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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  Cheap little civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Just for the record: "this was my wifes car before we got married, I would never have bought such a tiny little plastic car." Honda reliability everyone says? At about 10k miles the car wouldnt start, the lights and dashboard lights were flickering on and off every time I would try to start the car. This happened about 4 times. Every time this happened I needed a jump start, and had to wait about 1/2 hour for the car to calm down so I can restart it. About 1/2 a dozen times the car just would not start (even after replacing the battery). The interior? as cheap as they come, non- stop squeaks throughout the winter, NON-STOP! At about 40k miles the gas door would not even open anymore.

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  Stunningly Average - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Middle Age Guy - October 1 - 2:00 am

  It suits my needs well for around town driving, picking things up at Lowes, taking my large dog to the vet and short drives with 3 passengers. The a/c is inadequate for temperatures in the mid 90s and up. Cant adjust drivers seat to get a comfortable driving position for the steering wheel and pedals at the same time. Also, seat bottom cushion is too short for comfortable thigh support. Why does the same company have great seats in an Acura and lousy ones in a Honda? Dangerously low engine power and torque. Poor gas mileage for an underpowered 4 cylinder 15 city, 21 highway. If this was my only car, Id sell it and get something else, like Toyota RAV4 or VW Tiguan.

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  What happened to the Honda Pilot? - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By JimS - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car in July, after driving the car for the last 3 months the car get very poor gas mileage on the road and in the city. The seats are horrible, I feel like I am sitting in the seats of a fast food restaurant. I had the dealer replace the seats & still had the same problem. The cloth seats in my 2004 Pilot LX were much more comfortable. This was my 5th Honda I have owned, the next time I purchase a vehicle I am going to look at other manufactures.

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  Honda can do better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Valmomof2 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  yeah, the gas mileage is good. Not in the hot summer though. If you sit at a red light too long the hybrid battery runs down and you have very little power to accelerate. No frills in the interior. No automatic headlights, no lighted vanity mirrors, no rear cup holders. It would not have cost Honda that much to add a few comforts to make the driving experience a little more pleasurable.

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  I thought Hondas were reliable? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dina972 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Few weeks after buying it- I had started to regret it- the exhaust was oily black soot. I took it in to be inspected and they said everything is fine because it passed emissions testing. LOL! Later, when I did casual inspection of the oil level, I noticed that it was dropping- but wasnt certain because I wasnt strict about it. I had attributed it to careless oil change-out. Long story short- Im undergoing an oil consumption test because it consumed 1.5 qt in 7k mi. Car has 32k mi. I have little faith in them because they showed me Hondas acceptable consumption: 1 qt per 1000 miles.Hows that for reliability? You think the car will pass ULEV that it claims drinking that much oil?

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  Very Disappointed with 2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JackoABQ - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We have a continuing problem with our 2010 CR-V EX-L 2WD that Honda will not resolve. Vehicle has vibration between 55-60 mph. After multiple tire balancing, and trying new wheels/tires on all 4 wheels, the service manager has admitted there is an inherent problem with the CR-V. Between the dealership and the regional manager, nothing has been resolved- "not a safety issue." Honda did offer to buy it back at trade-in value, and sell us a new 2010 CRV. No thanks! Not sure where the hype comes from, this is our first and last Honda.

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  Cant believe they actually said this - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jason - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned a Honda. Had my 08 hybrid and loved it for 2 years. July 10 they did a software "upgrade". Since that time the ima assist doesnt always work. Merging onto a freeway it just doesnt kick in. Brought it back to service, they drove it, saw it not work. They are literally telling me that this is how the car works now. So I have an assist motor that only sometimes kicks in. Do not buy a hybrid from Honda. I am so disappointed. I cannot believe someone says that with a straight face. Would I buy a car with 8 cylinders if 4 of them just didnt work sometimes?

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  Inexpensive AND cheap - 2005 Honda Civic
  By inittowinit - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Well, here goes. I bought in 05 because i had a low self esteem. I wanted a car with a seat so horrible, i would hurt when i got to where i was going. And i got it! i also wanted an engine so small that 1967 beetles could outrun me. guess what, i got that too. i was also so totally looking forward to cramming me and three of my 63" buddies in the car to see if the performance got noticeably worse and how uncomfortable we could get. and how well the brakes worked when we now essentially doubled the weight of the car. actually the brakes are good. it didnt have ABS b/c its not standard and i hate ABS. the gas door release broke, passenger window broke, and a flat - totally Hondas fault.

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  Transmission failure at 98K - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By skiutah313 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Odyssey was a decent van until about 80K miles when the "service engine" light started to come on. I had the van dealer-serviced for all recommended work and even had belts,etc changed at the recommended intervals. Eventually the service dept. told me that the slipping was a transmission problem. I am certain this started at under 100K and the service rep indicated that Honda has had transmission issues with the Odyssey. Honda did not even offer a minimal % coverage though I followed all of the service recommendations. I WILL NOT BUY A HONDA again. I purchased a Honda because of its reputation and now I realize that Honda may not care about customer loyalty or vehicle quality.

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  Influenced by the past - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Flyfisher - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3 rd CR-V since 2005 and what a change. The new CR-V was made in the US which may make a difference. The other 2 were pure Japanese. Acceleration is nonexistent. Feels like I am pulling an anchor whenever I hit the gas. With AC on, its even worse . The center console is nice but if you drop anything between it and the seat, you have to hire a contortionist to retrieve it. I dont like the auto drivers seat as the ranges are not as complete as the old manual controls. Loads of blind spots in this baby. I didnt even consider a different car as mt 2007 was a peach. I shouldnt have traded it in. This is my last CR-V and I cant wait to trade for a different brand.