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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  Honda is a Sad car. Please buy a Honda or Kia - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Eric Price - October 9 - 9:38 pm

  If you buy this car know that if any thing goes wrong and can not be fixed, Honda will do nothing about this problem. My USB port for the audio freezes everyday and also the radio dashboard freezes. Honda says they have not found a fix for this problem, even though it has been 3 years. Honda is blaming other brands who Honda uses to make the Civic with. They will not compensate me. But will apologize...

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  I wont buy another Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Mandy - October 6 - 9:06 pm

  Very poor quality vehicle

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  Great car. - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By TREY - October 6 - 3:24 pm

  2013 honda crv lx has 40,000 miles Ive had no issues with the car. One dislike was road noise from the factory continental tires so I found some ex l 17 inch wheels and bought a new set of michelin latitude tires. Its amazing what a difference that made. Another dislike is that there is no arm rest for passenger driver. Other than that it gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room for size.

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  Should have stayed with Toyota - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan Mom - October 5 - 10:38 am

  I have had my Odyssey for almost 4 years. 53,000 we have had to purchase tires, been through three sets of brakes on the front and new roters. Now having transmission problems. The DVD system has problems, the seats shake, the center seat cupholder has been replaced twice. The interior is plastic and everything scratches it. For what we paid this is so disappointing.

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  not happy owner - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By m carter - October 2 - 8:58 pm

  This is our 4th CRV. None of the others had a vibration problem. When backing sometimes it is so bad it feels like it is going to stall. Had the something happen while pulling into a parking spot and at a stop sign. Also has an issue with it not slowing when you take your foot off the gas. Didnt keep my 2012 because no arm rest for passenger side but now wish I had. Center console has no room.

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  little old lady has warped rotors - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Sheila - September 30 - 11:01 am

  Before reaching 20,000 miles started experiencing steering wheel shimmy when applying the brakes. Turns out I have warped rotors. Never had this problem with any other new vehicle. I understand the warranty is only good for 12,000 miles. Could this possibly be a recall problem. Also updated the navigation map based on recommendation. You can do this yourself my inserting CD and following instructions. Did so, but now every time I start the engine, I get a message stating map is not valid.

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  Serious ECO Issues *** Do Not Buy *** - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - September 28 - 8:49 pm

  I purchased a 2013 Pilot Touring 2WD fully loaded and noticed hesitation when the vehicle is in ECO mode. The dealer is aware of the problem but says there is no fix for the problem. My problems started at 3000 miles. The problem really occurs when in ECO mode going up hill. When the stuttering/hesitation starts you will feel as though you are on a rodeo bull. In addition, I notice serious front-end shaking with no evident cause. I though I was the only person, but when Googled I discovery many pilot owners experiencing the same issues. See the links below. http://www.piloteers.org/forums/14-problems/33382-2013-pilot-constant-eco-vibration.html http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2013/drivetrain/power_train.shtml Sincerely, Michael

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  Battery/air conditioner is problematic - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - September 25 - 11:15 pm

  Ive already replaced my battery one at year two. The mechanic said something about my driving, idling, extra usage of phone charging. Ive not changed my driving style in 40 years, and Ive never had to replace a battery before 4-5 years. The air conditioner has gone out every year. They dont say its a normal occurrence, but they dont admit that something may be wrong either. Ive always been a Honda girl, but after this car...I will research other cars.

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  Not a highway car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By DEEZ - September 25 - 4:57 am

  When I first bought this car I tool it back to the dealer because I thought the steering had a flaw. It was just the wind. Its very light and really gets pushed around on the road. We took it from Ohio to Virginia this summer and what a terrible trip. Its just not built to drive over 55. No acceleration at all. Also the headlights are very dim. The storage is great and MPG is better than advertised. I havent had any mechanical issues. We bought it for my wife to learn to drive, but the visibility with those little van windows and the tall seat placement is terrible.

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  uncomfortable seats - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jackie adams - September 20 - 7:11 pm

  The gas mileage is great but taking a trip this is not the car to drive. My back and hips hurt so bad I can hardly stand. After my trip it has been hard going back to work I wish I can find a replace seat.