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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  Noise from gas tank - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Brigitte - December 24 - 11:16 am

  I purchased the car in Aug 08. and was extremely happy with the car until two days later. I noticed that the steering would pull to the right. I was told it was the crown in the road. Having insisted on something being done, a number of adjustments were made and it drives better. The next issue which has me pondering trading the car in,is noise heard from the gas tank. When the gas tank is full, I can hear the gas sloshing around and it makes a loud thumping noise. The dealership stated this was due to the design of the gas tank and a condition of the car. Take the opportunity to turn off your radio and drive around. Otherwise, it has great space, and a comfortable ride. Gas mileage is ok.

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  Style nice, reliability questionable - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Richie - December 24 - 11:03 am

  At 57,000 miles, overall the car has been ok, but, I have had both rear wheel bearings and the rear control arms replaced. This was due to a factory problem which caused a rear tire to severely cup. All OEM tires were replaced at 45,000. The past 10,000 miles the transmission is making strange clinking noises when accelerating from a stop. A low roar has developed in the exhaust system. The car handles well but road noise is still a problem. Comfort isnt too bad but the emergency brake handle needs to be relocated. Overall I like the car but I will be trading in for a new Accord as I no longer need a commuter car.

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  ignore sticker mpg - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - December 24 - 2:36 am

  Nice van. Seats are wonderful. Drives excellent, relatively quiet for a van. Engine noise is non-exsistent. MPG is horibble, no where near 20-28 on sticker. VCM is almost pointless at 75 mph so increase in mileage at interstate speeds is terrible. If you drive 45 mph everywhere it may get 25 mpg. Averages 19 mpg with 90% interstate driving, thats not even what it was advertised to get in TOWN! Only problems with some faulty weather stripping yet, but have only had it 2 months and 3500 miles. My 1st Honda so will be curious if it will be reliable. Dealership and sales people horrible. Tried 3 different Honda dealers, none seem to want you business.

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  gas milage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Michael davis - December 22 - 10:55 pm

  the gas mileage was advertised 26 to 33 miles per gallon. I am not even getting 22 miles per gallon. I have yet to get even 26 miles per gallon. My wife also bought a 2015 crv. same thing mileage about 22 mpg. Blatant false advertising

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  What was I thinking? - 2005 Honda Element
  By Debbie - December 22 - 9:56 pm

  With its one-of-a-kind look, I thought I wanted this vehicle. I have had this car for about 5 months now and this is really not the car for me. I find it to be very impractical. Have had to litterally back out of my parking spot to open the back doors to load groceries and children. Steering wheel blocks the view of the speedometer and I have found it does not handle well around corners. Putting the back seats up blocks visibility. Although,cargo room is great. I Have driven across the state several times with a load full of baseball gear and luggage and could still see out of all the windows. Also nice to drag your big dog around in. Good car for active singles, not families.

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  93HondaLX - 1993 Honda Accord
  By zdriver - December 22 - 2:00 am

  It doesnt seem to want to wear out. It maintains its good looks inside and out. Its one of the prettiest Hondas ever made. The mechanics are second to none.

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  Service Department Attitude - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jvwheel - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Accord Has had brake problems. At first they were grabby. Then at 5000 mi they chattered. The service writer said it was my fault for braking hard - forgive me for using the brakes. They resurfaced the discs. (not replaced - I paid for a new car). Now at 7500 I again have brake chatter. Service is poor and service writerss have an attitude. I have driven new cars every couple of years and have never had a brake problem. Ill never been treated more poorly when requesting warranty service. Buy something else.... Serviced at Tempe Honda of Tempe, AZ

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  Another tranny failure - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By rolly - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Our tranny gave out at 71K. Lucky for the extended warrantee. The failure was very fast with little warning. I am not happy with the fit and finish of this van. Paint chips easily, dashboard has very thin color coating which scratches easily. rattles and shakes abound. Anti-theft key system failure left us stranded for two days early on.

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  Engine is sounds like a mixer - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jack Dunkle - December 15 - 9:11 pm

  Drive the turbo for a little longer than normal. It is very very load on acceleration, and during normal driving.

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  Cant get mileage up! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kreislt - December 15 - 2:53 am

  We drive half highway half in-town for a 10 mile commute and longer distance trips on the weekend. Over 20K miles and only getting 38 mpg with not much variation highway vs. city despite making sure tires well inflated. Cloth interior started wearing down six months into owning; get the leather now that its an option! GPS is only good for providing map of where you are en route but points of interest are impossible to navigate and she takes you on crazy trips sometimes (wasnt this way with older Honda GPS in accord). beautiful dash design and fun to drive. why are we getting such poor gas mileage?