items. I drove my 2000 for 40,000 miles and paid sticker for the 2002 and was given $21,000 + for trade in. Ready to trade every year due to the high trade in prices. I compared buying a comparable 2000 Chrysler Town & Country to a equally equipped Odyssey and it would have cost me after two years over 6,000 difference. No comparison for total value, quality, reliability. Other option buy the new 2002/2003 Pilot to come out shortly.

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  Want the worst car - get a Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By DavidG1023 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my sesond and last Honda. After reading all the reviews here and in Consumer Reports I figured my first experience with a Honda (car had to be sold for junk with less than 100,000 miles) was an anaomoly. Wrong. My second Honda is just as bad. Fuel pump blew, electrical system has more things wrong than right, alternator had to be replaced. If you want to be stranded multiple times then the Honda Accord is the car for you. Im going elsewhere

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  Reliability stinks - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By KellyM - February 5 - 6:43 am

  I have never wrote a review before, but this one deserves it. I have had nothing but problems from day one with this Honda. Nav. will not work. Seats heaters smell like they are burning inside. Will not start in the cold or rain. Brakes squeak. Been in for service six times for a total of 38 days. Service at the dealership STINKS!

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  2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AR - January 25 - 1:14 am

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  Dont Judge It Until Youve Owned One - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Dave - December 23 - 7:53 pm

  I have read many "professional" reviews of the 2015 Si and I am just at a loss. I think that before someone either publishes a review or posts a YouTube video, they ought to spend more than 15 minutes driving the car. I have owned my Si coupe for just over a year, and I can tell you honestly that I am more than happy with my purchase. To those who whine about the lack of power, I say that you need to learn how and when to shift gears. My car has spun its wheels both off the line and going into second gear. I have beaten cars with larger engines in fair races, both in straight lines and on road courses. While the handling may not be as tight as that of previous Sis, I have yet to lose control of mine, even when powering through turns at speeds that many other cars could not handle. Yes, some tightness has been lost to ride comfort, and there is no actual feedback in the steering wheel. But to an old school guy like me who grew up on torsion bar MOPARs of the 70s, this is of no consequence. It seems that gone are the days of drivers learning how to handle their machines. Todays drivers are spoiled brats who expect their cars to do everything for them. Fuel economy can be achieved through proper driving techniques, proper maintenance and burning good quality gasoline. Even before replacing my air filter with a K&N high flow filter, my Si was getting 35mpg on the highway with the cruise control set above 70mph. This of course was done with the windows closed and the air conditioning not set to max. Aerodynamic drag wastes more fuel than does minimal use of the a/c. For comfort, I give the 15 Civic Si an A+++. I am 62", 240lbs and have driven my Si between NY and FL non-stop, with the exception of refueling. Upon my arrival, I had NO body aches, NO muscle cramps and NO abnormal fatigue. I will, however, state for the record that the back seat in my coupe is there for decorative purposes only. If you intend to carry passengers, I recommend going for the sedan. Overall, I am glad I bought it and if I could go back in time and ponder my options, I would buy an Si again.

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  Dont buy base on reviews - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Earl Chanley - December 2 - 6:25 am

  Went over reviews on several makes and based on reviews, purchased a Honda Accord. (1) Start off dealer support is non-existent, car was recalled several times and getting in to the dealer or getting any thing done is not worth the hassel. Dealers think they are there just to sell you a car. (2) Car is nosiey, can not hear the radio on the road. (3) Fit and finish is bad, the leather interior has bubbles and torn is several areas, rubber front window molding has melted and no longer seals, not even talking about the front headlights covers. (4) Front cup holder is under the armrest and useless. (5) I have been driving for 50 years and this was the first cat that had the back brakes replaced before the front, Honda recalled but was useless in getting reimbursed (less than 30,000 miles). (6) Gas mileage is acceptable but no where near what was posted on sticker. (7) I have driven this car for ten years and is ok for a daily driver but I will not buy another Honda again.

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  Honda Accord Hybrid Poor MPG - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Shawn Wilcox - October 29 - 3:58 pm

  My wife and I purchased a new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid in late 2016. We expected to see around 40 - 48 Mpg from this car. With now over 1000 miles on this car we have managed to average 32.4 Mpg from this car. We have been driving this car as we would any other vehicle that we have owned. The car does not go into electrical mode unless you going under 20 Mph and is rarely seen at highway speeds of 65 Mph. We live in the Northern part of the United States and the Dealership is telling us that due to the cold weather and different gasoline blends used in Winter this is normal. We will be reviewing the mpg vs the pump calculation the next time that we fill up. The car looks and rides nice, but if you are looking to save money at the pump or think you are helping the environment by getting a hybrid car, stay away. My suggestion would be to buy the Accord with a 4 cylinder motor and skip the electric portion since it really serves no benefit besides taking up trunk room for the batteries that are never being used.