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:

• 

  check engine light - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Alexander Moibenko - May 14 - 4:29 am

  I have 2014 Honda Pilot. I like it very much, but here is the reason why I gave the low rating to it. The check engine light comes on and off. The code indicates that it needs a replacement of catalytic converter. At one Honda service I was charged for checking the code and at another one they replaced catalytic converter for no charge, but the check engine light is still coming on and off. I had several Honda cars. My last Honda accord has about 150000 miles and it also started having the same problem, but for 2 years old engine this is just ridiculous.

• 

  WILD E COYOTE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wILDMAN - April 22 - 8:26 am

  Lacks power compared to V8s available in other manufacturers. Poor fuel economy based on more power needed to accelerate at highway speeds and pulling over hills. Very bumpy ride, rattles in doors, door sills not aligned properly, squeaks.

• 

  Might as well buy a Fusion or Malibu - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ken C - April 21 - 1:03 am

  Well, I have had this car about a week. The paint job is low quality and chips easily. The seats are uncomfortable. The transmission and suspension are sloppy and transmit vibrations throughout the car. And I am already scheduled for repairs. So much for the vaunted Honda reliability.

• 

  Vibration issue in crv 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Maged - April 20 - 11:24 pm

  Unfortunately I bought this car feb 2015 but , i fell vibration all the time. Dealership advisor just told me theres nothing we can do to vibration issue. That was a mistake in the design. Dont waste your money. Disappointed

• 

  Buyer beware - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Gregg - March 9 - 1:06 am

  Beware of the elite and touring 9 speed models. The transmission is terrible. It actually speeds up going down hills. We thought this was a flaw just in our car yet many others have experienced the same problems. It is dangerous and my wife is afraid to drive it anymore. Our $44000 pilot has sat in the shop for a total of 28 days thus far. Honda corporate wont admit that there is a problem although our local dealer admits it is. So much for Honda quality. We are selling ASAP.

• 

  Honda made a mistake in 2003... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mike Wilcox - January 31 - 4:30 am

  Sorry but after this 2003 Honda Accord EXL v6 ( yes FULLY LOADED ) blew the transmission today after 112,000 miles, I will not buy another Honda. Honda missed the mark on the 2003 cars and we are paying for it. This one has required expensive repair around 110,000 miles including a $3500 transmission, a $2400 power steering replacement and a $3000 paint job due to peeling clearcoat. Note, other annoyances includes door lock actuator failure at about the same time. Didnt most cars fail like this, ie at 100k miles, in the 1970s? Something happened starting in 2003 to Honda quality to let these problems hit the consumer and unfortunately in our case we had to pay for the repairs. It is a sad day, like losing a friend. Particularly, since we have three Hondas in the family. Survivors include a 2002 Accord and a 2003 CRV. The 02 Accord and 03 CRV each have over 200,000 miles on them and have had no serious problems including a rock solid original engine and transmission. In the past, we paid more for Honda quality and expected more from Honda. In my case, we ignored the complaints against the 2003 - 2005 Hondas thinking it was a fluke, this was a bad mistake. And sadly, you can not trust Hondas to the point where you pay more for a Honda than any of the other brand. So the morale of the story is that you must add Honda to the list of vendors that you MUST use a buyer beware approach. Do your homework, delay the purchase and shop around.

• 

  Great only on newly paved roads - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Randypac11 - January 22 - 9:11 am

  The ride is stiff and noisy, the drivers seat is very uncomfortable after only a few minutes. Its a long reach to the steering wheel.