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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  Uncomfortable seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By GreatHusband - August 25 - 10:03 am

  This is my 3 rd accord and i have to say im very disappointed. very uncomfortable front seats. Make sure you test drive this car you buy.

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  Should have bought a Highlander - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By darnoc54 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Having second thoughts. Brakes clunk, seat rocks, wheel jerks to right on acceleration. Not what I expected from Honda. Thinking I should have bought a Highlander or Rav.

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  more utility than sport - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondadriver - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Its okay. Front seat leg room is not that great. Seats are not very supportive, and interior materials seem cheap and unattractive - especially in the saddle.

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  Cant judge a car by its maker - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty Marria - August 24 - 4:32 pm

  Without hesitatation we purchased a 2001 Odessey from an individual. The van had no previous warranty work at all. At that time it had 40,000. It started making a horrible groaning sound. It was taken to the dealership 4 times with no prognosis. Info was later given me at a Shell gas station, about bad brake drums on my model. They were not recalled but a Tech. Bulletin had come out in 2003 which recommended replacing drums. We did that at our expense 2 wks ago. We just took a 1600 mile trip, half way back the transmission went out. Our van is now 8 hours away from our home awaiting a new transmission. After much research, we have found Honda has lots of bad transmissions out there.

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  I expected better from Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By lucy jo - August 24 - 2:03 am

  It has been fine, until I made my last payment, I have had to have the motor mounts replaced (over $500!). Now some console lights go on and off and my fuel light doesnt work anymore and the dealer said they would have to pull everything apart and charge me to find out why it doesnt work.

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  If only the tailgate locked - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By owner - August 23 - 7:20 pm

  Dealer wrapped a tonneau cover into my purchase which would have been great if the tailgate locked. I carry items that do not fit into the trunk and must be locked. My salesman assured me the tailgate would lock. not so. We are working on a fix. Other than that I love this truck. I call it a cluck for chick truck or car truck. The mirrors do not retract by power. 2 complaints which honda could easily fix for probably not that much money and it would be perfect. I am coming from a bmw and this truck is much more clever and solid. It is an outstanding vehicle.

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  Love the car but... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rendar - August 23 - 10:26 am

  I love almost everything about this car. The look. The way it drives. Fuel economy is good (I see complaints but I get very close to EPA estimates). Very quiet (again, Ive seen complaints, but for me it is quieter than any car Ive ever owned). Very good power for 4 cyl. My only complaint is comfort. The front seats are extremely uncomfortable after anything more than 15 minutes of driving due to what I see as a design flaw, the seat curvature is too great, and even with the lumbar support all the way retracted, it still feels like there is some type of bar sticking out in the wrong part of my back (I am 63" and my wife 51" and we both have issues with it).

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  Honda EX - 1994 Honda Civic
  By sufurair - August 22 - 9:14 pm

  A great car. At 128k miles, things are supposed to break even though it is a Honda. Other than that, great gas mileage for the year and fun to drive. Could use some more cockpit storage space.

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  Ultimate family mover that makes SUVs a dumb idea - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Corey Corsi - August 22 - 8:06 am

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  Transmission noise - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Greg - August 21 - 5:21 pm

  Only problems have been a cracked manifold (Honda has an extended warrenty for this and will replace for free) and whining gear noise from tranmission. It developed this after 70K miles and it seems to be getting worse. No maintenance other than scheduled maintence required except manifold.