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:

• 

  noisy, uncomfortable overpriced ride - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bill I. - December 20 - 7:46 pm

  Had the car 8 months. The title tells most of it. The car rides like an empty 2 ton truck with similar comfort. It is so noisy at cruising speed the xm music largely worthless & not worth the money. For $30,000. I feel Ive be had. The gas mileage far below ad claims. Its being replaced ASAP

• 

  Really disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jim - December 18 - 4:45 pm

  I purchased 2007 Honda odyssey EX-L two years ago and I got bad experience for this minivan. First it has big wind noise at highway and it shakes at 65-70 MPH. Odyssey EX-L built-in one function call VCM (it shuttle off 3 cylinders when the vehicle does not need power), this function makes vehicle drive not smooth because it often works at 3 cylinder status. Another issue is transmission - hard to shift when the vehicle at VCM status. I think all of the problems caused by VCM function. I really don’t like it finally last week I trade it to Toyota sienna minivan.

• 

  2015 CRV EX AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By guerinkeywest - December 15 - 2:49 am

  I bought my CRV at the end of Dec. 2014. 2 weeks later I went on my first long ride of about 8 hours roundtrip. A few times while stopped at lights the car began shaking, as soon as I began moving the shaking stopped. Vibration is allways there when stopped but this shaking while not always present definitly makes me not recommend anyone buying this car unless Honda gets a fix for it. I wonder what the resale value of this model will be.

• 

  Too many problems to enjoy! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Lynn - December 13 - 8:21 am

  A few days after purchase, Bluetooth stopped working, clock couldnt keep time, and there was no color on the touchscreen. This happens every 5-7 days, so basically works for a week, broke for a week. The Bluetooth is interfering with my job, so its important for it to work! Honda has informed me they know about the problem and are working on a fix, but its taking so long! Also sometimes when I exit the car theres a rapid beep, a warning, but nothing seems to be wrong, I have to re-open and close the door for a normal beep to ensure cars off and locked! So far, buying a new Honda has been a huge annoyance disappointment!

• 

  Hondas dont last forever - 2001 Honda Civic
  By COLOCPA - December 12 - 4:11 am

  Have owned this Civic for over 3.5 years, bought it at 60k miles and now has 132k miles. Havent had many problems with the vehicle during this time, replaced brake pads and drums and that is about it. I bought this car based on Hondas reputation and the low operating costs (good gas mileage, doesnt require a lot of repairs). I would definitely not buy a civic again. The ride is very bumpy and it isnt a fun car to drive. Also, the transmission went out at 132k miles and to repair would be over $2k. The car is barely worth that much and needs new tires, struts, and engine work so it is not worth repairing.

• 

  Covered wagon - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tgp - December 1 - 11:21 am

  I bought a brand new 08. I was terribly disappointed in this vehicle. I felt like I was riding in a covered wagon minus the horses. Honda can do better than this! A lot of road noise also, I kept it for 10 months only.

• 

  Not recommending to buy a CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ngu - November 30 - 7:31 pm

  Mileage is poor. Getting much less than what they tell you. Getting 11.8l/100km as opposed to 7.6-9.8l/100km not achievable and company ad is misleading. AC compressor is not functioning properly but dealer just ignores it. Cutting in and out frequently and light dims when ac compressor is running.

• 

  Avoid like the plague ! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Cristoph - November 26 - 4:03 pm

  Ive owned this car since 2005. I made a quick decision to buy it without doing research. BAD MOVE ! Take 5 mins to look up official recall \ complaints. Anyone who gives this car a good review has limited knowledge and/or experience with cars. The automatic transmission might go down in history for being one of the WORST ever made. Ever notice accords with faded paint ? Thats another inherent problem. Some received a cheaper paint and clear coat resulting in the discoloration. If I had taken even 2 mins to research this car I would not have bought it. Its sitting in my garage broken. $2000 to fix transmissin. Not doing it. Rebuilt and refurbished transmissions have same problem

• 

  My first and last honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark A. - November 24 - 3:33 am

  This was my first Honda purchase and it will be my last due to the poor performance of the V-6 variable cylinder management engine. When I bought the car the salesman and the brochure indicates that the VCM will work unnoticed. However after driving the car for awhile now that is not true at all. I complained to the dealer and the service manager indicated that they have had a lot of complaints about that engine. He put me in touch with the Honda Regional representative and he told me the same thing. He also told me that the V-6 engine has been "disappointing". However, Honda wont do anything about it, Im stuck with it. I will be getting rid of this car this spring.

• 

  JUNK! Sorry I bought it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By GrumpyHondaOwner - November 16 - 11:58 am

  Bad transmission. Need a torque converter, and so far dealer and Honda refuse to help. Van is still under warranty. Also had steering pump replaced. Doors do not work properly. Pinging engine. Honda rep told me that the company does not take into consideration what customers write about their vehicles online. Maybe they will care after potential buyers read the numerous bad reviews of the Odyssey.