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 Accord 2014 - 2014 Honda Accord
  By shennaw - April 25 - 12:13 pm

  I feel my new Honda is very reliable, spacious, fast, and stylish.

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  Bad idea.. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By big_clocks - April 22 - 11:40 pm

  Bought this car a couple months ago thinking it would be a good investment because of how reliable civics are known to be and because of their gas mileage. Well, I get 30mpg all day, but this car has not been reliable for me. Had fuel issues when I bought it and now has a vacuum leak that has been impossible to trace, and my transmission shifts sloppy as well. Forgot to mention I bought this car with only 132k miles. Will definitely be staying away from civics from now on, only Honda I would own again is a Prelude, which I owned before this car. Stay away from this car unless you have money to throw into it.

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  Faulty A/C and Electronics - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jlmedina - April 22 - 12:43 am

  Bought a new 2013 from Whittier Community Honda. 14 months later a/c goes out & battery dies. After doing some research, both are known defects. Honda even lost a class-action lawsuit in 2013 for the a/c but never corrected the problem for newer models. Honda refused to repair a/c saying its my problem. Honda shouldve at least warned me about the design flaw & problems so I could make an informed decision whether to buy or not. I had 2 previous Hondas. One had a recall that they never told me about & the other had a class action lawsuit regarding brakes that Honda again lost but they forgot to tell me. I dont trust Honda anymore especially Whittier Community Honda.

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  Headrest problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wtd01 - April 21 - 10:18 am

  The headrest forces your head too far forward causing neck pain. The instructions indicate to set the headrest so the back of your head is aligned to the middle of the headrest. the headrest doesnt extend high enough to meet that requirement. I am 6 tall. Honda USA refuses to acknowledge that a problem exists or that anyone else has complained (contact# N12015-04-210-0282). I would nor buy this vehicle if you are 6 or taller.

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  Spaceship Civic... - 2015 Honda Civic
  By gregrnel - April 19 - 8:09 pm

  So, when reviewing a vehicle, I believe you need to put it in the context of the car before it. Well, here it is kids, I am one of the very, very, very few that went from an S197 Mustang GT to a Civic. Yes, you read that right...a Mustang GT. Ive owned Hondas in the past, but not for a while. This car is an absolute thrill to drive, why? Its slow, it gets 38MPG on the highway, It has all the cams, moonroof, its comfy, very smooth ride and the tech is outstanding. Basically, this makes the Stang seem Flintstone-ish. Sure the Stang is fast as hell, but the Civic is way more advanced. Wish I could keep them both, but my old back is not going to miss that Mustang clutch.

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  So Happy! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By supermars24 - April 18 - 8:14 pm

  My previous car, a Nissan Altima, was a disappointment and had over a 100,000 miles that worried me when I first brought it back in 2010. Over the years, I had to constantly do repairs on it, such as power steering replacement new alternator belt new power plug the bottom replaced (the plastic cover) and headlights replaced. I was so scared that I would have to spend more than I decided to look into a new car. Ive been waffling between the Toyota Corolla and this. I heard that the Corollas have been about less than average because of transmission and reliability, so I test drove the Civic and been a happy customer ever since! I am so happy with this car, you have no idea! You dont!

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  Most bad car I have owned - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tearsbuyer222 - April 18 - 6:29 pm

  I just bought car in March, and one week late I found the car has vibration problem, and felt a slight jump on the freeway if the car in high speed. I reported this problem to dealership and Honda Headquarter, they said it is under investigation, but without time frame. This problem not only happened on my car. Honda knows this, but they dont want to solve this. They keep saying no safety issue. From Hondas attitude to this problem, who will believe them, and how we can trust them!!! Why we should buy a NEW car with problems! Why should we be suffered by the vibration while driving on the freeway?! Why should we pay a NEW car price to get a defeat car?! It is not fair to customers! I have

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  Grandma car with only 79,000 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By yohahn_bravo - April 17 - 8:21 pm

  I love the acceleration of the 6 cylinder. When the v-tec kicks in it really pulls. The car makes a whirring sound until 3,400 when it starts to sound angry. This engine is strong and responsive at all speeds. Passing power is exceptional and the car never feels breathless even when floored. The seats are comfortable for me and everything is within reach. My only complaint is the lack of hip room. I used to have a maxima which was huge, I was a bit spoiled with space. I realize this and the Odyssey define a marginal Honda transmission but I have never felt a slip or rough shift so far and praying for 180k out of the transmission. I do mostly highway driving so the 4 speed doesnt always have

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  Owned for 13 years and counting... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Pat - April 17 - 1:11 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 with 35,000 mils on it. I just hit 273,000 miles and this baby is still going strong. The wheel wells are starting to get body rot, but I have nothing negative to say about this car.

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  CRV Vibration is Real Dont buy one now! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bruce DeWerth - April 16 - 3:47 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in November as a change from my Ford Escape. Bad idea. From day one there has been a vibration when the brake is depressed at stop lights. The vibration is severe and carries throughout the vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealership an was told that "this is normal and wont harm the car" How crazy is that? I called Honda and they told me that they are aware of the problem. When I asked why they dont fix it. I was told that there was a video on You tube explaining the vibration problem. Unbelievable. I never expected a response like that from Honda. Beware they are still shipping them problem and all. Big Recall coming. This is really shameful.