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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  My very last Honda or Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By John Pankratz - December 4 - 12:01 am

  I was one of the first in America to take delivery on my 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite. The dealership had not even been trained on the whole new technology system so i still have no idea to work most of the functions on the computer. I told the general manager of the dealership to have someone at Honda contact me, so I could set up a private education session for my wife and I. That has not happened and it has been over a month and a half. 2 weeks ago my 12 year old son grabbed the front grab handle and it came off in his hand as he fell to the ground. Lots of rattles and noises that our 2 previous Honda Odysseys never had. Now the "biggie" A week ago the rear passenger door window stopped working. Brought it to my local dealership who looked at it and said it was probably the motor. We made an appointment for Monday July 17, 2018 at my local dealership to have the window fixed. Today i was told by my dealership to come pick up my van and that the window was not fixed!!??? They told me that Honda USA is well aware of a problem with the rear windows on these new 2018 Odysseys and that parts are on backorder and Honda has "no idea" when the parts will be available!! So I wasted two days of my wife and my time to get my broken van back that is still broken. This new Odyssey has less than 2,000 miles on it...and if we could bring it back for a full refund we would run not walk. This van is a piece of $%&(

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  Not as good - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Joe Qu - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I expected to much after reading all the good reviews on the Civic. Compaired to my 93 Nissan Sentra the Civic is a pain to drive and park.

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  Honda Civic Not the Car Id Hoped! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Angela - November 26 - 12:03 pm

  Bought the Civic after family members had great experiences with older Civics & Accords. Thought Id get a great car and save $$ on gas & ownership costs. After commuting with it daily for about a week, the odd angle of the gas pedal drove me nuts! Repositioning the seat has never helped.On long drives the seats get uncomfortable quickly.Also, living in MI, Ive had to resort to driving my husbands truck if theres any sort of snow or even heavy rain! All 4 tires replaced at 25K (!)but made no difference! Id never had an accident, but while driving in snow around a curve at 15mph I slid right off the road! Visibility is very poor due to side window columns!Hate to lose $ but trading it in!

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  I am sorry I bought it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jjjules - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My last 3 cars have been Nissans, but I wanted to try an SUV, and always liked the features in the CRV, Plus I figured you could not go wrong with a Honda as far as reliability was concerned. Wrong. The car has less than 4ooo miles and Ive had to the dealer 4 times for a check engine light problem, the last time smoke was pouring in the car. The interior molding is Cheap! If you even brush by it with a backpack or shoe its scratched. Carpeting is cheap and piling. And my gas milege is under 20 mpg. I wish I had bought the no- frills Ford explorer for a little bit more, but I am stuck with it. I will never buy another Honda!

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  Think before buying - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Stephanie - November 3 - 3:25 am

  The paint WILL fade on this car as part of the manufacturer paint recall and they will only pay 25% to help you fix this problem even though you bought this car from HONDA! They told me it was 2 years past warranty and "I was lucky that they were even helping cover the cost to repair the paint at all". The service is ridiculous, I highly suggest you buy your car from a manufacture that actually takes responsibility for a known defect in the car.

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  So far, so many problems - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bob - October 25 - 7:50 am

  First the good- love the interior room Now the not so good- at 500 miles discovered cv boot leaked all its grease- no rip/tear factory problem- rear speaker sounds blown- dealer adjusted bass-said it was fixed- the cv boot was fixed, not happy with the resolution of the other issues. I feel the vehicle is over-rated. MPG around 11 in city- I got 10 with my suburban. Why would Honda put cheap, poor handling tires on such an expensive vehicle? New tires make a big difference in handling. I am not impressed so far.

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  Never Again - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dhbl - October 12 - 11:43 pm

  I thought that this would be a reliable car that gets good gas mileage. All I can say is never again will I buy a Honda. I have had transmission problems, some covered by warranty others not. The fuel economy is not great, 22mpg. I can get better mileage from my other larger sedan that I own. Basicaly it has been very disapointing

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  Car stalls and doesnt crank - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Rich - October 6 - 1:37 am

  I wouldnt recommend buying the 2014 Honda Accord. It has a major safety issue and it isnt reliable. Ive called AAA several times for a jumpstart. The dealer says there isnt a problem with the car but they are WRONG!. I bought the car new and emergency jumper cables were included with the purchase. Hmm, I wonder why?

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  Not worth the money - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - September 17 - 11:37 pm

  The vehicle rides a little too noisy. It lacks power. But is very annoying because the ac sends a stale odor into the cabin after sitting for a few hours. Honda has not been able to fix and tells me to turn the ac off. Thats not acceptable. This is our 5th Honda. No major issues before. They all have lacked power and had several squeaks. It usually took me a few months to fix the squeaks... then ok.

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  After 4 Years, Not Impressed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jhill - September 16 - 7:35 pm

  I purchased a used 2010 EXL off lease where one would assume minimal issues. I got sucked into "Its a Honda, you wont have to worry about anything!" Needless to say, that was not my experience. In my opinion, the car is unpleasant to drive and very noisy. There is so much wind noise that you cant even use the Bluetooth radio feature because no one can hear you! The stock Michelins were loud and I replaced them with supposedly a more quiet tire and it did little to improve Road noise. The brakes should be recalled. I spent over 1k trying to get them fixed and then finally replaced. Mine rewarped twice before deciding to replace them. Honda could care less about this even though every single owner had the issue. If you buy one of this year model make sure they are fixed. The electronics use a lot of battery. Found this out when I was working in the car on a few occasions. 20 minutes of radio equals not enough power to start the car. Always fun trying to find someone to jump you. The battery tested fine at the dealership. I also had dumb things like 2 door locks that went bad. I couldnt open either passenger door without manually unlocking first. Another stupid thing that went wrong at $200 a piece. To top it all off, Honda didnt manufacture the transmission with a basic filter so it is recommended to change the fluid more often. Every other manufacturer has this, but in their genius engineering, decided to eliminate a basic feature that can avoid costly transmission repairs. The reviews about people losing their transmission are likely due to this. All in all, this car was not worth the money. It is unrefined and not as reliable as their reputation would lead you to believe. There are much nicer cars that can be had for less money.