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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  New Car & Surprises Not Always Good - 2005 Honda Civic
  By traveler - February 9 - 5:46 am

  Purchased this new car w/75 miles on it from dealer. Nice looking exterior, well appointed & roomy interior. Great car for city & all flatland driving. However, it does lack necessary torque/power/responsiveness to effectively & safely climb hills, pass, & freeway merge when necessary without having at least 3/4ths of a mile or more clear of traffic to get up to speed (0 to 60mph in not seconds, but 3 to 5 minutes! Amazingly poor & unsafe performance!

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  CAN I HAVE MY MONEY BACK - 2002 Honda Civic
  By GA PEACH - February 2 - 2:00 am

  FIT AND FINISH IS TOP NOTCH, BUT QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION IS POOR. MANY THINGS HAVE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE FIRST 24K. DEALERS WOULD NOT REPAIR AND IT TOOK A LAWSUIT TO GET HONDA TO FIX A ROCKING SEAT THAT HAD BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES PRIOR, A DEFECTIVE STEERING RACK AND FRONT STRUTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CLOTH CAME OFF ALL 4 DOOR PANELS, THE TRUNK LOCK BROKE, THE AC DOES NOT WORK WELL, THE COMPUTER NEEDED REPROGRAMMING DUE TO EPA FAILURE, THE RADIO CHANGES STATIONS WHEN YOU OPEN THE SUN ROOF, THE CARPET CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR MATS AND THE LIST GOES ON.

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  Disappointed honda lover - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By AM - January 8 - 5:27 am

  I travel in and out of state for work so I need something good on gas with awd. I owned my 99 accord 10 years with 230k and all she needed was regular maintenance. In the 3 years I have owned this truck I have replaced the oil pressure switch 3 times, catalytic converter clogged, a/c issues, rear calipers seized, interior lights in dash inoperable, lower ball joints and (the cherry on top) the piston rings went which means my motor needs to be replaced. And I still owe money on the loan. Honda is not what they use to be :(

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  fire hazard - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By squire - December 28 - 8:29 am

  I use my Ridgeland off road a good amount. I regularly smell burning grass after drivng down dirt roads with grass growing in the middle. I have had a serious fire in the engine compartment which caused over $5,000 of damage. I have had one other small fire which I put out with a garden hose. There is a connection around the exhaust pipe that catches grass and leaves which smolder and/or catch fire. You may remember the Honda ads during the last March Madness showing a "herd" of Ridgelines crossing a field of tall grasses. That was a brush fire in the making. This pickup is safe in the mall parking lot, but dont go near the grass. Honda has been unresponsive.

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  Never again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cpass - December 21 - 2:00 am

  First Honda. Big mistake. Rattles and squeaks over Western PA roads. Problems starting in cold weather. Rear brakes cause major concern. They get stuck and heat up until they smoke. The rear wheels get so hot from the brakes, you cannot touch them. Seems worse when very cold outside. Seems like the emergecy brake gets stuck on. When they get stuck, brakes cause the car to feel like it is driving over rumble stips. Dealer cannot figure it out after several repair attempts. Claims Honda cannot figure it out and no problems reported by others. Unsafe. Trading it in with disclosure.

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  not the gas saver we need. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By trsheel - December 20 - 10:05 pm

  We like the Honda for its loading room. We are not getting the mpg that the dealer said it would 30+! real world mpg is 25 city & 28 hwy when we got it new the mpg was better, We fill the honda is a city car only!! the ride is too rough for a long road trip- over 100 miles, cheep sets, and 63- 250lbs not much set under you, I had an maz 323 1987 that road better!!

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  Dash sensor error - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jaxnana52 - December 20 - 7:00 pm

  Twice I have had an issue with the sensors giving every error. This is due to the sensor compartment getting wet. Dirt time driving in the rain. Second time after a car wash. I am told they will order parts and replace the unit. But since others are having the same issue. Honda needs to take another look at this area of the design. I paid cash for my vehicle, I love the truck. But will not put up with this issue.

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  V-6 Accord Ride Comfort - 2004 Honda Accord
  By KS Fujii - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Although I do not like the exterior design, the interiors are well appointed -- and to me, luxurious. Handling is satisfactory; but the comfort of ride is by far the worst of all cars that I have owned -- one feels every bump and road defect at both high and low speeds. I keep thinking that something is terribly wrong with this car, rated so highly by critics. This is our first Honda; and it has been a disappointment because of its ride. Obviously, Honda has not solved the problem of a bigger engine (V-6) with front wheel drive and its current suspension system.

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  Wouldnt buy another one .. ever - 2005 Honda Civic
  By g mack - December 3 - 9:10 am

  The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, they totally missed on the design and I am a normal size man.Trunk lid leaked from day one due to poor workmanship. The power window on the passegers side didnt work properly and I had to take it to the dealer twice. In general, just very poor construction of an automobile.

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  Think 3 times - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By upset - November 21 - 10:47 am

  Ask for a 6 cyl, and you get a car that drops to a 4 cyl to "save gas"! Well it isnt gas efficient, and if i wanted a 4 cyl, i would have bought a crv. this is not a comfortable car, road noise is loud, not very roomy for anyone over 53". honda could have done much better, for the sticker price. i now see why it was back on the lot just after a year, and only after driving it 45 days, it will be on the lot again!!!!