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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  Dodge/Chrysler is certainly better - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay_dee_ess - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I personally didnt like this vehicle one bit. My wife liked it when we bought it but it has proven to be the worst vehicle that we have bought. We paid a fair bit of money for it, and DESPITE what edmunds says, it LACKS FEATURES. The Sound system (although we got the highest available) is among the worst I have ever seen in a car. The stock sound system in a Caravan is better, let alone the available Infinity system in Caravans. The transmission has gone twice on this vehicle. Both sliding doors have broken, and they are slow beyond belief. There is no easy way for a passenger to bypass the power feature. Look into a Dodge or Chrysler instead.

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  Doors Rattle, Brakes Grab, Roof Leaks - 2003 Honda Accord
  By J G - May 23 - 9:43 am

  This car is a poorly engineered and poorly manufactured vehicle. The dealer tried to fix the brakes but said that I should be glad they are overly sensitive rather than not having any brakes at all. At 35,995 miles applying the brakes in the rain caused it to go out of control. Problem fixed but brakes still oversensitive. The roof had to be patched because seeping water from the roof pooled in the floorboards causing mold and mildew. The dealer replaced the carpet but did not re-connect the 12V power connection in the center armrest storage compartment. The doors rattle on the smoothest road and the stereo speakers rattle excessively. Road noise LOUD.

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  Honda Quality? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ycz - May 20 - 4:04 pm

  Honda simply does not live upon its reputaion for this van. Just list problems we have: 1)Replaced both front struts(1st month)2)A/C broken after 3 months3)Replaced clock light4)Idle control valve(idle speed up/down automatically)5)Rear break squeaks but Honda says it is normal 6)Transmission failed at 15k. Having own few Toyotas, wanted to try Honda. What a disappointment!

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  Honda Civic 2007 = Lemon - 2007 Honda Civic
  By renlann - May 13 - 8:30 am

  I bought my Honda NEW in January 2007. Over the last several months, my car has been in the shop several times, and I have missed four days of work due to the vehicle being incapacitated by mechanical failures. The list of failed parts is long: 1. Sun Visor split apart 2. Battery #1 3. Battery #2 4. Battery #3 5. Air compressor relay 6. High road force on tires 7. Air condenser (mysterious road pebble) 8. Tensioner bolt 9. Tensioner belt 10. Water pump 11. Water pump pulley 11. Rear suspension arm 12. Air condenser (another mysterious road pebble). Thats 12 failures too many.

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  No so great. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Brian - May 7 - 5:40 pm

  Harsh, unsteady ride. Terrible wind and tire noise. Wont hold the road in turns (constantly over-correcting). Brakes beginning to fail, pedal goes almost to the floor before engaging. 2-inch dead zone in gas pedal. Gas pedal too soft -- constantly trying to find the sweet spot to the point of leg and ankle cramps. Rubber band CVT is awful! Poor visibility makes parking a challenge. Weak paint. etc...

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  No so great. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Brian - May 7 - 5:40 pm

  Harsh, unsteady ride. Terrible wind and tire noise. Wont hold the road in turns (constantly over-correcting). Brakes beginning to fail, pedal goes almost to the floor before engaging. 2-inch dead zone in gas pedal. Gas pedal too soft -- constantly trying to find the sweet spot to the point of leg and ankle cramps. Rubber band CVT is awful! Poor visibility makes parking a challenge. Weak paint. etc...

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Bought - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CFF - May 5 - 2:53 pm

  6th car Ive owned, 3rd Honda Accord. After the first day I realized how terrible the front seats are to sit in for more than 10 minutes. I think if youre less than 56" and 120 lbs, youll be alright. The driving noise inside the car is excessively loud. The acceleration is OK for a car of this price, but the traction leaves a lot to be desired. Dear Honda, Look at the 2000 Accord and think, "Wow, we used to make a good car". Thanks, Former Customer

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  Look for another car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By CBaker - April 25 - 10:35 pm

  Tranmission replaced at 56,000. Tranmission going out again at 85,000. This will be 2nd tranmission in under 100,000 miles. Not reliable. Failed emissions test the first year I had it due to recall. Poor Honda customer service. This car is a money pit.

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  Overrated - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Will Girard - April 24 - 10:56 pm

  Stiff bumpy ride, cheap tires, major vibrations, 9000 miles on it, dont buy the hype, use the lemon law to return it.

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  WTH? This is a Honda? - 2016 Honda Accord
  By MsDAY - April 21 - 12:14 pm

  Good, generous wide interior. Of all the cars we test drove, this model felt the roomiest-width wise. Instrument panel is good, well laid out. Looks nice. Good tech service. Salesman was obnoxious and aggressive-would not by from him every again. I bought a Honda Accord due to everyones hoopla about it and its supposed reliability. With mine, wind noise is terrible as is rain noise. Not much more to say about wind noise except that its awful loud on highway. When it rains, the water runs down the windows and side of car which is very loud. Transmission is sluggish but Im was told that is the "new" transmission system Honda uses. Fuel economy isnt particularly note worthy, not terrible, not great. Based on my first experience with a Honda Accord, I am not likely to buy another one.