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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  Quality seems worse than the past - 2010 Honda Accord
  By NMT - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  I owned a 1999 Accord LX for 12 years and I like it since it is a very solid car and not much trouble. When it was time to buy a new one, I decided to stick with Accord and I thought it should be a slight upgrade to buy LX-P but I just feel bit disappointed since the engine pick up, gas mileage, interior material quality are worse than the past. The engine is little noise than my old one. However, the car handling is still pretty good. I like the new look and the price. I almost paid the same price what I paid 12 years ago if I stick with the LX basic model. If you consider inflation, it is over 30% cheaper. I think you get what you pay for.

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  Family car plus - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By c192ps - May 6 - 5:26 am

  We purchased the Honda after careful consideration of similar vehicles. Construction and fit/finish is excellent, we couldnÂ’t find defects. The handling and ride are good, but speed bumps are a different thing. If you take one above 5-10mph the passengers get a pretty rough jolt, where as my Nissan frontier can take speed bump at 25mph with little effect. The ride of the Pilot is between car like and the truck like ride of the other SUVs.

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  2004 Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By rabbit 162 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  The fuel economy is incredible! Even though the car is rated at only 87hp, it has plenty of power. Unfortunately, it is not equipped with cruise control, to which I have become accustomed. Also, rear visibility has been sacrificed in the interest of styling.

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  Good little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chicagoland driver - May 4 - 10:13 pm

  Bought it to replace my Ford midsized car. Very good handling. To state the obvious that some people forget, the way you drive will change the results you get with MPG. Ive been averaging 42 since I bought the car in very mixed driving situations. Been as high as 50 and as low as 33. The computer is a little dumb and doesnt shut-off the gasonline engine sometimes when youre sitting in traffic. Overall, Im very happy and love the blue color.

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  Uncomfortable - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bear - May 4 - 4:33 pm

  I owned this car for 1 week and had to trade it in. This has to be the most uncomfortable seating position in history! I was either too far from the wheel or too close to it w/no leg room. Drive it for more than the 15 minute test drive, youll be glad you did! The seat is poorly designed as well. Im amazed that Honda sells these things so well in Europe (but I hear it has an adjustable seat height there). When fully loaded with friends, the ride suffers and can be harsh over bumps. Buy a Civic instead!

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  OK car, but a lot of kinks to work out. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By happycam - May 4 - 2:56 am

  Overall I do like the car. It is fun to drive and has surprisingly good visibility (except on backing up). I like the look of the car both interior and exterior. In terms of pts for improvement: car has mediocre pickup. Seats arent comfortable. I find my back hurts after just 20-25 minutes of driving. Ive also encountered a number of problems that should have been worked out prior to release. If not, they should at least be flexible in dealing with the issue but theyre not. We bought 2 Hondas at the same time, the CR-V and a Civic. Really wishing we just got 2 Civics. The Civic drives far better and so far has no issues. And its significantly cheaper.

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  Still running - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By honda4ever - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Out of all the vehicles I have owned...Ford, Chevy, Lincoln, and Toyota, this car has outlasted all of them. All with only a minor Timing belt and AC problem. This Honda is still running strong and gets me to work every day 32 mi one way. I have over 145K miles and will love to see it double that without much maintance. The only thing you have to do to this car is change the oil. Shoot if you forget it will run on air!

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  CVT Transmission Problems - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Klaus21 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  CVT transmission developed serious problems at 60,000 miles and cost $2500 to fix, at the only shop or dealer which was willing to touch it. Now, at 65000 miles, it is going out again. Very disappointing for a car bought because one of its main features was supposed to be reliablity.

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  Poor mileage - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Rich - May 3 - 9:50 am

  After 2,000 miles my car is getting 20 percent lower mileage than sticker, whether highway or in-town. Honda says this is normal. Ive had two Toyota hybrids that matched or exceeded their stickered mileage. Honda will not work with me about correcting the problem. The car is otherwise comfortable to drive, but rather numb in handling. It has too many distracting screens, although some can be turned off.

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  Rotten Eggs - 2003 Honda Accord
  By WantahavaM3 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car smells like rotten eggs all the time. Honda corporate denies there is a problem. One service writer at the dealer claimed that Honda knows what the problem is but doesnt want to fix it. She also said that this problem is common on 2003 4 cylinder models. The service manager told me I dont drive it hard enough. All I can say is it makes me sick and Im about to see a doctor and get a lawyer.