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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  Serious safety flaw in VSA system of CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By paul singh - August 9 - 2:13 pm

  I was in a severe accident, because of the VSA system. I was on the onramp and there was a sharp turn, when I tried to comply with the turn, the VSA took over and turned the vehicle the other way, and I hit the guard rail, almost totalling the car. Be very careful I was lucky to walk away, with any major injury. I was slow enough that the airbags did not even deploy.

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  My new SUV!!!! :) - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tori - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Although it is an almost perfectly comfortable drive for the driver (some things could be changed), it could definitely be more comfortable for the front passenger. The seats in front do not go back far enough for us long- legged folks, and the arm rests are not long enough to be of any use. The backseat passengers have more comfort though and like the fact that the seats are adjustable.

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  Suspension ON my 02 Civic LX - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nicknmanda - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Within 5 months of buying my Civic I had to have both front struts replaced. I love my Civic but I hate the suspension. I have had my car in the shop at least 10 times in 2 years for the suspension! I love the look and the drive of the car! They could offer more color choices! It gets great gas mileage! Other tahn the suspension I have no problems with the car! Thay are great little cars!

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  30k Mistake - 2003 Honda Accord
  By UpsetAccordOwner - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this Accord for a little over a year now. When I first got the car it was great for the first 900 miles. Then the issues came up. The paint on these cars chips and peels easily. My clutch went out at 19000 miles and the squeaks, rattles and clicks are about to make me take a stick of dynomite let this car have it.

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  Like it but dont love it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ech227 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has some rattles around the moonroof and the windows creak if they are only open an inch or two when driving on anything but the smoothest road. I only experience decent performance when on the expressway or not in crowded city traffic. If you are driving in the 20-40 mph range, the car seems to lug and be unresponsive when you step on the gas. The headlights dim when idling at a stoplight or whenever the compressor kicks in. The brake pedal sinks if you are braking slowly and go more than 30 feet or so, the pedal will sink down and you need to press harder to have to car continue to brake.

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  Buy if you like WHINE - 2010 Honda Accord
  By David - August 7 - 6:43 am

  Coming from an unreliable 07 Passat, I expected this car to be reliable. Not so! As the car heats up, there is this awful mechanical whine/drone coming from the engine. It is a horrible sound and makes driving the car intolerable. That and the stereo crackles in the dashboard and is clearly very flimsy. Im really disappointed so far. Otherwise, the car handles well, is balanced, has great suspension with good road feel. The EX manual is calibrated as it should be, but the car would benefit from joining the rest of the world by developing a 6 speed manual. Decent performance, not great. My kids love the back seat room, and the interior is open and airy feeling. But this car has me worried.

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  Drive to believe - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Serg - August 7 - 2:00 am

  9k, the tach flashes and shift... only on this or a race car... it also turns and stops (in case u need it). Had a BMW M Roadster and when compared to the S2000... feels like a u-haul.

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  Just purchased - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carolyn - August 6 - 7:30 pm

  We were actually looking to buy a compact SUV like the Subaru Forester, Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 but when we actually thought about it, we decided they were too small for our needs. It ended up as a choice between the Pilot and a Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was just better designed and better built. The Toyota salespeople ignored us so that didnt help them. This vehicle is fun to drive. Love the heated leather seats, 6 CD changer, DVD player, sunroof. Drive is a little sloppy on cornering but nothing that I cant get over. I am a safety girl and love the 5 star crash rating. Gasmilage could be better. Like the interior better than the exterior but the exterior is not offensive, just plain.

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  not a bad van.... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By - August 5 - 10:00 am

  i was weary of getting a van.. now that i got an oddy.. i love it!! doors are a bit noisy.. do hear the slush from the fuel compartment.. but other than that.. its great.. ps. where are the last pair of speakers?? i have the EX-L and i only see 4 grills...

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  Great vehicle except for some no brainers - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Efdubya - August 4 - 10:12 am

  First of all, Honda got cheap on dome omissions to the vehicle. I’d like to know why can’t buyers in the United States get the options the Canadian vehicles have. Heated steering wheel is a biggie. Like northern tier states don’t get as cold as lower Canadian provinces? Panoramic roof is another. Then on the U.S. vehicles, there is the lack of a seat pocket on the back of the drivers seat. The fake leather steering wheel cover lacks class, feels weird and is strangely noisy when sliding the wheel in your hand. I gotta see if I can treat it with something. The center armrest will not lock in a fixed position, it slides up and back effortlessly......annoying. Need a light in the glove box. Needs to have a real horn and not the road runner horn. Front seats lack in comfort and passenger seat should have the same adjustments as the drivers seat. Infotainment system is too complicated and I think that most used audio controls should be separate from the rest of the mess. Substandard tires, should be Michelin. These issues cost my CR-V one star. Now for the good stuff. Great looks, and drivability. Basically, everything is fantastic! I love to drive this SUV. It’s quiet, peppy and the CVT is growing on me. This thing is fantastic on the road. On the highway, the technology is great. The ACC is great but a little slow getting back up to speed. There is a service bulletin addressing this that I have yet to have done. The collision mitigation system has already saved my bacon once. Rain sensing wipers, auto high beam headlights, hands free tailgate, walk off door locks and I could go on and on from here, are great. You get a spare tire and jack too. That is becoming rare even in Honda’s. Who in their right mind would head across the country without a spare tire and jack??????? I guess I’m old school. My dealership has sold me four Honda’s and I’m in the “Happy Camper” category......so far. Now for the biggie. Fantastic mileage for a non-hybrid vehicle. In the summertime using AC I got 26/32 mpg. In the fall without AC I am getting 31/34 mpg and even averaged 34.9 mpg on a trip to Kansas City. Fantastic........knock on wood.