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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  LOVING MY 07 CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JEM - October 27 - 10:03 pm

  I’ve only owned my 07 CRV for 4 full days and so far I am loving it. With 166 hp, it’s not a car for speedsters, so if you’re hoping to buy a fast car, stick to vehicles with V6 engines. What the CRV lacks in power, it more than makes up with its standard safety features such as ABS, VSA with traction control, EBD, TPMS to name a few. Many have written that the ride is very rough. When driving on uneven roads full of potholes or covered with rough surface, any car will feel the same way. I am not too crazy about the manually operated driver’s seat height adjustment and the limited choice of colors. Overall though, it was sure worth the wait and the price wasnt that bad.

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  Second Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Third Honda - October 27 - 3:16 pm

  Traded a 2003 for 2010. Had 200K on 2003 - excellent car, extremely reliable and great for family transportation. 2010 has nice options like automatic tailgate, navigation, and split rear seat. Miss compartment below passenger side seat. Could use second TV screen for rear seat (view is difficult from there as screen is small). Like moving the spare tire to the rear and getting the extra space in the floor. Especially like the mid seat windows that lower!

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  I am Loving It - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Missy - October 27 - 1:03 pm

  Great purchase decision. Love the car in totality. Lovely exterior and luxurious interiors makes Honda CRV the best buy of 2009 making it a value for money car. No complaints and fun to drive.

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  Gold Wing of midsize pickups - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wyowilly - October 27 - 10:26 am

  After owning a 91 Ranger since 91, the 2006 "Ridge" is about everything I needed and wanted in a replacement. I have the RTL for the leather - and didnt want the extras of moon roof and nav. So far, Ive driven 975 miles since purchase and experience with 4 adults on a 200+ mile trip. Not one - all seniors - was unhappy with either front or rear seats. Conversation at normal levels while cruising @ 75mph - a quiet ride. Learning curve is steeper than other new vehicles Ive owned since 1959. Avg mpg after 2 fills is 18.2+ mpg. A little sensitive to Wyoming winds - not nearly as bad as 05 Tacoma doublecab. Power & brakes both feel good. It is a excellent luxury vehicle with lot of work potential.

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  2014 Accord Sport Strut Problem - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Dan - October 27 - 10:03 am

  I dont normally write negative reviews but this will be an exception. There are three things that are less than expected for a car that has the reputation that Honda has. First the road noise was a lot louder than it should be, but being a sport model might be the reason for that. Second the radio reception is the worst that Ive ever had in a car. Third I had to have the drivers side rear wheel bearing replaced at 12,523 miles then the passengers side rear wheel bearing replaced at 21,273 miles. This was done under the warrantee, but when I asked if there could be a reason for wheel bearings to fail with such low mileage, I was told that they were just defective. They were replaced at no charge to me so I didnt think any more about it. After returning from a driving vacation my wife and I heard the familiar roar of worn wheel bearings so I took it to the dealer again to have it fixed again. The car only has 26,000 miles on it. I was told that it was not the bearings this time but the rear tires were "cupped" because of being out of alignment. I asked how bad it was because the car doesnt pull one way or the other. They checked and found that it was not out of alignment (I have the readout) on their own machine but they still said it was out and needed new tires and an alignment. I went to the tire dealer (not sure if I should use company names but this is a well-respected national chain). They told me that "cupped tires are not an alignment issue and that my struts were "shot". They said thats what causes tires to "cup" or "chop". I talked to several mechanics and researched this issue on the internet to find that the tire people were right. As a reference in this case, I had my tires checked for alignment and again found that they were good. I approached the car dealers service department about my findings and asked if the struts were covered under the warrantee. They said yes if they were bad, but they said they were not bad because they werent leaking and would not replace them. I called Honda America to see if they would help me with this. Their policy is to not accept "third party" solutions to problems. To make a long story a little shorter, Honda will not stand behind this problem. Having new struts installed would cost over $725.00 just for the rear struts plus to replacement tires to match the one that are on the front of the car would cost over $600.00 plus a four wheel alignment $100.00. Hondas recommendation was to replace the two rear tires and get an alignment. After the research and recommendations of several mechanics, that would be a waste of time and money as the cupping problem would continue and I would see the same problem in another 20,000 to 25,000 miles, wearing out tires in half their lifetime. So even Hondas have problems and if there is a way Honda can get out of fixing the problem under warrantee, they will.

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  my sports fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By CA driver - October 27 - 7:43 am

  I finally traded my gas guzzler, SUV for a Sports Fit. After doing the research and driving the car, I purchased my orange Fit. I had to adjust to less suspension, a rougher road ride than before. I loved the quick turn action and actually entered the freeway and hit 60 mph in six seconds. It performs nicely and I came from Mercedes and Nissan Pathfinder. I love my little car, more features included than on the Matrix. I definitely saw the quality in this buy over its competition.

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  Brakes & radio - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By patricia logsdon - October 27 - 5:48 am

  I like my Honda pilot but at 25,000 miles my radio went shot, had to be replaced, and then I was told my back brakes had to be replaced at 25,000 miles. Thats pretty bad when you cant even get at least 75,000 miles out of a new car. Not really happy right now.

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  2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6sp Manual - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Carrion - October 26 - 10:58 pm

  So far I have put on 1100 plus miles and I do not have any complaints. The car handles well and is roomy (Im 62") with plenty of space for passengers. I think the price I paid was fair and I would do business with my dealer again. Lots of cargo room too. The 6sp manual transmission is quick and responsive and fun to drive.

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  2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6sp Manual - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Carrion - October 26 - 10:58 pm

  So far I have put on 1100 plus miles and I do not have any complaints. The car handles well and is roomy (Im 62") with plenty of space for passengers. I think the price I paid was fair and I would do business with my dealer again. Lots of cargo room too. The 6sp manual transmission is quick and responsive and fun to drive.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By spritzy - October 26 - 6:53 pm

  I have nothing but positive remarks on my purchase of a Honda Accord. Very comfortable, fun to drive, and Im hooked on the XM radio. A great value for the amount of extra features.