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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  Honda DOES NOT Stand behind their Vehicles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Hate Hondas - October 15 - 7:26 pm

  We purchased this vehicle brand new. At 14,000 miles the car needed new tires. At 30,000 miles the car needed new tires. At 64,000 miles the car needs new tires. We have been told the factory installed high performance kit does not have enough adjustment to properly align the car. The specialist told us that. Chezik- Bell in Iowa City, Iowa and American Honda will not even look at it, or listen to the "owners" of the car. Poor service - Poor management. Never have we had such problems with any other car than a HONDA. Will NEVER purchase another one. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  hard to steer - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By wtcrv - October 13 - 6:08 pm

  steering wheel feels hard to turn the front wheels. why? horrible technology screen (hard to see, buttons buried deep, doesnt respond, slow speaker, repetitive speaker, not user friendly. is like a fred flinstone computer.

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  2006 Honda CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By J. Maschler - October 12 - 4:30 pm

  We have owned Hondas since 1976. This (2006 CRV) is by far the worst one. It drives like a truck without a suspension. Poor gas mileage (22 mpg) and very noisy. Very restricted leg room.

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  Lemon - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jr - October 11 - 10:15 am

  Most car companies have lemons even if its once in a blue moon. I bought my new Odyssey on a blue moon. The very least a company can do about a lemon after not being able to fix the problem is to replace it. Honda had my van in their shop for a month and still couldnt figure it out. The dealer had the nerve to blame me for the problem stating I put diesel by mistake and saying that he has proof. That accusation ended my claim. After three years of nothing but problems and one near accident when the engine just died on a freeway with my 1 year old and 3 year old inside. I decided to get a Sienna. I called the corporation and told them about the near mishap but did not get any sympathy.

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  I wont buy Honda next time - 2000 Honda Accord
  By al2000 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I replaced transmission 3(!) times + side airbag for 2 years(all expenses paid by Honda)

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  What Honda Quality? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim - October 7 - 6:32 pm

  Purchased this vehicle new in 2003. It has been a good van until now. This week the transmission failed at $89,000 and Honda is quoting $5000 for repairs. Van has been very well taken care of. Called Honda America and they came down to $3675. Still too high---private garage on the outside quoted $1900 - $2600. Although the warranty is better w/ Honda, who can afford that bill in this economy! My Ford Explorer lasted longer than this Van...it made it to 125K with no major repairs!! This was my first and last Honda purchase!

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  Poor Air Conditioning - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RS - October 6 - 11:44 am

  Only 4 and a half years old. A/C stopped working. Clutch and coil needs to be replaced.

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  Served its purpose, but had a shitty ride - 2001 Honda Accord
  By MManza70 - October 3 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this car off my brother back in 2016 with 193k. The car has seen better days as there is a problem with the bottom of the car as it makes a noise whenever I go at a certain speed. I think its the previous owner before my brother used this car to death.

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  Disappointment - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rajinny - October 2 - 10:34 am

  I traded in my Dodge Caravan that I had for 17 years for the Honda CR-V. The ac works intermittently and I took it back within the first week and it was not fixed. I had to take it back and the clutch, temp sensor and thermal protector were replaced and it still had the problem after being 3 days in the shop. Now I took it back and the dealership is troubleshooting. It is day 3. I contacted Honda Corporate- disappointed- one more layer of mgmt. I am looking into the lemon law process. I have had the vehicle for less than 2 months and less than 300 miles and it has been in the shop 3 times already. I would suggest that before buying test the SUV and ac sufficiently.

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  Ehhhhh........ - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Well OK my review is really random but its true this car is random. A lot to love and a lot to hate. My wife bough a 2001 RAV4, and this year I bought a new CRV. She loves her car but I cant say do mine. Im sorry but th RAV is more fun to drive and feelsmore modern. I guess I was expecting more from Honda, they delivered whatver you woul want at a great price, but the car just lacks charisma. I FEEL OLD DRIVING IT! My recomendations is get a RAV.....