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:

• 

  never again - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jbhiker - November 9 - 5:08 pm

  2002 Honda CRV-this is the worst vehicle mechanically we have ever owned. We are getting rid of itBrakes came unglued at 37000 miles, air conditioning compressor has failed twice, air bag sensor went, alternator went, brakes again. major repairs all and to significant safety systems. Honda has refused to buy back vehicle- and while they have helped with parts after much fighting with them basic message is you are on your own if you dont have an extended warranty. In addition gas mileage is less than advertised and handling in the snow is just marginal. Good riddance

• 

  Dont buy 2009 Honda Accord V6 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By David Ga. - November 9 - 3:16 am

  Our 2009 Honda Accord V6 surges up and down hills. The Honda service department says this is NORMAL operation. If you are looking for a car with a nice ride, dont look at the 2009 Honda Accord V6.

• 

  Honda is really over rated - 2005 Honda Accord
  By T.C. - November 3 - 1:33 am

  My 2005 Honda Accord DX was a piece of junk. The car is really over rated. First of all the transmission went out at 7000 miles Luckily it was under warranty. Then at 10000 miles a cylinder went out so I was riding around with a 3 cylinder. Then at 11500 miles the A/C went out. I bought this car for my bussiness car because I had read and heard that an Accord was the best car out there so I believed and bought one, but that was a mistake as you have been reading. So at 15,000 miles another cylinder went out and Honda replaced that for me, At 25,000 miles I finally realized this was a mistake and traded the car in on a 05 Mercury Sable

• 

  Disappointed... - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By MidNightREX - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Buying a Honda, we thought we were getting a reliable vehicle, but we couldnt have been more disapponited. Weve had many quality issues that are un-Honda-like, 1) transmission was just replaced, 2) rear suspension replaced, 3) steering rack replaced, 4) other minor annoyances like rear wiper NEVER really gets the rain off, the vehicle is noisy at highway speeds, the driver seat doesnt go very far back, the steering wheel is at an awkward angle to the driver, the engine is underpowered, the center console is useless, the cup holders are a joke, and dont get me started on the stupid radio-code needed for the stereo (we bought used so we never had this code) & now we cant use the radio

• 

  Engine leak - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaOverseas - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Problems began also with doors stuck frequently, loose seals on doors, and needing new brakes at 20k and 40k. At 3 years and 2 months, engine leak and then 2 mo later transmission failure. Oversease Warranty is 3 yr/36k mile, so will be very expensive fix!!!

• 

  Disappointed in Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ralvord - October 26 - 11:11 am

  Honda made a disfunctional CVT and the battery is drained down to being powerless when the car is parked a few days. These are obvious major problems that should not come along with a $30k car. Honda knew about the rubberband effect and the battery drain on 2013 Civics and Accords yet it did nothing and has still not corrected the issues. This was my fourth and last Honda. Its obvious that they could care less about return customers and are focusing quencing on their appetites for big profits at the time of sell.

• 

  Massive corrosion on our NEW CRV 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By tandori - October 22 - 4:33 pm

  We have less than 1,600 miles on this 4 month old car. We have hardly driven it. We took it in to the dealership due to a thumping noise in the brakes. When the car was jacked up, there was MASSIVE corrosion and rust underneath. The dealership is trying to blame this on us even though we have hardly driven the car and have kept it under carport with a concrete floor. We have not mistreated this car in ANY way.

• 

  Dangerous Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Phill - October 20 - 12:00 am

  Our brakes have had issues and at 24K miles the pads and rotors need to be replaced. This is a known issue that Honda has not addressed. This is my second Honda accord and it will be the last HONDA purchase.

• 

  Worst car I ever bought! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dillon67 - October 15 - 4:04 am

  I traded in my great 2003 Camry for this lousy brand new Accord. Why lousy you ask? Let me count the ways: 1. Big problem with electrical system. In 6 months that Ive had it, it stalled & all indicator lights came on twice. Dealer has no clue what issue is. Tire pressure light comes on nearly all the time even when tires are properly inflated. 2. Very noisy on the highway. 3. Uncomfortable, hard ride especially noticeable on long drives. Coupled with the highway noise, it makes for very unpleasant long trips. Im planning on selling it and buying a new Camry.

• 

  Hyundai or Honda? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KGehris - October 5 - 12:03 am

  Had Hondas most of my life, very reliable cars!! Until now....Im grateful I leased her. Engine doesnt run right when cold (not talking freezing!!), dealer says theres nothing wrong? Gas mileage is worse than wifes CRV! Seat belt warning beep keeps going off except when I get close to dealer to show em!