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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  Think Twice - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Lucky - July 22 - 10:43 pm

  Van has 51000 mi. Brake Pads went out at 28000mi. Have replaced DVD player twice. Headphones have problems. Air went out at 50000 mi not covered under extended warranty. Power steering pump making noise at 38000 mi. First set tires lasted 28000mi, second set much better. Battery died at 3 years. Windshield whistles. Dealer is always trying to push unnecessary (and costly) service items. Gas mileage is ~24 mpg highway.

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  Not too satisfied, problem at low mileage - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Homer - July 21 - 11:38 pm

  We bought this mini van 2011 brand new and it was running good at first and when it reach 15,000 miles the problem started on steering and creaking noise on front right of the vehicle everytime it turns and third problem the battery only last for almost 3 years and needed to be replaced right away. Dealership ended up fixing the problem for us due to the car is still under warranty. Its unbelievable that on 15,000 miles you can hear this noise problem on your steering to think that we dont use our van on long driving just city driving and we take care of our vehicles very well and especially when it comes with the maintenance. And when it reached 30,000 miles the same problem came back again (steering noise) and it sucks because our vehicle is no longer under warranty and I can imagine how much money you gonna pay if you will fix that at the honda dealership. Now It makes me compare on the vehicles we have, we own 2007 4runner sport with a 107,000 miles on it and until now we never experienced any problem with that car especially the steering problem, no major issues, just need to change tires and thats it. Its just makes me think if we still gonna buy honda cars in the future, probably not. I dont mind paying more if your vehicle is reliable all the time like my other vehicles. Base on our experience were not really satisfied on the vehicle that we got due to its problem at very low mileage, our van is 5 years old now at 30,000 miles ( low mileage ) and it makes me think if honda are still gona take care of our problem. Its just not good enough.

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  The CR-V is good, but not great. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Paul MacLeod - July 21 - 10:31 am

  The level of quality in this new Honda is not as high as I would have expected. Ive been to the dealer three times with one repair taking 7 hours and the other vibration issue in the front end extending to the steering wheel unresolved. Tires were re-balanced to no avail. Ultimately, the dealer said I should think of getting rid of the vehicle before the warranty ends. Thats a stellar vote of confidence in the products they sell. The interior is nice and the seats are mostly comfortable, though not for all. The infotainment system has been working well and is easy to navigate. The paint is very soft and chips very easily. So easily that touch-up paint should be included with your purchase. Gas mileage is great, but acceleration is weak with the 1.5 T. Overall, the vehicle is okay, but I would not purchase again. This is one of those one and done situations. I wish good luck to all who purchase...

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  Disillusioned Honda owner - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gkg451 - July 21 - 5:43 am

  Purchased my CR-V as a low mileage executive driven vehicle after much research. The vehicle is exhibiting an annoying vibration at speeds between 85 and 110 k/hr. Dealer in conj. with Honda unable to correct. Honda says that no defect exists although they have a name for the condition - harmonic tingle. Apparently many other CR-Vs have same problem. I tried a brand new 90 and it had the same problem. Honda says I have to live with the situation as there is no way to eliminate problem.

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  Short of expectations - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kent - July 20 - 12:36 pm

  Styling and driving pleasure are the strong points but gas mileage and build quality are way below Hondas usual efforts. Mileage averages 17/21. Lowest has been 16/20. Never over 19/23. Dealer says thats normal and wont note the complaint on a work order. Door and both side mirrors rattle/shake at hwy speeds and theres a rattle in the dash. Mirrors have been tightened twice. Radio is horrible. If this were a Kia Id rate it a 7 overall for having exceeded my expectations. But its way short of expectations for a Honda. I wonder if assembly in England could account for the poor build quality as I recall the poor quality of MG, TRiumph, etc. Fun to drive, but I wouldnt want to own one.

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  Honda Price, not Honda Quality - 2006 Honda Element
  By mccarthybp - July 20 - 11:25 am

  Although this cars handles very well in winter weather, the brake pads, rotors, and calipers dont hold up. Do not buy this car if you live in the northern US or Canada. All components of the brakes have rusted out, warped, seized, within 32k. Thats not Honda quality. In addition, the dealership labels all of these design flaws as normal. If you have the extra money, but a Toyota. If you dont, buy something else.

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  Air compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rtbtexas - July 18 - 10:53 pm

  My air compressor blew up last year at about 50,000 miles, They replaced the parts for free it cost me about $400 for labor to fix. This year the ac is still not working as well as it did new. I have problems with the cloth falling off the rear door panels. The shifter blocks the a/c for the driver. Poor design. Other than that a good car. I am looking for a car with a better AC.

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  Road Noise, but wait theres more....... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By chuck - July 17 - 2:16 am

  My review is just that, mine. I have owned several cars in my life from Mercedes to Chevy. I am unhappy with this Honda product. My wifes 1992 Accord was a better car. Period.

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  2002 Honda Reliable?? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bolinlamar - July 16 - 8:07 am

  This is the third Honda Ive owned and I must say the worst one, Ive purchased 2 used Hondas in the past and theyve been fine and I still have a 2003 Honda Odyssey van 138,000 miles on it, doing fine. But this 2002 CR-V is the pits, not because of its driveability but because the compressor in the air conditioning system blew up after the second week of ownership, its presently being repaired at a cost of $1974.00. Honda America is paying $500.00 I guess as a matter of goodwill because they know this has been a defect with these models. I wont buy a used Honda again, one sting is enough for me.

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  Problem Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline - July 15 - 9:41 am

  I have had nothing but issues with this truck, the first problem showed up the day after I bought it. I have owned my truck for about a year and a half and have had numerous seals replaced included a gas cap. Most recently my brakes. They have frozen up on me and the emergency brake stays on. Neither the dealership or Honda know how to fix, they know there is a problem but have told me they can only fix it once I am stranded again. Not looking forward to that. I would never recommend this truck or Honda again, I had better luck with Hyundai.