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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  RIP OFF - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Mary - October 4 - 1:56 am

  My brand new hybrid is not delivering the mileage it promised. Im going through gas like crazy.

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  Disappointed! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By abaker115 - September 29 - 8:09 am

  My previous car was a 2004 Honda Pilot. Loved it so much wanted another one. MISTAKE! I have had it for one year. After six months, I was aware of three problems. Neither of them could be fixed. 1. Unable to start the car because I could not depress the brake enough to start it. This was a random problem. Did not happen when I took it in to the dealership, so they had no idea how to fix it. 2. Horrible shift from first to second gear. Takes and extra second to engage transmission. When I am accelerating, there is a noticeable lurch. Was told it is the way nine speed transmission works. Well, it is really bad! Would think a more expensive car would be smoother! 3. The entertainment system crashes and restarts. Once again, not every day, not every time I drive it. Once again, nothing wrong with the car.

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  dissatified honda first time buyer - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By fassfs - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Honda Odyssey EX as my first Honda because I had heard about Honda reliability but I am very disappointed. I am on my third transmission. Luckily I have extended warranty but who needs a car that is not dependable. I had to wait one week each time for them to get rebuilt transmissions installed. If they know that it is a recurring problem with many owners, they could at least stock one transmission at each dealership. I also have problem with automatic sliding door on driver side. It sticks sometimes. This is my first and last Honda.

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  The Americanized Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Tim Matthews - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Cheap materials, Americanized content, mediocre capabilities...not what Honda is known for. This is a harsh-riding little car. The door fabric has come loose from its glue, the clutch creaks at each pressing, door mats had heel holes after 4k miles, hard plastics everywhere you touch, no tint-strip at top of windshield, no lock on glovebox, thin sheet metal, poor sound insulation, pathetic engine performance, but very good fuel economy. I should have bought a used Accord instead. A Toyota is going to be my next purchase after my 4th and last Honda.

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  Transmission sucks - 1998 Honda Accord
  By camille - September 14 - 2:00 am

  At 62,000 miles the transmission gave out, cost $1,300 to replace with another vtec, which after 15,000 gave out again. It has no take off speed and is dangerous to drive with an unreliable transmission. It neutralized in the middle of the high- way. Gas mileage sucks, wont buy anther one.

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  Honda crv- never will but again - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Farrell - September 11 - 2:00 am

  From the first day I bought this car I have had one problem after the other. I bought this car brand new and it had been a major disappointment. But the biggest shock was that Honda could care less. Their customer service is horrible. I made numerous calls and even wrote letters to the Honda Corporation- they could care less. I am in the process of getting rid of it and I will never buy a Honda again!!!!

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  96 Civic EX - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jmr4152 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  CV joints going bad, muffler rusted out at the axle (seems very common on civics), clutch is wearing out(prior driver possibly). My biggest complaint is that it has hesitated for almost a year with no check engine light. Its been in the shop numerous times with no luck. Not very pleased with the "Honda quality". Will be buying Toyota next round.

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  Dont do it!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By DONT do it! - August 24 - 10:00 am

  #8 on my list BUT I fell for Hondas aggressive lease program and to save a few bucks, I signed. Ive been sorry ever since. Gas mileage (15-18 city) SUX! The ride is EXTREMELY rough! Sunroof opens halfway. Loose screws and rattles found everywhere. A slug could beat this car from a dead stop.

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  Disappointment - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By beube - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This auto is a disappointment in view of the repair bills on a low mileage auto. It is not solid and has a noisy effect on the road. The gas cap sensitivity with "check engine" lights is infuriating. I will switch to another and better quality vehicle at the next trade. I have owned this car for 4.5 years purchased from dealer.

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  stupid honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kris Merkley - August 9 - 2:00 am

  3 months after purchase, the Alternator dies and takes the battery with it, acceptable. 2 months later, the transmission dies and we pay $3000 for a rebuilt, which was received about 3 months after going into the shop. Then, not too long after that, we notice the car shifting hard in the mornings, guess what? seals on the torque converter are hosed, another $800 for 3 ea. $1.50 seals. and then at about 95K, the catalytic converter fails, so, we replace that, and the o2 sensor stuck in it. and now, at 106K, the drivers side CV joint is popping when I turn right. I will never again buy a honda.