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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  Like A Lemon - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michele Rent - March 31 - 11:43 am

  Less than 10,000 miles I had to to have the rear differential worked on twice, had to replace tire pressure and master tire pressure sensors at this time, the back Windows squeak like finger nails on a chark board when rolling down, the rear hatch has to be slammed shut, causing the plastic cover above the license plate to fall off, the brakes didnt even last up to 20,000 miles, I am now on my second set of pads, I can not drive at a steady speed between the shifts of the because the car vibrates, sensor that has controls the cooling fan had to be replaced, the plastic splash gaurd under to car came apart, the drivers seat is already wearing down, sad to say but I hate to drive this car - dont buy one.

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  Massage chair set on vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Previous Honda lover - March 19 - 1:02 am

  Want a massage during your mani /pedi? get one on this car. Great for a 15 min massage but extremely uncomfortable on long journeys or sitting in traffic for a long time. Plus the steering wheel rocking wildly back and forth after the Odometer reaches 14,000 miles while the transmission is slipping does not feel as safe or comforting as a massage.

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  Bad choice - 2005 Honda Civic
  By j perez - March 18 - 11:15 am

  The driving of this car is been unreliable, since I purchased this car Im been having a lot problems, replace the alternator, passenger window regulator, and driver cv joint and still make another noise.

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  Short rough ride - 2016 Honda Civic
  By joe martin - March 14 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of two civics-06,10, I took my family to test drive a 16 model- 4door EX. I am old school, so I was freaked out by the fact that this car has NO key. You touch the door handle and it unlocks, you put your foot on the brake to start it-with a button!! The ride was ROUGH!!! Much rougher than the the ride of my 2 door ex, and 4 door LX(with 204,000) miles on it, mind you. Very disappointed. Drove it straight back to the dealer.....so so disappointed. So now I have to just get a used Accord. BTW we also drove a 16 Accord LX-the ride was MUCH better, but was with the vibration when accelerating, and sitting at a stop light about!! I guess I am being too picky folks. but I expected a lot better vehicle. Hell I own 2 of them, I know they have been good cars for me....but I have serious doubts about the new ones.....

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  JUNK JUNK JUNK - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Hater - March 13 - 11:02 pm

  Why I purchased this car I will never know. Look Honda has great compact, coupes and sedans.....but trucks???? They should leave it up to others. MPG is 10 at best. Interior is all plastic, cheap looking and rattles. Sun roof seal leaks in water if only glass is closed. Cant wait to get rid of this piece of junk. Only good thing is the stereo system w/ nav. Only 20 more months to go on lease. Then Im running for a Tundra (real truck).

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  Great on gas & safety, poor quality - 2003 Honda Civic
  By eric - March 13 - 9:10 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car on the market the seats are small and hard. The arm rests are rock hard. Ive run into many quality issues such as the body metal is so thin, it wrinkles and dents almost if a bug hit it.

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  Do NOT buy Honda Minivans - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Arun Gupta - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  This van has too many design flaws when I compare it to my 8 year old Dodge Caravan which I traded in. I could tolerate design flaws but I cannot tolerate transmission bumps when shifting up and down shifting. The dealers "expert" mechanic says that this is how all Honda minivans shift. Not comfortable to feel sudden bumps when going from 60 to 70 mph. Many Honda user forums also complain about this bump. The engine also makes a lot of noise when driven between 40-60 mph. The dealer again says that this is how it is. Unacceptable. The bumps and noise make driving experience horrible.

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  Honda Suspect - 2001 Honda Accord
  By chris - March 7 - 11:51 am

  Weve had lots of problems with our 2001 Honda. For starters the paint started peeling and the dealer and Honda refused to back it. Had to essentially repaint the car in 3 spots. Over the years other things went- gas gauge, transmission, now the interior lights go on and off when going over bumps. Any work done at the dealer was double the costs as elsewhere. The ride is fine in town, but on the highway is poor and very light - can feel the car moving on windy days. Very surprised that Honda gets such good ratings when this ranks as our lowest quality car- including other GM vehicles.

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  Bad Experience - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Toolman - March 4 - 10:52 am

  I will never buy another Honda product. I have had to have the transmission rebuilt twice in this vehicle. Once at 77,00 miles, and again at 103,00. American Honda offered no assistance when I contacted them. Search the internet and youll find numerous complains about problems with failed transmission on this model. Im going back to Toyota for my next car purchase.

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  not alot of luck - 1995 Honda Civic
  By richlev - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We did not have a good experience with this one. It sits too low in front and was forever coming apart because it got stuck on those cement parking lot stoppers. It was always needing new tires because the tires are so small. It was totaled in a little accident because the front end is so low. I just slightly banged into the Honda Accord in front of me and it was crushed quite a bit. It is now junk! Never again. No more Honda Civics for us.