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 this Honda - Sorry - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bill R. - May 28 - 3:05 pm

  Owner of a 2014 (and past 2004) Pilots...lease is coming up next year on the 14 so asked my sales manager bud if I could keep a 16 for a number of days. Long relationship and Ive bought 7 other Acuras/Hondas from him - it does pay to stay loyal! In short, Im not going to get one. Appearance - looks like a CRV on steroids or any of the other mid-SUVs out there. Ive also shun Acura until they get over their "the gaudier the better" styling philosophy. Yes, it does drive and feels more solid on the road vs. the 14; however road noise, ever the Achilles Heel of anything this corporation produces, is still omnipresent. My 02 GMC pickup is still quieter! The interior gets a 10 for overall styling and material improvements, a 7 for an over-busy dash/electronics (Consumer Reports just hammered Honda for their e-systems), a 1 for making the driver area "tighter" in both height and width, and a -6 for removing the high-center console and replacing with those el-cheapo arm rests from their parts bin. So, overall Im disappointed with their efforts here - and I note here are not many glowing reviews on this and other boards. My dealership buddy says reception has been lukewarm with a number of people saying its more like an "Odyssey with a longer snout". Hopefully Honda will hear some of these words and make further refinements. They finally did revise the Civic following an outpouring of criticism. Happy New Year!

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  no good car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By honeys3 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  people thinking of getting a new car? i recommend u to not getting this car. the honda accord is expensive and not reliable as a family car. i have a recall on the navigation system. i bought this car from the dealership new with about 12000 miles already on it for approximately $30500.

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  2017 CR-V is a lemon - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Shawnee Worters - May 19 - 5:12 am

  Three transmissions in less than 6000 miles. Now the Bluetooth suddenly stopped working. Car has a high pitched whine upon acceleration only when the air conditioning is on. This was not the case until after the third transmission was installed but Honda Service says nothing is wrong. I cant trust this vehicle to travel more than a few miles from home.

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  transmisions? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By burned by honda - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Honda did me good. I had two transmisions replaced and Honda tried both times to blame me . WOW the nerve of them. Thier customer service is amazingly poor.

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  I got taken - 2003 Honda Accord
  By never again - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I went out to buy me a good car, listen the advice of some friends and wow did i ever get a surprise. these hondas are just so over rated i cannot believe it. the transmission went out the first 3000 kilometers and honda wanted to blame it on me. all i gat to say is wow and stay away.

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  Not worth it - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rick - April 23 - 8:30 pm

  Right from the start, I began having problems. The drivers seat does not adjust properly and the factory and dealership would not change it which gave me lots of back aches. Gas mileage is horrible on highway at 21 mpg. Drivers seat does not go back far enough. Engine performance is very lacking. This car has the 6-4-3 eco system. Do not buy it. When gas pedal is floored abruptly, the engine pauses for several seconds then slowly gains speed. The transmission does not downshift properly... If youre in drive and you decide to floor the gas pedal at 10 mph, the transmission stays in 3rd gear and does not shift lower unless you do it manually. Will not buy another Honda unless changes.

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  Accident waiting to happen - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kate - April 12 - 4:03 am

  Very disappointed in Honda. The Civic design makes it impossible to actually see the hood of the car while driving and this is even with the seat raised so much your head nearly hits the roof of the car. Honda says its aerodynamic but I think it is inconvenient, makes parking very difficult and really unsafe. Honda says you will learn to sense the end of the car but I say RUN!

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  Should have kept old one - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By datum - March 23 - 5:43 am

  Had a 2003 Odyssey and decided to upgrade to latest and greatest. It hasnt been too great yet...nagging problems. Have had back to dealer numerous times for little things that shouldnt happen! Had Key Fob replaced, radio reception poor, 3rd row seat bracket was bent upon delivery, and steering pulls to right (still not fixed to my satisfaction)

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  Window Jammed, plastic lining peels off - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mehmet - March 11 - 6:26 am

  In two months front window jammed. Dealer fixed the window. However, all dors have plastic lining at the bottom. Now those plastic linining peels off. It looks like falling apart.

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  Would not buy again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rick Kirchoff - March 3 - 8:20 am

  This car lacks the performance and handling of previous years. Gas mileage is horrible too, 20 mpg city/highway after 6000 miles. Passing gear seldom works when needed. Drivers seat is not fully adjustable using 8-way power seat which is very uncomfortable. Shift- hold-control prevents coasting after hard acceleration. Reminds me of driving a boat, have to think several miles ahead if you want to do something. Car is not as nimble- footed as previous years. Daytime running lights..yuck!!! Automatic mirror dimming does not work during daylight hours and performs poorly at night.