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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  Run flat tires, will leave you flat - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer Dad - April 7 - 2:24 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for the many features my Honda model offers, such as storage capability, number and placement of cup holders, GPS Navigation system, DVD player, and the list goes on. One feature I thought I was going to appreciate was the run flat tires on this model. I was wrong thinking that. I have had three flat tires in 18 months, with two repairs costing about $125, with the third requiring replacement of the tire. That bill was about a car payment in value. Lucky for me I had purchased the extended road hazard insurance for the tires. It takes the dealer about 4-5 hours to repair the tire, purely outrageous.

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  C-RV for You and Me - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By David - April 7 - 11:43 am

  We have nothing but praise for this vehicle. The only things we would like to see improved is the keyless remote and the road noise. You need to be very close to the car for it to work and the road noise is very loud.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Al - April 7 - 9:56 am

  Got this my car back in 2002 w/ 24,000 miles. Now it has over 80k and Im amazed how reliable this car is. Aside from the required maintenance, the only problems I had is changing the light bulbs, squeaky shocks on the front driver, & annoying rattles in the trunk. That is it, I bought a 5spd so I have non of those trans problems. Thinking of getting a new car, but cant really part w/ my reliable Honda.

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  Horrible car, Horrible deal. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Apollo Kabukuru - April 7 - 7:47 am

  Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. My 2007 had the engine crack issue. Dealer and Honda wont replace it. They want to charge me $4200 dollars. If you are thinking about it, please dont do it. Dont buy any Civic from 2006 to 2009./

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  Best of Four Ive owned. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Odyssey - April 7 - 12:36 am

  Comfort for a mini-van is outstanding. Road handling is the best I have owned. All the button controls are not placed the best but do function well. I.e: if working the rocker switches in the dark it is easy to miss one and open the moon roof by mistake.

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  Transmission Problems..... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kelly A. - April 6 - 7:28 pm

  I think that I have always had a problem with this cars transmission, but it is completely gone at 116,000 miles. New tranny ect. $6600.00!!!!! I thought I would have this car forever, but now I will probably buy a Mazda or a Toyota).

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  cr-v - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Alyssa - April 6 - 7:07 pm

  I adore my car - somehow I lucked out and found one that is much, much quieter than most of the cars from this year. Handles well at all speeds, although periodically there is some steering wheel shake above 90 mph. I also have tested the gas mileage I get - several times- and I get somewhere between 25-28 mpg, as opposed to the reported 21 mpg. The breaks are excellent and very responsive. Tight turning radius. I love the column mounted steering design, but it takes some getting used to if youre switching from a regular sedan or SUV. The cup holders are weird, and the lock and window switch placement is bizarre.

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  Excellent reliabitly, great fuel economy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rob - April 6 - 6:22 pm

  I bought my Accord in March 2006 new for $19,500. I do a lot of driving for work so I needed a reliable, but fuel-efficient car. The Accord has exceeded my expectations by a mile. Mine has 90K miles on it and has had absolutely nothing go wrong. I take it for routine maintenance, but do nothing else. I get about 35 MPG on the highway (with cruise) and drove it to Florida and back from NJ with ease. The interior controls are simple yet perfectly placed. The build is strong. The acceleration, while not exhilarating, is great for a 4 cylinder. All in all, this is the best investment Ive ever made in a car.

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  2003 Pilot with 210k miles - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bad Audio - April 6 - 1:45 pm

  Have had mixed results with my 2003 Pilot. Have had two major transmission repairs, one covered by warranty and the other one cost me $900. HOWEVER, the biggest disappointment has been the RES (rear entertainment center). There is an annoying low frequency buzz that appears on both radio and DVD play. While its minorly annoying on the speakers it incapacitates the wireless headphones. Unfortunately, Hondas solution is to replace the whole unit for a fee of $1700. Have mixed opinions of purchasing another Pilot.

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  Better than imagined - 2016 Honda Civic
  By johnt thompson - April 6 - 1:20 pm

  This is my second Honda Accord and my 2016 Civic EX is really a magnificent car. For under 20k it has many features and extras. Keyless, moonroof, really sharp exterior, backup and side mirror are some of my favorites. I totally recommend this vehicle. It should be at the top of everyones list if you are looking for a 4 door sedan with plenty of room inside and a stylish looking exterior. I bought the black and it looks amazing.