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:

• 

  Bring them back Honda - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A Missourian - July 4 - 12:02 am

  After reading numerous reviews on Volvos, Subarus, and old Mercedes diesels, we found out about the 1995-1998 Honda Odysseys. Talk about a car ahead of its time! The 1998 model came with the 2.3L 4-cylinder VTEC, which has excellent V6-like power. These 1st Gens were still made in Japan, and were built from the Accord platform (with the same engine).... because of that, the trannys are much better than what was found in the early 2nd Gen model (1999-2001). We have had ours for a few months, and it has been the best car we have ever owned! I switched to synthetic oil/filter, and get 31+ MPG highway on a tank! No gas car made in 09 that seats 7 can even match that!

• 

  Its a Keeper - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JL Clancy - July 3 - 9:41 pm

  The best thing about driving the S2000 is that I am a lady science teacher and my middle school students love it that I can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds in my Honda. My husband has clocked me. My husbands feet are a little too big for the pedals so he doesnt drive it much but we bought the Honda for me anyway. I zip around the countryside, hugging corners, shifting gears. Sixth gear is the best as I feel the burst of power. People smile and wave to us. Young and old have said, "Cool ride!" And it is.

• 

  Very Frustrated!!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben N. - July 3 - 8:07 pm

  Wonderful van with the exception of the steering issues. Read all the problems with alignment and steering with these vehicles (extreme pulling, memory steer, difficulty aligning, steering clucks, steering resistance, etc., etc.). I dont know how this vehicle got such high ratings in all editorials without anyone noticing the irregularities with drive and alignment. Dont buy it! Seems as though some must be OK, but more than one would think have issues...believe me and the others when we say this.

• 

  Dying excitement on third day!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Arun Mallapareddi - July 3 - 7:34 pm

  Ever since the 2016 accord release we were very excited. We loved the technology, safety and fuel economy, and of course the brand name Honda. Finally purchased one few days ago 2016 Accord EX-L 2.4L black and black. It looks amazing. New wheels style, drl, back led lights makes the car look stylish. I like the infotainment system and luxury looking interiors. However, all this excitement died out soon and now I am actually dreading to drive it already. The front seats are extremely uncomfortable, making my driving experience very poor. First day after an hour of drive I started to feel uncomfortable in the back. Thought I was still adjusting to the new seats. But the problem started to worsen. I have to drive about an hour and a half to my work and just after second day of use my problem is heading towards worse. Now third day and I am dreading to take it for the drive. The problem is with the lumbar support and seat structure itself. I love everything else about the car, but whats the use of a car if it gives me new health problems!!! Just above the lumbar support mechanism there is a band of stiff area which doesnt move, which pinches on the back. This is high up and digs a little into ribs on back. If I use the lumbar support to even it out, that makes it more uncomfortable. The support is too hard and poorly designed. Additionally, the seats back and base are hinged such that it causes strain in the hips. Now my hips started to hurt as well. I have tried every setting possible without any relief. I am 58" with average built and I never had any prior back issues. I used to drive a Nissan altima without any problems and never had any problems with other cars I used to rent for long drives. But I am surprised to see accord is so uncomfortable. This problem is highly unlikely to be surface with short test drives, and accord is not a fleet car and usually not available to rent. So I never realized the problem. I really wanted to like the car but I dont know what to do now. I never thought a car which costs over 30k would be so poorly made. New buyers beware!!! If you have no issues with the seats I think its a great car.

• 

  Majority Upgrade, A Few Issues - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brian - July 3 - 2:34 pm

  My lease came sure on my 2014 So, and enjoyed the car, so I upgraded to the 2017 version. The engine is noticably more powerful, and the exterior styling has been improved (the car looks a whole lot meaner, in my opinion). I have the same complaints from my 2014, and a couple new ones: STILL AN ISSUE: 1. Cupholder placement. I know drivers that prefer manual are a dying breed, but if youre going to make a manual-only Civic, dont put the cupholders in front of the shifter; 2. Touchscreen. Hondas interface has been upgraded (?) but its still terrible. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can only control a piece of the system. The rest has to go through what Honda built. Painful. NEW: Parking Break. Part of the appeal of driving stick is the feeling of greater control over the car. The parking break button takes some of that away; 2. Break Hold. Seemed like an unnecessary, but nice feature for stopping on hills. Actually a huge pain in the ass. If you unbuckle your seatbelt when Break Hold is activated (for example, when grabbing a ticket at the parking garage), the parking break is activated. Very annoying when youre not expecting it.

