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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  Deal Breaker - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mac - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  No locking tailgate ! Also not impressed with the navigation system, I believe it is from 2015, and the rest of the info system. Getting in and out of the rear seats is not good.

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  What a Bummer! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Michelle - November 10 - 4:40 am

  I have owned Accords for 12 years, and I was SOOOO excited about the 2008. Only a few months later, I had issues with dash noises (still not fixed after four tries), and at 20,000 miles, the rear brake pads needed to be replaced. According to the service department, this will continue indefinitely (at 300.00 dollars a pop, it isnt a cheap prospect). We also had transmission issues that the dealer "couldnt duplicate". It was choppy and noisy. We recently sold the car for a Ford Fusion. We wanted to ditch it before it isnt worth anything at all. Honda refused to fix the problem with the brakes, couldnt hear tranny probs and after 4 tries stopped dash rattle with fuzzy black tape.

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  Good Car - Terrible Seats - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Zzzooom - November 8 - 1:21 pm

  Had the car a year: Loved the economical operation, the room, the dash layout and the BEST navigation system on the market. HOWEVER, the drivers seat was terribly uncomfortable on the upper back and the leather seats were hard. I actually hated to drive the car because of the seat comfort. Resisted selling the car, but when the front brake rotors has to be resurfaces three times due to warping (under warranty) i decided to sell it. Very mixed emotions when selling however, in retrospect, it was the only choice. I HATED the seats!

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  2017 Honda CRV EX-L has a mind of its own - 2017 Honda CR V
  By FrankZ - November 7 - 4:22 pm

  Bought this car after owning a 2013 Pilot and wife owns a 2015 CRV. A few of the problems I had were: creaking noise from steering wheel, mirror monitors on both sides would illuminate with no other cars were around, biggest issue was the accident mitigation(auto braking) suddenly came on with no vehicle anywhere around me. Needless to say when you car suddenly brakes for no reason(warm sunny day) that will get your attention. I traded the car in even though I lost a lot of money. I was told by the dealer that there was a TSB (technical service bulletin) out for this issue. I also found the info display hard to navigate, you spend too much time trying to find what you are looking for.

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  Not The Honda You Loved - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Larry - November 7 - 4:50 am

  Overweight - 3600 pounds, lots of road noise, and the combined performance of the VCM and the grade logic automatic transmission mke this a miserable driver. Real world economy is down compared to last years models. All in all very disappointing - and I have owned 14 Honda/Acura products since 1981.

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  2005 Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Patty Lambert - November 3 - 6:16 am

  It is less than what I expected. Not that comfortable for the passenger. I think the passenger seat should also be automatic. Paint scratches too easy. For the money they could have done better. Not what you would expect out of Honda. Navigation system is not easy to use, waste of money.

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  Worst Drive Ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ajax12 - October 31 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my 4WD CR V ExL Nov 1 and wanted to return it a week later. While the car has great pick up it is the worst drive i have had in a Honda. The engine vibrates when stopped at lights or while in idle. Also while driving you feel a vibration at certain intervals. I am not sure what triggers it but it is the most annoying thing I have ever experienced. It takes all the joy out of owning a new car. I learned from other reviews that it is the CVT and I took it to the dealer to see if any adjustments could be made and they just told me they could find nothing wrong with the car. I am seriously thinking about trading it in for an Accord. I miss my old honda accord.

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  Good but ... - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rob - October 30 - 4:16 am

  Good car but not Honda quality nor design. Cheap plastics are easy to scratch. Car does best on smooth surfaces.

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  vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jerzy Ryczek - October 29 - 1:29 am

  that thing vibrates when idling ,and also on low speeds ,very disappointed ,also have 2013 honda accord with same motor and transmission and no problems like that,hopefully honda will fix this soon,but for now people stay away from this car

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  Ugly Duckling - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bill Walsh - October 28 - 6:20 pm

  The only thing I can say is this vehicle is functional. It is ugly but practical. I am a woodworker and it does all I need it to do. It carries 4X8 sheets of plywood or dimensional lumber. I like the fact that it is not carpeted. It has no "gonads". You are not going to burn rubber with it. The good gas mileage is a tradeoff. When I first bought it, I was embarrased to be seen in it. (After being MR. PICKUP). Now I can live with it.