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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  absolutely disappointed with mpg - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By pcates - October 7 - 11:58 am

  I read all the reviews on the Pilot they were wonderful and then I bought one - a 2007 and I hate it. The gas mileage is terrible, I hate how car mfg lie. I get 11-13 city and most on the hwy is 20.5. The dealer keeps making excuses for the poor mpg. I have already had a intake senor replaced - it did not help. So what good is the ECO light staying on to cut out the cylinder so get you better mpg. What JOKE! My husbands F150 gets more consistent mileage then the pilot. Will never buy another Honda (this was my first and last)

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  Its OK but some issues - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gliattitd - October 6 - 3:31 pm

  The car has been very reliable. I have had to replace the drivers side window motor twice now, I hear others have this issue as well. Like some of the other reviewers, min is at 99,000 miles and my transmission is starting to act funny. I hope I dont have to replace like they did!

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  Great car except for the seats. - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Chuck - October 4 - 7:25 pm

  I like everything about the car except the seats are so uncomfortable. I guess I should have done a longer test drive. This car has everything I want in a car especially all the safety features but it is so uncomfortable to drive that I dont want to even drive it more that 10 miles. If I go farther than that my back starts to ache and my right hip hurts and I just want out of the car. Ive tried some cushions but they are uncomfortable also. Im not sure what to do now.

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  Aint No BMW - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Fudbutter - October 1 - 8:26 pm

  This car was delivered new in July 1999. After 9 years and 139,000 miles it has proved to be reliable to get us from point A to point B consistently, but over that time, the cruise control conked out and she leaks oil (About a quart a fill up) despite diligent maintenance. The body has a bit of rust and many nasty door dings. Other than that, no major issues. Brakes and timing belt have already been replaced but tranny has showed no issues. It is used as a the car to get us to the city, airports or anyplace we would be uncomfortable taking our precious roadster. All in all, it hasnt been the "bulletproof" transportation that it was supposed to be, but it has never left us stranded.

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  1200 miles on it. - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ICDAvi - October 1 - 2:41 pm

  Very comfortable for both commuting and hauling the family. Annoyed by all the door safety interlocks, but getting used to them. Fit and finish is average. The dash looks like it was slapped together with some of the lines and edges not matching up. The passenger air bag trim is slightly lifted causing a gap between it and the dash. So far I am happy with it. Got 24.3 mpg with 95% highway and 21.5 mpg with 75% highway (AC always on). Looks like the mpg is getting better as the engine breaks in and the computer better controls the VCM.

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  Good Daily Driver - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hansel313 - October 1 - 3:25 am

  I have owned this car for a little over 2 years now. I bought it for getting to work and college, as well as cheap insurance. The Civic is pretty slow, and I usually have to rev into 4-5k RPM to make it to freeway speeds by the time I need to merge. Freeway passing is slow, unless you downshift to 4th. Gas mileage is good, but not the greatest, but one of the better ones at the price. I havent had any major mechanical issues, just a broken power door lock actuator which was fixed under the extended warranty. Maintenance is a breeze. Interior breaks and scratches easily. Good view out the rear. It gets you from A to B, which is its intended purpose.

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  Probably Not Again - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - September 26 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in Nov. 2003. I now have 98,000 miles on the car. At 97,000 miles the entire A/C compressor, clutch and coils blew. After fighting with Honda they ended up paying $600 or the $1500 price tag to replace the A/C. The cars fit and finish are sub par for a Japanese car. Squeak and rattles abound. The exterior paint is easily scratched. Honda has known about the faulty A/C problems with the CR-V but refuses to extend the warranty on them. I owned 2 Subarus before this car and will go back to Subaru once this car dies for good. Honda gets high marks in most of these postings but most of the postings are from people who just bought their cars.

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  Awful Seat Design! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By marvelous2 - September 25 - 7:30 pm

  I just traded this car after owning it for a few months! It cost me thousands of dollars to get rid of it, but the seats gave me and my wife back pain after 20 minutes of driving! No one, the dealer or American Honda, would help me. Take a long test drive before buying this car. Wish I had! Buyer beware!

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  97 Accord Over-rated - 1997 Honda Accord
  By bernerjc - September 24 - 8:26 pm

  97 Accord -not so reliable Lost trans. ($2400) due to a faulty trans. pump just after warranty (per mechanic-was a mfg defect) Honda did finally pay for 15% of repair 3 A/C repairs in last yr. $3650 of repairs in 45,500 mi $0.08 per mi repairs 27 MPG Worth $9500 now vs $18K new (not bad val. retention) Overall ownership cost incl purch. price minus curr. val., insurance, title, repairs, gas: $0.40/mi. (above $0.365 normal avg) well above my Civics $0.31

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  LCD DISPLAY ISSUES CONSTANT AND BRAKE RECALL - 2016 Honda Civic
  By BuckeyeBaby - September 22 - 1:07 am

  Loved it when I first got it, brand new 2016 model, loaded but just turned 5,000 miles and have had parking brake issues, dangerous ones with recall out for it. Then today LCD display screen started flickering non-stop cannot use it AT all. Have to go in and have fixed, check Internet many people with these same ongoing issues. Car to low to ground as well, Bluetooth works only randomly, and media as well as navigator only work randomly too. SO disappointing! Choose another vehicle, this is my first Honda was so excited as the ratings were so good, but definitely has issues!