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:

• 

  Seat belt issues - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Iain1 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I was totally satisfied with my Odessey up until very recently. The seat belts in the second and third row seats need replacing. They easily lock into position but will only readjust when completed reeled in. It appears that seat belts are a problem in the car. I cannot get them replaced because they are on national back order. I look forward to seeing the replacement to the Odessey in the fall but the seat belts need improving. Im not sure how much I can trust these seat belts with my kids. Come on Honda.

• 

  Very Noisy at 50mph - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack J. - July 5 - 1:53 am

  I purchased a 2005 because I had zero complaints with my first Odyssey, a 2001. I did not take a long test drive of the 2005 because: "its a Honda, it must be a good car". I wish I could have it to do over. For me there is a real annoying problem with the car. The overdrive kicks in at 50 mph, with the torque converter locking up very quickly. The RPM drops to 1300 to 1500 RPM and if feels like an old stick truck with the engine lugging/vibrating. The steering wheel actually vibrates along with a annoying audiable vibration noise. The dealer called Honda and they indicated yes this is an issue, wait 1000 miles to see if it gets better with converter wear. I wish I had it to do over.

• 

  New member to our Honda fleet - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Tschirhart - July 4 - 1:52 pm

  Have had a Honda fleet for the whole family since 1990, loved and love them all. Quality and reliability of the CRV-EX attracted us and did not disappoint. Not a luxurious interior, but more than sufficient if you are a practical sort. Was a bit surprised and a little disappointed by the relatively small gas tank, about 13 gallons compared to the 18 gallons of our 4-cyl 2.4l 2009 Accord which has fantastic range 450 miles on the highway. The CRV with the smaller tank has a lower range in the 300-350 mile range. Happy with the price we paid after shopping with dealers on the internet, just ask dealers for a quote and compare, and ask others to match your best price. When negotiating with dealers, watch out for the relatively expensive (~$500) dealer package (up-scaled floor mats, locking lugs, a few free oil changes) that they may push on you at the end of the negotiation after a couple of hours invested. Ask about this upfront and walk if you dont want this package.

• 

  This car is starting to fall apart. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - July 4 - 2:20 am

  Ive owned this car for 7 months now. This car pretty much seemed problem free up until when the weather gets really hot. Squeaks and rattles appear to come alive throughout the interior and pinpointing the area is difficult. Both sun visors came apart in the heat and failed to stay up. A/C condensation spills into the passenger interior instead of outside. Interior is very easy to scrape/scratch/scuff. Interior fabric and door panels will start to fade in the Summer sun. As for the driving aspect, clutch squeak, gear shifting hits a wall (all gears) and a/c belt squeak is becoming a common recurrence. Pedestrians will get lost in the large blind spots and the throttle response lags.

• 

  Gas mileage way below expected - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Margaret Sazani - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is advertised at 47/48 mpg. I have had the car for 9 months now and have 8,000 miles on it, and still only get 39 mpg. I am very very disappointed in this performance. The dealer says its because there are lots of hills in this area and I drive it too fast. I think the advertised mpg should NOT be based on performance on flat terrain at slow speeds. So I am not at all happy with the cars performance in this area.

• 

  Poor Transmission and Dishonest Service - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Phil Garcia - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Two months into my first new automobile I developed window problems. Somethng in the door panel was scratching my glass. I took it to get serviced at least 6 times. Finally they fixed it but I still have small lines in the window. After about 16000 miles during an oil change the tech noticed the transmission was leaking. So bad I wasnt allowed to take my car home. After two fixes honda put in a new tranny. Now a tensioner pully is wobbling up and down. One thing to fix that but what problems did it create. Plus when they put in the tranny my alignment went out of place and they didnt install the motor mounts in right.

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pete - July 2 - 5:40 am

  I came to the Civic from a 99 Caddy STS. While it isnt as comfortable as the Caddy and lacks the 300hp engine, It still boasts some very impressive features. For instance, I typically get about 30-35 mpg city and about 40-45 mpg highway. The car is very fun to drive (I love the manual transmission). The ride is pretty smooth. Im a pretty big guy (61, 280 lbs) and I fit just fine. Theres plenty of legroom (I dont even put the seat all the way back!). However, I wouldnt recommend the coupe to anyone planning to move 4 adults. The back seat is way to small for most adults. My 17 lb dog seems pretty comfortable back there, but I cant imagine any more substantial creature would be.

• 

  Dealers are dealing on these. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Stoner - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Had mine a couple of weeks now, very nice car. Got it for 15,885, no one is buying these cars, have not seen any on the road. Very happy so far, car is a blast to drive, very fast. Love the shifter. Gas mileage in not as good as I expected, but I cant keep my foot out of it either.

• 

  Go Honda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By lkp - June 30 - 2:00 am

  has been a wonderful, dependable, reliable car

• 

  An o-kay minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By norwin89 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good car,love the ext design, but terrible int design and gas mileage, very comfortable seating and third row seating good enough for medium sized adults, a Good car, but could be better