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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  2 Yr review - 2000 Honda Accord
  By SFcommuter - July 30 - 10:00 am

  2+ yrs, 32K mi. Reliability great. Rides smoothly at 85mph. But wind noise really loud over 60mph. Must crank up radio 4 levels on hwy. 4 cyl engine is peppy. I sometimes pop down to 4th to pass (although car is automatic). Seats way too hard during long commutes. I bought a furry sheep skin seat cover and this helps. Leather seats better? Test rides not long enough to notice hard seats & wind noise. Interior is clean and easy to use. The ABS, keyless entry and aluminum wheel rims are a nice value w/ the SE. Overall, Im still very pleased with this car. Its a smart buy. The longer I have the car, the more it becomes a dependable/reliable friend.

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  Not what I expected from Honda! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CrimDoc - July 30 - 7:10 am

  I am a long term Honda owner who selected the CRV over the alternatives mainly because I have been VERY happy with my 95 DelSol. Thus far, my experience with the CRV and has been mostly negative: First, my car has a pronounced pull to the right: both under acceleration and when rolling. The dealership tried twice to fix it and then DECLARED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND HAS REFUSED TO DO ANY MORE WORK!!! Moreover, American Honda is BACKING THEM UP! Second, Honda quotes fuel economy numbers of 23/29. So far, Ive been getting less than 20 (primarly highway). I know its cold, and perhaps the engine still needs to break in, But so far this vehicle is far from fuel efficient.

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  on the mark - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dee - July 30 - 3:10 am

  Love this van, hard to believe you are driving a mini van. Very comfortable and controls are within reach, handles very well. Lots of storage. First time owning a foreign minivan, sorry I waited so long.

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  4 Years is enough - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By dg280zx - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My 01 model runs like the day I got it after 52,000 miles. The only quality issue has been the drivers side window which makes a thud when going up. No squeaks or rattles though. It cruises along fine at 80 but can be a bit noisy since its a 4 cylinder. It is not a drag racer but it accelerates very quickly once you get the revs up. Requires premium fuel every fill up. You also have to drive the Prelude 100% of the time because of its tight steering and you will feel every road flaw because of its tight suspension. Its been a fun few years but I will probably trade it in a year or so for a six cylinder that can carry four adults and has modern amenities.

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  Poor Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By ctk - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My first time to own Honda vehicle and frustrated me with the poor quality\ in suspension shocks(squeaks), sliding doors hard to be opened if not used for a few days.(Note: doors are lubricated.)--handles broke twice at both doors, transmission noisy when change gear from "Park" to "Drive" in a gentle slope , climate control knobs cracked...Whole bunch problems occurred around 30K miles. Fixed them at the dealers and problems come back again at 60k miles. People buy this minivan SHOULD purchase extended warranty.

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  2008 Civic Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Indianajim - July 27 - 6:10 pm

  I have a recently purchased Civic Si Sedan and hav a little over five hundred miles on it. Overall its a great little car thats practical. It seats my wife and I plus our two small kids well, with room to spare in tthe trunk. I handles great especially with the summer tires. My only couple of beefs with the car is the first 5 minutes of warm up, It wants to buck in first or second gears until it warms up. It just annoying, you would have thought Honda could have reprogrammed the ECM to fix this. Ive heard from other message boards this was due to something emissions rated, whatever it is very annoying. My other beef is the auto door locking function.

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  Great upgrade from Civic - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mychal - July 27 - 2:40 am

  Just purchased the 2009 Honda Accord EXL. What an upgrade from the 2006 Civic EX that I had. Being the 4th Honda Ive owned Im definitely a loyal Honda owner and the newest Accord reaffirms my loyalty. Great styling, handling and features for the price. I highly recommend any Honda, but especially the Accord.

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  Its fun but the mileage isnt close to what they claim. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By nperrry - July 27 - 12:50 am

  I went from a Infiniti M35 to the 2013 Accord Coupe. I love the design of the car and its a blast to drive. My complaint is this. Im not getting anywhere near the mileage they claim to get in the city. Ive even drove like a little ole man from Pasadena just to see if I could get it to improve. Im getting like 13 or 14 MPG in the city, WITH THE ECON BUTTON ON. Ive called the dealer and they claim that the car needs to break in, have at least 5000 miles on it. Well I sure hope this is true because as it stands now, Id have kept my Infiniti and am counting the months until I can drop this Honda off at the dealer and go get another Infiniti.

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  Solid family car for when a minivan wont do - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Chris Glazner - July 26 - 7:03 pm

  With my growing family and constant trips to a mountain cabin, we needed more space that we had in our old Forester, but couldnt give up solid AWD and high clearance to make it. The Pilot does this well--good power, clearance, and traction, with a ton of room. Its a larger vehicle, though, so if you put things on your roof, youll need to be tall or carry a step stool, since there are not good external steps. Im not a fan of the roof rails for attachments, as it means I cant reuse my older Thule setup. Finally, Im not crazy with the entertainment system--it can be easy to get lost in different contexts. For example, switching from listening to the radio to Spotify is a multistep process that can take some getting used to.

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  Good value - 2017 Honda Fit
  By NT - July 26 - 3:51 pm

  This vehicle meets my needs and falls in my budget level.