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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  Bad Seats - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bohemianwild - June 30 - 2:29 pm

  I got the lowest model - the LX - and the seats are horrible. They are very stiff and there is no lumbar adjustment. If you have a bad back I would not recommend this vehicle. Overall the car runs and looks great! I am just disappointed that Honda makes such a great car with horrible interior. Also, the brakes are a little touchy.

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  Buyer beware - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Harley Morse - June 29 - 6:15 pm

  I like everything about the car except that at freeway speeds there is a lot of wind noise. So much that you need to turn up the radio and speak louder. We only have 4000 miles on our car and have contacted Honda several times. Finally, they that that was just the way the car was made. Before you pay $35 thousand dollars for one of these 2017 models make sure you drive it at freeway speeds and can tolerate the noise.

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  Honda could have put more effort in design... - 2017 Honda Fit
  By C Brozek - June 29 - 5:36 am

  Note: driving force for purchasing this vehicle was5yr overall cost of ownership...lowest initial price, low frequency/cost of repairs, lowest fuel costs, with highest safety. HITS: 1) exterior body/lights/window styling is much improved...no longer the dorky design it once suffered from; 2) fuel economy...so far 40+ highway, 34 city; 3) quantity of electronic features of its LX package are decent given the budget price-range. MISSES: 1) driver comfort...insufficient cushioning causing discomfort only remedied by aftermarket 2" foam pad; 2) interior ergonomics...USB and charging outlets on dashboard slightly out of reach and sight, center console cover (when open) makes storage awkward to access, and charging port in center console hard to access; 3) engine/road noise a bit much, more soundproofing needed. Overall, Honda could have done a better job, especially given how it touts its reputation.

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  Disappointment! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Dan - June 28 - 1:13 pm

  Bought my automatic 98 civic hatchback in 99 because they had great reviews in terms of reliability. It was fun to drive and got great mileage. Looked good and was small and nimble. I did not wash often enough, but body held up well. I drove about 13000 miles/yr. Lousy stereo. My AC compressor and transmission both died when it was 5 yrs old. The interior felt cheap, rattled, and wore out quickly. Tail lights leaked water and got inside the spare tire area. My manifold cracked after 6 years and had to be replaced. Driver side manual window crank broke after 6 years. Engine lacked power, uphills it dogged.

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  Good but Not so Good - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MarylandBob - June 26 - 7:13 pm

  Traded a Titan for this vehicle, Ridgeline much easier to handle and more fuel efficient. Seems well built and interior styling is good, exterior is groundbreaking. Drives like a car, easy to get in/out, locking trunk under bed is the best feature. Not so good-hesitation during acceleration, air leak sounds, interior moisture, windows and now floor board. Moisture causing unpleasant odor like old shoes. Dealer has new replacement windshield on order and others are reporting moisture problems with bad welds. Didnt expect this trouble paying top dollar for top-of-the line truck. Well see how all is repaired.

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  1st Honda- very disappointed - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By C - June 25 - 9:41 am

  I thought Honda was supposed to be one of the best... well what happened? Do they not check out everything before they sell them? 1st time I turned on the A/C I got a horrible smell - then fog (not condensation) of course the service dept didnt believe me when I called, but oh wow, now they do because it is sitting in their shop. They have no idea whats wrong.

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  Very disappointed - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Danny - June 23 - 2:27 pm

  I got this brand new 2009 Honda Pilot EX-4WD about a month ago. So far, my experience with this new Honda Pilot became kind of a nightmare. I found this car was built by cheap workmanship made in Canada (or USA whatever). The interior parts are not aligned precisely and some are falling apart after 7 days of purchase. I had to take back my car to the dealer twice to have them fix my dash board assembly, and theres still about 1/8" of gaps between the parts. Also, the front passenger seat developing strange noise if someone sits on it. This car ALSO started to developing engine noise. When I step on gas pedal, theres some kind of metal-clicking noise comes from the engine. Too many to list.

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  Shame on Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shame on Honda - June 21 - 4:27 am

  I have been purchasing vehicles for over 30 years, and this is the first new vehicle Ive ever bought. It is a total lemon! I am very, very disappointed in Honda as I used to think they were a very reputable company, but not anymore. From just under 10K, I started having oil leaking problems that my whole family would smell and each time I brought the car to the dealer for service, they would fix it temporarily. I have 55K on it now, and over the years I have had the oil pan replaced, the oil line, and the latest adventure was the oil sensor. This is a problem Honda knew about! Im done with them.

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  Not so Comfortable! :( - 2006 Honda Accord
  By charlie83 - June 18 - 5:57 pm

  I just bought a 06 Honda coupe lx and man I should have driven it for a longer period of time. The seats are upholster with no lumbar adjustment and hard as a rock. I have a lower back problem and the seat makes my leg go numb. Ouch. Over all it is a good car. It is a nice drive but a little bumpy and a lot of outside noise. It is very pretty on the outside, but watch out for the seats....

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  Wish I still had my 91 - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Redrock - June 18 - 12:38 pm

  Bought this DX without test driving because I loved my 91 DX. Mistake. Honda completely changed the ergonomics: being 51" tall, Im unable to rest my right heel on the floor, am too close to the airbag, and the seatbelt cuts across my throat. I hate having to drive with my toes while my arms are cramped against the wheel. The throttle cable kinks and needs cleaning or replacement twice a year, otherwise the accelerator sticks. Whenever it rains hard, there is a gallon of water in the spare tire well. Mileage went DOWN from my 91 from 39 to 33 MPG average. Middle of the line stereo speakers blew quickly.