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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  Biggest Mistake of my life - 1998 Honda Accord
  By razor225 - September 8 - 3:16 pm

  We must have bought the biggest lemon on the lot. 2wks after purchase spent 1500 on repairs. Should have knew something was up then. Needless to say I think we have spent over 6000 in repairs in 18 months. We just had to replace a ball joint and tie rod and front tire. These were brand new tires...this car is the biggest piece of JUNK ever made.

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  Next Honda Is A Camry - 2003 Honda Accord
  By R. Morgan - September 2 - 11:23 am

  This car is the 9th Honda product owned by me and my immediate family. At 76,000 miles with all scheduled maintenance performed, the transmission failed. Honda would not pay for any repair since it was out of warranty. Transmission overhaul cost $2,200. No more loyalty to Honda Motor Company from me. Transmission repair shops will tell you that the torque converter and internal filter are the weak links in all Honda transmissions.

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  This could have been a great car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Shaun - August 31 - 2:46 am

  I made the error in purchasing the 2017 Accord SE Sport without really putting my foot in it and letting the car run. I found out all too quickly that the car was all show and no go. the styling is great the car is beautiful on the outside. interior is par for the course I upgraded to leather I believe a wise choice for the money, the instrument display is easily readable and the fuel economy halo around the speedo is a nice touch. the main display screen is totally useless unless you are in reverse other wise it will show a massive clock or a tally of MPG totals. This could have been a cool feature if they would have spent a little more time on the software side of the car. auto system sounds good with clean high and bass notes blue tooth pairing often fails and requires rebooting the device or the car. the touch to talk button on the steering wheel is worthless as once again the software that drives it is junk. Driving comfort is marginal at best the car is prone to wind noise and if you are driving on anything that has the least amount of bumpiness to the surface you will feel it in your kidneys. All these short comings could be over looked except for the first statement in this review all show NO-GO! This car is equipped with the most powerful I-4 available in the accord but still makes less than 200 horse power. the engine isnt the issue however because when coupled with the manual gear box as I found out later the car can come alive. The problem with the car is the CVT transmission this thing is junk and the worst part is I paid an extra two grand to get it over the 6 speed manual. The CVT transmission makes this car feel like it is in a constant state of slippage dont pull out in traffic if to have a car coming because you will most likely not make it. want to pass someone good luck your stuck behind that person doing 10 under on a two lane road because the car accelerates so slowly. Sure you will eventually get to speed but it will take you awhile. speaking of taking awhile 0-60 times on this car have been exaggerated to say the least plan on spending just over 10 seconds to get from 0-60MPH in drive mode, you will spend 9.89 seconds going 0-60 in sport mode and the best but still poor using the paddle shifters you will eek out the best time of 8.96 seconds 0-60. a far cry from the advertised 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. But hey we didnt buy the accord to race we bought it for fuel economy right? While it would be nice to be able to pass grandma on a two lane without risking sudden death, if time is on your side than by all means get an accord at an average 32MPG driving with the eco button on. This would be my only reason to keep the accord but dont buy the sport version without the manual as you will just feel like crap getting passed by everything in sight and have no ability to do anything about it .

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  Its a overpriced matchbox toy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Choopacabra - August 30 - 8:40 am

  The navigation is a waste of money, Get a tomtom. Its noisy, slow, and fragile. Tires wont last, wheel bearings are cheap, and its leather heated seats are pathetic. The 350 watt stereo just plain blows. I regret buying this car and I will be trading it in as soon as its warranty service is complete.

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  Extremely Uncomfortable - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By A R - August 27 - 11:13 pm

  I loved everything about this car during the test drive. The interior and exterior are amazing. The tech is the best in class and it seemed overall great. Then I took it home and my opinion changed. I tried every seating position and even used cushions, but could not get comfortable. Even worse than that, after 15 minutes in the car my entire foot and leg started to go numb. I made myself take it for a long drive and by the time I got to my destination my entire foot and leg ere completely numb. It took a while to get the feeling completely back and then the pain took over. I was limping the entire next day. So on the way back I tried cushions and other positions and nothing changed. The seats press on my static nerve and cause all of this to happen. I recommend this car for all of its features, but do not recommend it for comfort. If comfort is important to you look at different cars like the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5. I will be selling this back to the dealer for a big loss because I refuse to keep a car that will hurt me. Just beware before buying.

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  Poor Tranny - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JR - August 25 - 3:47 am

  Have had nothing but problems with the transmission.

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  A/C Did Me In - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By givingup - August 23 - 4:15 pm

  The a/c, as others have reported, is the worst part of owning this vehicle. First time it broke was long out of warranty and Honda didnt give a flip this was a common complaint. Second time, still under 1yr warranty from previous work. It took the mechanic three compressors before finding one that worked without failing instantly. Third time, I just gave up and am now looking for a new car. It was my second Honda. My first was a Civic which held up well in a very bad front end collision (I walked away uninjured from a car with no front end left) which led me to stay with Honda. The a/c experience and nearly constant check engine light are why I will leave.

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  INFURIATING! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By olywamat - August 23 - 12:00 am

  Just took a 3500 mile trip in my parents Odyssey and couldnt believe how many flaws a so-called world-class auto builder like Honda allowed this vehicle to leave the design room with. Lets see: automatic doors stick in the open position, front struts totally shot at 70,000 miles, keyless remote buttons so sensitive that bending over with the remote in your pocket activates the automatic doors, no thermometer, no compass (WHAT?!!!), knuckles hit the dome light button when you shift into drive, impossible to downshift on descending grades, incredibly uncomfortable driving position (6- footer here). Its a good thing Hondas customers are so loyal. If they drove the competition, theyd leave.

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  The interior reminds me of an 86 Blazer - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JEN - August 22 - 1:24 am

  I mean no disrespect to the 86 Blazer. It was a good value. The cheap seat material, sea of cheap plastic, and lack of features do not equal a $32,000 car, Honda.

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  Burns 5-6 quarts ever 3,000 miles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joselito86 - August 19 - 2:41 pm

  Ive owned this car for a year now and its burns 5-6 quarts of oil every oil change which is every 3,000 miles for me. I think thats a lot of oil for every oil change. Ive called a several Honda dealerships about my concern but since Im out of the warranty extension by 400 miles and by 3 months Im not elegible for the repair with the piston the rings. Now Im stuck so with a great car that burns a lot of oil and will end up paying more money to fix or replace the engine then what the car is worth. I definitely dont recommend the 4 cylinder 2008 Honda Accord unless your willing to carry at least 2 quarts of oil in your vehicle like I do. Until Im decided on what to do with this vehicle thats my review