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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  Very very bad experience with Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By julieca - December 7 - 10:38 am

  Severe Break Issue!!! We got our Honda CRV this July and currently we drove 4000 miles mainly for commute. However two weeks ago, we heard the big and scary noise from our CRV while we were driving to our parents home where is the peaceful and clean residential area. The noise sounded from the break in the rare wheels. But from our eyes, we couldnt find anything stuck there to make the noise. We didnt dare to drive until my parents said that we have to drive it until the issue really appeared so that we could repair. Fortunately the terrible crash sound disappeared after we drove a few blocks. But the car break does have issue from then on. Once we step on the pedal, it has "KA" noise.

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  FALSE ADVERTISING! MPG SCAM - 2012 Honda Fit
  By 808fit - July 2 - 11:51 pm

  I bought this car in hawaii. I got it for 20,500 otd price. It is a sport auto. I drove it on full tank from the dealership and as of now only averaging 19mpg. I drive only in the city to work which is about a mile from where i live. I understand it is a lot of stop and go to work, but i dont even use air con, and I should be getting at least close to the mpg that it state in the fact sheet. I havent called honda yet cuz i already know they will say it is still new and blah blah blah, you need to break it in or what not, but still this is horrible. Another problem is the transmission always feels it is down shifting too fast when I am coming to a stop.

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  Civic SUCKs! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bigblueguy2012 - February 6 - 12:10 pm

  I bought a brand new 2006 Civic I thought it would be cool because of their new design. I had this car for more than 6yrs now. Well, I had 2 Major problems with this car and bad service experience with the dealership. My first major problem with 06 Civic was an Engine Block recall. Secondly, 06 Civic broke down in the middle of the road due to computer/wire problem. This car has 55,000 mileage and never used it for a long drive and never been a abuse driver. Anyways, obviously this car is absolute FAILURE! and i will never drive/buy HONDA CARS ever! and NEVER RECOMMEND!.

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  Waste of 40Gs - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 2goldens_1 - December 23 - 10:36 am

  Too many problems that Honda cannot fix. Tried 6 times still cant fix them, so they have now determined normal. It is normal for the AC to turn on by itself. It is normal for it to start vibrating as if going over rumble strips. It is normal for the front end to make grinding noises. It is normal for Low Battery message to come on all the time. By the way, when vibration gets very bad, Ive lost throttle response - cannot accelerate. Has happened three times. Only 6000 kms on vehicle. Wish I bought Toyota Sienna or Dodge would have been better. This is my third and last new Honda vehicle. Customer service has been pathetic. Dont buy this lemon on wheels!

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  Junk - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bbb15 - December 12 - 10:19 pm

  Nothing about this car lives up to the hype. It shakes over 60mph, the clutch is horrible, and everything in the interior rattles while I drive. It feels cheap and is incredibly uncomfortable to drive. Ive owned $500 cars that were far better. I very much regret buying this car.

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  Dangerous Car - buyer be aware!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mad_as_hell - December 3 - 9:28 pm

  I own a Honda CRV with 40.000 km (approx 26k MIles) on the clock and the engine mounting bolts just sheared straight off. We are very lucky that we are alive to write this post as the engine dropped through the bay. Honda though, despite risking our lives, is trying to screw us by saying it is not covered under warranty. We are disgusted and outraged that Honda Australia is refusing to cover us for a major defect in their car, that is life threatening and obviously a design flaw They have a severe issue with the curent CRV model and are refusing to accept responsibility.

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  My first and for sure last honda car: Steering wheel problem persists for 2 and half years - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bibhuti - September 17 - 10:34 am

  I got the car 2 years and 6 months back. Within first month the steering wheel gave me noises. At first honda did tried to avoid it, but finally they changed. Since then I have vibrations in my steering wheel at 70mph. The dealer has not been able to fix it since then. The car has a very stiff and bumpy ride. My daughter (she is now 4 months) constantly groans when she is in the car. Wind noise is so loud that you feel less noise in Chevy traverse or subaru outback on highway with window half opened than the Accord with window closed! Leather seats are hard and uncomfortable

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  Uses Oil - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondasucks4 - June 16 - 5:14 pm

  I bought a V6 Accord about a year ago. After a couple oil changes notice car was low of oil after only 5000 miles. Long story short car uses 1 qrt every 1500 miles and honda is doing nothin. Please google Accord oil consumtion before you buy. This is a very bad problem that Honda will not fix for me are many other accord owners. It anyone has questions email me [violative content deleted].

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  Broken Engine Bolts - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By johnl123 - May 31 - 8:23 am

  I have a Honda Crv SE with 5000 miles and only 5 months old. While driving a few days ago 2 engines bolts broke. Luckily I was not killed. The Go Honda dealer in Westminster , CO said it could be fixed and he cannot let me break the lease because he would loose money and he would go out of business if everybody could just return cars. My car is not a lemon. I would have to have 5 similar occurrences, The managers name is Eric. I am supposed to drive this car with my 2 grandchildren, no way in hell. The staff at the dealership are rude, insensitive to say the least, including the overall manager Matt Hall. Honda needs to recall this model before someone is killed.

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  Will never buy another Honda in my life - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By biyanka - April 11 - 5:30 pm

  I have bought this Van and another Toyota auto in the same year, both brand new. I have never been happy with the Van and I had heart burn every time I used that Van. I have rarely used it to reduce my anger and hate towards my Van, and now after more than 6years it has only 25K miles. The rear vent stopped working for years. It makes more noise than a dump trunk, and you feel like you are driving a piece of junk. I will never buy another Honda, and I always advice people not to buy Honda even in their dreams. I will not won one even if I am offered a Honda for free. I do not want constant heart burn.