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:

• 

  Somewhat disappointed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By writergeek - October 26 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the Civic primarily because of the mpg and because I wasnt ready to buy a hybrid yet. I realized I wouldnt get the numbers they have on the sticker, but thought Id be in the 35-36 range. I drive mostly highway and find the kind of stuttering action weird. Also, two aspects of the Civic performance are a bit alarming. One is when I took my foot off the brake while at a dead stop and the car raced forward. The other is the car is all over the road in windy weather. I had aggressive snow tires on the car that I had to take off one extremely windy day. I got blown out of my lane into the next, in front of a tractor trailer. The car can stay in the lane with the original tires.

• 

  My Honda Review - 1995 Honda Civic
  By BeerSnorkel - October 25 - 2:00 am

  If I had known how underpowered this thing was, I never would have bought it. The thing just eats tires too. Go figure.

• 

  Overrated by thousands of people - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AcuraT - October 21 - 4:49 pm

  This car has been okay but not nearly as great as many claim it to be. City mpg is about 14 with the V-6 engine with light throttle, 28 to 30 highway. Car has had transmission problems, electrical issues, and generally not that reliable. I also owned a 2001 Acura TL that nearly stranded me at 61,000 miles due to a faulty transmission. This will be my last Honda since the dealer is not sympathetic even with the extended warranty ("that is normal"). I do not recommend Madison Honda in Madison, NJ to fix any Honda - do not buy the extended warranty there.

• 

  Its just a car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan - October 20 - 1:52 am

  The car is just an ok car there is not too much to it. The only benefit is anytime you go over 70mph you get a free body massage cause the vibrates so much we took it to the dealer and it’s something all new CRV do. We mostly get rid of it and get something else.

• 

  Love my Cr-v - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Terri - October 18 - 5:32 pm

  I loved my cr-v very much. Good on gas, reliability is a plus. I was surprised with the picnic table, thought that was thought of Honda including it. Only thing I didnt like about the cr-v is highway uphills driving. There is a loud noise when you drive 70 mph or more. I hate that it cant handle curves and mountains. Other than that, I love my cr-v. I will be buying a 2006 next time. Hopefully honda has improve the cr-v.

• 

  On the road to Lemondom - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DisappointedbyHonda - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned an Integra, CRV, and Civic prior to buying the Accord and loved them all. Our new Accord has been back to the dealer at least 6 times for rattles, brakes, and skipping CDs. THe car still rattles, the brakes vibrate, the CD skips and the rear passenger door now can not be opened from the inside. We are in contact with Honda USA and the Washington State Attorney Generals office to have the car declared a lemon. Honda USA has been slow (38 days) to respond to our concerns, and today asked for another chance to fix the problems they have been unsuccessful at fixing 6 times.

• 

  there are bad apples in every bunch - 2004 Honda Accord
  By unhappy in Florida - October 14 - 11:11 am

  Since I bought the vehicle it has had a new trans and a new drivers seat, and a new radio. Now I need to replace the head liner. You dont expect these things to happen to a high quality car. Will not perchase another one.

• 

  Fix the problems with the engine light - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kat - October 12 - 12:30 am

  Since the car reached about 80,000 miles the service engine light comes on at least once a month... It has had a new computer chip, catalytic converter, and transmission clutch box. Now they tell me it needs another catalytic converter $1100. The mechanic told me that Honda has not been able to find a fix for this issue but now it is no longer in warranty. I have had all recommended maintenance which costs between $200-400 each time. I would think that the car would not be falling apart. I have a friend who had to replace the transmission just after 100000.

• 

  Miss My Suburban! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Shelly - October 10 - 1:38 pm

  While my husband recently came home bearing gifts. He left with my Suburban and came home with a Odyssey. I was expecting to notice a huge increase in gas mileage. Only about 18 in the city w/air. Not at all pleased with the quality of the interior it barely gets touched by something and scratches horribly! Some pieces are not put together well and they dont match up. The carpet seems to stain really easy and not the best of quality. Seems to change gears at times a bit rough when slowing down quickly. STILL cannot figure out the concept or design with the middle seat belt. TOTALLY useless! The space is so little for a small child but then the seatbelt cuts them across the throat!

• 

  Really Dont Like It - 2008 Honda Element
  By JustCC - October 9 - 9:51 pm

  All the stuff I have in it slides all over the place (nothing slides in our Suburban), the seats hurt my butt and back, the headrests puts my head in a weird position, Ive had two very minor fender benders at very low speeds and each one has resulted in mega repair bills because if the front touches anything it caves in. The paint on the cladding chips easily. Small gas tank means more frequent fill ups, rattles, I hate hate hate having to get out of the car to close the back windows.