• 

  Majority Upgrade, A Few Issues - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brian - July 3 - 2:34 pm

  My lease came sure on my 2014 So, and enjoyed the car, so I upgraded to the 2017 version. The engine is noticably more powerful, and the exterior styling has been improved (the car looks a whole lot meaner, in my opinion). I have the same complaints from my 2014, and a couple new ones: STILL AN ISSUE: 1. Cupholder placement. I know drivers that prefer manual are a dying breed, but if youre going to make a manual-only Civic, dont put the cupholders in front of the shifter; 2. Touchscreen. Hondas interface has been upgraded (?) but its still terrible. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can only control a piece of the system. The rest has to go through what Honda built. Painful. NEW: Parking Break. Part of the appeal of driving stick is the feeling of greater control over the car. The parking break button takes some of that away; 2. Break Hold. Seemed like an unnecessary, but nice feature for stopping on hills. Actually a huge pain in the ass. If you unbuckle your seatbelt when Break Hold is activated (for example, when grabbing a ticket at the parking garage), the parking break is activated. Very annoying when youre not expecting it.

• 

  Majority Upgrade, A Few Issues - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brian - July 3 - 2:34 pm

  My lease came sure on my 2014 So, and enjoyed the car, so I upgraded to the 2017 version. The engine is noticably more powerful, and the exterior styling has been improved (the car looks a whole lot meaner, in my opinion). I have the same complaints from my 2014, and a couple new ones: STILL AN ISSUE: 1. Cupholder placement. I know drivers that prefer manual are a dying breed, but if youre going to make a manual-only Civic, dont put the cupholders in front of the shifter; 2. Touchscreen. Hondas interface has been upgraded (?) but its still terrible. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can only control a piece of the system. The rest has to go through what Honda built. Painful. NEW: Parking Break. Part of the appeal of driving stick is the feeling of greater control over the car. The parking break button takes some of that away; 2. Break Hold. Seemed like an unnecessary, but nice feature for stopping on hills. Actually a huge pain in the ass. If you unbuckle your seatbelt when Break Hold is activated (for example, when grabbing a ticket at the parking garage), the parking break is activated. Very annoying when youre not expecting it.

• 

  2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ralph - July 3 - 12:56 pm

  Since I have bought the car, I cant wipe the smile off my face. It has great performance, handling, acceleration, sound of exhaust. I get compliments everywhere I go. My average mileage 50percent hwy and 50percent street is 28.9mpg. Seats are very comfortable, tons of room in back seats, shifting the manual 6 speed trans is so easy and fun. 17inch Michelin exalto tires are unbelievable in handling. Stereo system with navi has 350watts of power. I love this car.

• 

  3rd Ridgeline in three years - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By GR8-1 - July 3 - 12:35 pm

  Third Ridgeline to date. Very reliable, dependable. Complaints: Add more seat travel or legroom for the driver! I am 510", another 2 - 3 inches of seat travel would make a WORLD of difference in comfort on long drives. I seldom have any passengers in the rear seat, for the one or two times yearly this occurs, I could move the driver seat up a bit. And speed up the wipers on the "high" setting. Otherwise, very comfortable truck. Adequate power on highways, full time four wheel drive great in snow/ice conditions.

• 

  2nd Honda, but NEVER again! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rich - July 3 - 12:34 pm

  Ive had the Civic since 12/06. In the first 22 months & 14K miles Ive experienced the following problems. Trans has been replaced, replacement tranny repaired, P/S leak, cv boot & joint replaced, new battery, both sun visors blew apart. 3 recalls, low fuel warning light comes on with only .6 gallons remaining, book says it should be 1.9 gallons. Front brakes will need replacing before 20K miles. THE most annoying problem is with the A/C, it cuts out for 10 to 15 seconds when accelerating from a stop. Ive been to all 3 dealers in Las Vegas, & they all told me that Honda designed the A/C to work that way, a power saving feature! UNACCEPTABLE!!