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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  Not so great for carpooling! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbie - May 14 - 2:50 am

  I have three kids and carpool with two other children. You cannot easily, comfortably fit 3 children in car seats in the back row. I am very disappointed in the fact that the cup holders take up room in the third row and I cant fit three kids back there. When I called Honda to inquire they were not at all helpful. Overall disappointed by the minivan.

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  Fun, but not what I expected of a Honda - 2008 Honda Element
  By Cruisedoggy - May 12 - 2:40 pm

  At 54, this was my very first new car...ever! Everyone said what great cars Hondas are, so I was excited to be buying one, and my beloved Element to boot. At 1000 miles it had been in the shop twice for fuel tank sensor issues. Now at just shy of a year and only 5700 miles I am truly disappointed. It IS fun to drive and I love its funny nerd cool look, but the quality really lacks....small irritations: defrosters are non- existent, radio speakers vibrated from the start, drivers side doors rattle. Im a single old guy, so its hardly been given rough treatment.

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  My first and last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas no more - May 11 - 5:45 am

  This Honda is a lemon! Sensors failing, defective parts, high maintenance requirements (rear differential fluid often needs changed), defectively designed A/C system. I will never buy a Honda again. I had a Ford Ranger for 10 years and apart from routine maintenance never had to replace anything. Im going back to Ford.

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  Poor plastic choice for interior - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bear - May 10 - 4:44 pm

  The plastic used in the interior is easily scratched. The luxury model lacks many common feature such as automatic headlights or lumbar support for the passenger. The sun visor does not keep the sun out very well. My wife hates this vehicle. I do not recommend this model.

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  Much worse than expected - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Lomompopizde - May 10 - 2:00 am

  When I bought Civic I expected it to be as or more reliable than my previous Mazda Protege and Nissan Altima. I was proven wrong again and again. During the first week I had problems getting the ignition key out. It was a rather typical problem for auto LX sedans. Many times the rubber ceiling on the windows detached and Honda could not fix it. The paint is plainly bad, normal driving results in one paint chip a month. I also did not like at all how doors deform by half an inch when you open a window. Engine is so noisy that only loud music can save you from it sound. I was really happy to get rid of this car.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - May 7 - 10:05 pm

  If you are expecting perceived Honda quality, you will be very disappointed in the Element. It will start at about 3000 miles when your rear brakes will start grinding, Then at about 20,000 they will literally explode. Make sure you are always near a repair shop. At 45,000 miles you will need a new manual transmission because yours will pop out of gear at low speeds and require two hands to shift it into 1st or 2nd gear. Have no idea what to expect at 50K because Im dumping it at 48K. Goodbye to the worst built car I have ever owned. (I have owned more than 30 cars BTW)

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  Pull to the right????? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ben - May 6 - 8:48 pm

  Ive only had the car for three weeks and took it to back to the dealer because it was pulling heavily to the right. After I left it felt like nothing had been fixed and next time I had to ask my wife to take it back. The service people told her that there is nothing wrong with the car since Honda vehicles pull after a few seconds. This sounds like a big fat lie to me. Has this happened to anyone else?

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  Gas mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Susanne Jusino - May 5 - 7:03 pm

  I would never have traded in my Camry hybrid if I knew the Honda accord hybrid only got 39 mpg. What a disappointment. I have had many Hondas but now I will go back to Toyota.

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  Hope based on reputation - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By HHSBS - May 5 - 10:18 am

  Honda is a well reputed co., so we bought the minivan. Having said that, overall I am very happy with the interior room. But it lacks features and the most disturbing thing of all is the road / wind noise. If you plan to go out with family on long trips, this is not a van for you. Noise level is high and makes the journey a bit of a torture. Also lack of power outlet is a big disappointment. Will look elsewhere for my next car / van.

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  A/C compressor blew up at 55k miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ed C - April 28 - 6:41 am

  A/C condenser blew up with 55k miles requiring a complete replacement of the entire A/C system costing $3500. Honda refused to pay for any of the repair costs although this is a common issue. Car had other minor quality defects with the window controls and control panel. I liked the way the car looked and handled but the overall quality for this model is way below what I would expect from any manufacturer.