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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  Would not buy again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By pissed - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  After 18000 miles I had to have new back breaks put on. The leather is fading inside already - car is garage kept. Noise is really is ridiculous. Got 21k on it now and would trade it in if I could and get something else. Should have just saved my money and got the 4cylinder instead.

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  Great Car -- but Insurance costs are Insane! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By tmariner - August 21 - 4:39 pm

  -==Love the 2015 Accord Hybrid -- drives like a non-hybrid -- which is great praise. You see the brakes throwing energy into the battery, see it turn off the engine and at times switch to battery-only mode. The ride, quietness, vault-like feel wonderful. Acceleration and handling surprising for what is a high MPG car. But ... Got the bill from Allstate today - $1,200 more per year to go from a 2011 V6 Accord to the Accord Hybrid. The purchase price was within a few dollars between the two cars -- Im paying Ferrari Station Wagon prices for an economical car?? OK, buy it if you are a green enthusiast, but ANY savings you expect from gas purchase is gone with the insurance.

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  Wind Noise Annoying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tom fedje - August 19 - 7:00 pm

  When there is an outside wind of 12 to 18 mph, the interior cabin noise is more than I expected especially from a Honda known for Fit & Finish. My Dodge minivan had less interior noise than the 2005 Honda EX. The Honda dealer acknowledged they have had some complaints about interior wind noise or whistle. They added additional sealant around the front windshield & it seemed to help somewhat. Nevertheless, I still encounter more interior wind noise than I believe is acceptable. Does anyone else share the same annoying problem? Are there other remedies than adding addt caulking around the edges of the windshield?

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  Love the Pilot, but - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dustydog - August 18 - 11:50 am

  I drive considerable miles (10,000 in 3 months) and love to drive it and the family loves it. Fun ride. I did expect more "quality build" from Honda (and any car I pay almost $30K for) based on reputation. This replaced a 2000 Expedition which was fine just too bulky. I have faced wind noise from improper closing of windows (fixed by dealer with smiles on face) and sunroof doesnt seal properly from vent to close (still need to see dealer again!). Rattles from stereo. Front seatbelts mar the plastic when released. Doesnt happen with passenger ones. Excellent power and fun to drive vehicle! Once ticky-tack rattles are fixed, it is a 10!

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  Comfortable Roomy with Fantastic fuel economy - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Andrew Pierovich - August 18 - 9:35 am

  Comfort, reliability and fuel economy are my main concerns. So when I shopped for a new car thats what I looked for. After owning 2 Hondas and 2 Acuras which were bullet proof I leaned towards Honda. I decided on the 2017 Accord hybrid and bought it new. Since then Ive taken it on several long trips. Many cars after 3 to 4 hours leave you fatigued and usually an achy back. It has ample leg room and the steering wheel telescopes which lets you adjust the ergonomics exactly to your liking. This Accord has been the most comfortable car since I drove a Cadillac back in the 90s and those are renowned for being comfortable. The advertised mileage is 49/50. Im not there yet but over the course of 6 months Im averaging 41.3 city/hwy combined. About 80% of my driving is city. For a car that sits 5 and 4 comfortably this is amazing. My previous 03 Acura TL only averaged 16 mpg. The car uses a 4 cylinder engine assisted by two electric motors which give it extra boost during acceleration and give it great mileage. Their is some unwanted engine noise under hard acceleration but then this isnt a Lexus. Visibility all around is excellent and so is the backup camera. My only gripe with the car are the radio controls. I would prefer the old style dial buttons for volume and tuning. Lastly because gas is relatively cheap many people arent interested in hybrids now which gives the buyer an advantage. I paid 28K plus tax.

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  Very Good On Balance - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HondaMe - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall value for $15K. Honda image and Honda actual is not exactly the same. The trunk was poorly alligned to the frame... clearly visable. Not subtle. The driver seat wobbles and/or does not feel rock solid. Gas milage should be better. Its good. Not excellent. City/Highway avg is closer to 31 for mine. Car is solid, reliable and refined. Driven 6000 miles in 2 months and no big problems. Overall pleased.

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  Honda or Kia? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DJS2003 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd honda vehicle- honda civic ex, 2002 honda accord, 2003 honda accord. The build quality of my 2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 is very poor. The trim around the side windows wrinkles up no permanent fix yet. I had a leak on the passenger side i was told was a bad weld? my honda accord was in the shop for a week. I have had my disc brake rotors turned twice from warping, I had rattles and squeaks wich thay also fixed. I cant beleive no one else has had any of these annoying problems. I am totally dissapointed in Honda. I think they are getting lazy. Is this a Honda or a Kia?

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  2015 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By David Faulk - August 16 - 1:53 pm

  The car is very functunal. The only wish is that Honda would make a 4 wheel drive Odyssey like the Toyota Sieanna. My 2005 Odyssey had 228,600 miles with no major problems. It was the best car I ever owned.

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  Long distance travel - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wagtail - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Rather unconfortable after 2-3 hrs, becomes more so the farther you go. Seats and backs too firm no lateral support.

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  HR-V--OVERALL GOOD BUT... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Clarence S. - August 10 - 8:15 pm

  Good overall value. Interior space and layout good. My LX model has fewer tech features, just essential items, nothing fancy, no sunroof to leak, etc. Suspension needs improvement. Ride on delivery date was very rough and bouncy. Ride home was about 25 mi, let tires cool overnite, found tire press to be 35 psi on all tires. Placard reads 32psi front, 30 psi rear. Reset tire press and ride improved slightly. Still too rough riding for a new car. Leased my suv 7/21/16, has 2000 mi as of 11/19/16. Currently, ride seems to be a little smoother, but still too rough/bouncy for a new car. Air cond seems under powered, cools but slowly and takes awhile to really cool car. I live in Hawaii and local temp is on avg- < 90 degrees. Tires are Michelins, which ride rough and are a little noisy at freeway speeds < 60 mph. I want to replace the michelins with goodyears for a smoother ride but its a lease car (3yrs/36,000 mi) so no sense buying another set of tires. However, if I had "Bought" the car, I definitely would sell the Michelins and get some Goodyears. After reading several buyer reviews about other service issues, poor dealer response, etc., I am glad I only have to deal with possible probs for 3 yrs, then turn in the car at lease end. Overall, the hr-v is a good value except for the poor ride. With my low expected annual mileage, I may not experience the range of issues reported by other owners. I did get an "Excess wear/tear" warr to cover me when I turn in the suv. I definitely would look at the mitsubishi outlander as a replacement suv. So, I hope I dont have probs or service issues like other owners. If things change, I will definitely update this review. So far, no probs. Perhaps a 3-yr lease/rtn is best. Keeping my fingers crossed for no probs!!