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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  My Last CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By dave14139 - July 6 - 7:04 am

  This is our second and last CR-V. Has served us well but we are just tired of this small vehicle (we are not large people). Just put second set of rear rotor and pads on the rear at 50,000 miles. Fronts on second set of pads. Need to replace the rear caliper, $375 at dealer for parts only. $74 at autozone. CR-V is alright for around-town driving but too small for a road trip. OEM tires terrible - now on Michelins and much better ride. 26-27 mpg on highway trip at 70-75 mph. AWD works great as we live in Buffalo snow belt. Considering used grand caravan or Odyssey.

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  Not Worth 30K+ contd - 2010 Honda Accord
  By pakkya - July 1 - 2:23 am

  So I dropped off the car at dealers for them to look at radio reception and fan noise. They came back to say they couldnt hear the fan and the radio reception was normal - given that XM is installed, it interferes with the FM/AM reception-BS!. Every car now has XM and not all have radio issues. It most likely is the antenna assembly that is inferior quality. Also, driver seat has started creaking whenever you shift your position while sitting - I am 64, 220lbs - but then this is a LARGE FAMILY SEDAN. I am very much convinced that Honda uses cheap quality materials for its interior to keep prices low and profits up. Its not worth buying an EX- L, a LX MIGHTVE been worth the money.

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  Drivers Seat is Torture! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By A.H. - June 28 - 12:38 pm

  Just search "Honda Accord Uncomfortable Seats" on the internet and youd be amazed at all the sites and forums that pop up, from the 2008 to the 2015 Accord.To be fair here are the Pros: Looks sharp, runs smooth, has great gas mileage, and Im sure is super dependable, although I dont plan on owning this car for much longer. Ive only had it for 3 months and Im already looking to trade it in for a Toyota Camry, because.....Cons: Why did Honda think a crappy, easily stained beige interior, and covering the doors with that same crappy cloth interior was a good idea? The placement of the climate control buttons and infotainment isnt laid out intuitively. Make sure you have all your climate settings and radio/cd/ bluetooth all while in park because adjusting the right temperature and/ or defrost can cause a big distraction while driving. The trunk is relatively small for a family of four and the rear seat folds down in one piece, rather than split. Now here are the biggest Cons: The drivers seat: It is so poorly designed, the back and bottom sink in, causing my back to form a "C" shape, and the head restraints force my head too far forward. No, I did not pick up on this discomfort after the 30 minute test drive, or even the few weeks of ownership. But after several weeks up until now, the pain has become unbearable. I cant drive more than 20 minutes before the pain sets in. Ive tried almost everything, from ergonomic back and butt cushions, and have even spent over $500 reupholstering the drivers seat and adding foam to the seat and back at a shop, and all that has done was shift the pain from one part of my butt, back, thighs, to other parts. I never knew what "Piriformis Syndrome" was until I owned this car. Look it up. Ive owned close to 10 cars in my 28 years of driving, and this Accord is the only car to ever give me back problems. Here is the biggest Con: Honda Corporation and Honda of Morgan Hill in California. After I stated my problems with the seat, all Honda Corporation could tell me was "Im sorry your feeling this discomfort, but unfortunately, Honda wont do anything about it", and Honda of Morgan Hill, "Why dont you trade the car back to us for something more comfortable?" Seriously, why dont I just crap 2 to 3 thousand dollars out of my butt and hand it to them? Thats the loss Im going to take on a trade in, so I might as well give it to Toyota, or even Hyundai. So all in all, screw you Honda. Its unfortunate that an otherwise great car is ruined by a badly designed drivers seat, a seat that has been a problem since 2008. Its obvious you do not listen to your customers. Once I unload this car, Im never getting another Honda again.

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  Glad I leased - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By madison07 - June 24 - 9:36 pm

  So that I can turn this dog back in. No way Id ever consider buying it. Interior seems to be an afterthought. Was nice at first but no ipod jack. Heck, even a Ford Focus has this. Toyota next time

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  Disappointing can find better - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By mickey - June 24 - 11:59 am

  This is truly the most disappointing car that I have ever owned. First we got the sage green and the bumpers do not match the rest of the car, they are a totally different shade and color. Honda states that this is normal due to the type of material. I have never seen this before. Called several times on this matter with the same explanation. No other cars in my area seem to have this problem. Several makes and colors. The bumpers also keep falling off been to dealer 4 times. This car is very noisy inside while driving, cannot hold a conversation at normal voice. This is also the same for my friends 05 Ody with different tires. The car also is getting lots of rattles. MPG poor 15/1 6city 24 hwy

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  Mad Beyond Words - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By twins97 - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  At 60,000, the air conditioning went completely out. Were not talking a simple adjustment - the entire air conditioning had to be replaced to the tune of $2500.00. The bearings ground themselves to splinters of metal and shot through the lines, into the evaporator. No one at the dealership had ever seen anything like it. My warranty company sent 3 adjusters in just to see something they had never heard of before. At 68,000 miles, the entire transmission had to be replaced. Though Honda covered that, they didnt cover the engine mounts that had to be replaced as well. Thank goodness for the warranty company who picked up the $350.00 tab on that one. The only problem is that the "new" trans

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DogDazeLee - June 17 - 9:48 pm

  I bought a certified, pre-owned 1999 Honda Odyssey from Piazza Honda in Drexel Hill, PA, 11 months ago. Engine light just went on at 77,000 miles and Im being told by (3) transmission specialists and Honda Service that transmission needs to be replaced. Honda dealer refuses to cover any of the repairs. I now understand via the Internet that this has been well documented problem with this vehicle.

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  Not as good as a 95 Tercel. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Court Owen - June 14 - 12:34 am

  Ive had four new Hondas over the years plus one Prelude I bought used. I thought I could trust Honda to build a good car. Wrong. My wifes car is a (shorter) 95 Tercel 2-DR automatic. The mileage is low on the Fit because the Tercel is more fun to drive for all small-load trips, both grocery- store and X-country. Heres why: Seats too low no lumbar support paddled steering wheel uncomfortable body too wide (turn radius, parking, traffic) ride jittery and steering too quick (needs constant attention on frwy) instruments poor, and disappear in sunlight fast cornering not fun windshield posts too thick (pedestrians) transmission gasps mileage mediocre. The brakes are good.

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  Terrible Suspension and Transmission - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Brian - June 6 - 9:09 pm

  Honda should recall this vehicle. Mine has been in the shop about 40 times and it keeps on having to go back in for suspension issues. Also my transmission was replaced under warranty with only 50,000 miles on it. In my opinion worst Civic made.

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  Honda = Chrysler now - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda NoGood NoMore - June 3 - 11:15 am

  Purchased new with 6 miles on it and drove it for 5 years (80,000) miles. Reliability and Honda service was terrible. At 35,400 miles, third gear synchro went out on manual transmission. I have been driving manuals for 25 years and I have a CDL and I never burned out a clutch or damaged a tranny. Fixed under warranty but never shifted right again (grinded and clunked when going into gear) and shifter was VERY stiff and VERY difficult to down shift. Took back 4 times and dealer said it was fine!? Called Honda Corporate and wrote letters, no help at all. All 4 struts went out at 40,000 miles too ($1300). Road noise terrible, factory tires rated worst on tirerack and hydroplaned very badly.