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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  Older models better - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By phonehark - December 22 - 8:09 am

  This is my third odyssey - I loved my minivans but this 2015 not so much. I just traded my 2010 touring for the 2015 exl with nav I was told the only difference was the vacuum and bigger tv screen..Since I didnt need either I went with the model below the elite and I am not happy...the driver set up is Not convenient at all..they got rid off the cup holders that we in the dash so you now have to look down while driving..the cargo box in the front is a big empty box...which mean a bunch of unorganized junk...there is no coin holder for travel tolls...and more so my biggest disappointment is the radio quality! I feel like I am listening to my 1980s radio as a teenager...

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  my best yet - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mfriesenborg - December 21 - 10:26 pm

  coming from a 2000 civic ex, i was impressed with the upgrades done in the 07 model. it has been the textbook example of reliability for 120,000 miles. i have had an engine oil leak fixed under warranty, and had to replace the rear control arms (on my own) recently. mileage is always 35-40, and i have gotten up to 42 on long interstate cruises. the interior is harder to keep clean compared to the 2000, mainly due to different texture of the plastic used on door and kick panels. i feel sorry for people who have had worse experiences than i, but the worst part of owning a civic is using the dealership for service.

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  Perfect car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By noey914 - December 21 - 6:31 pm

  Purchased a 2014 Accord Sport just about 1yr ago. Have put on 16,000 miles so far. Absolutely love the car. Was very hesitant over the CVT but it actually makes the car. Very smooth and great mpg...always average better then what they say it should. Plenty of power and fun to drive. Great package. Highly recommend.

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  2003 Honda Accord EX - 6 cyl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wallyk2 - December 21 - 11:34 am

  Ive enjoyed my car, but the transmission had to be replaced at 40,000 miles, 2 of 3 catalytic convertor stages had to be replaced in less than 120,000 miles, and the oxygen sensor twice...now my heat "blend doors" have to be replaced (which entails removing the entire dashboard).

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  awful seats, marginal a/c - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rwalters1 - December 20 - 5:21 pm

  Owned this car for 15,000 miles. The seats are hard and crowned in the middle. Tried to fix them with the help of an upholstery shop. unless you are very large or very young you will not like these seats. They get very painful the more you drive this car. I believe the car critics are a bunch of biased reviewers. How could anyone miss the fact that these seats are this terrible. A friend at work wife has a CR-V and he says the same thing. Bought an Escape and it makes the Honda look and feel like it was a ten year old car. On a hot day we had to put the fan on high and turn temp to 65 and it barely worked.

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  Great vehicle - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By dswanson30 - December 20 - 7:51 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Im a month into ownership and absolutely love this car. The build quality is spectacular, its super smooth on the highway and it excels at everything I throw at it. I drive 60+ miles a day over a mountain pass and appreciate this car every day! Its pretty decent in snow with the stock tires (snow tires coming soon). Great space for my family of 4!

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  What was I thinking?! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By slcarter81 - December 17 - 1:35 pm

  So the pros for this vehicle are: great gas mileage and comfort. After reading the reviews, perhaps I purchased a lemon but I will never recommend this car to anyone. 15 minutes after driving this car off the lot, all my lights came on. Fortunately the dealership replaced the hybrid battery. I have had to change the sensors and now it is burning oil. There is NO pick up in this vehicle. If you live in the mountains, do not buy this car. Every one will be passing you! After about a year of having this car, I am in the market for a new vehicle.

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  DONT BE FOOLED BY THE HONDA NAME! nothing but problems - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sfus1989 - December 15 - 7:18 pm

  My 05 civic has been NOTHING but problems! I got it at 90,000 miles and on my way home the thermostat went and the oil pan had to be replaced. Then something seemed wrong with the acceleration so I took it to my uncle who is a mechanic (aka I know he is not going to screw me) and I found out the timing belt had to be replaced, They all Do at 90,000 fyi. Then from there the front hub bearings had to be replaced because the sound was atrocious and grinding. THEN the OEM gas cap was faulty and the check engine light came on, so I bought a new one and found out that the check engine light was the alternator AND cat convertor needed to be replaced. HONDA RELIABILITY? Ill stick with Toyota!

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  Still fun and practical - 2002 Honda Civic
  By lrxst - December 12 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had this car longer than any other by far (over 8 years now). It handles predictably, and has held up pretty well over the years. Its not a common model, so people look at it and kind of scratch their heads. The clutch lasted 90,000 miles, and was a little over a $1,000 to replace at an independent shop. Other than that, its been mostly routine maintenance. Unlike earlier models, this engine has a timing chain instead of a timing belt, which is a great benefit on upkeep and the little 2.0 seems pretty much bulletproof. The shifter is different than most cars, but Im not sure why other cars dont have it there in the center. Typical Honda, carefully laid out, and it all still works.

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  Fun to Drive, Expensive to repair - 2004 Honda Accord
  By carlover518 - December 9 - 10:35 pm

  Bought used last year with 225k on body, 151k on newer 2.4L k24A engine. Loved the reliability thusfar and have put on an additional 20k miles since buying. Considering the repairs needed they were needed due to the excessive miles already on the body, ended up going aftermarket due to OEM parts being extremely expensive. Now theres more problems and I just dont want to continue dumping money into it. But considering I live in Upstate NY and knowing the car is over 10 years old, it being 100% rust free is amazing. Switching back to Toyota though. Honda is reliable dont get me wrong. I just love Toyota a tiny bit more for Northeast winters, Rav4.