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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  Honda Shmonda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By towbotr - February 27 - 6:46 am

  After all the "Hubbub" and hype, I finally decided to let the economic side of my brain take over when buying my last car. Honda, they all said. Well, its not all it was cracked up to be. The ride is hard and interior layout is awkward. Radio controls require you to take your eyes off the road and the voice activated feature is cumbersome and the delay is frustrating. The GPS navigation tracks next to the road and even shows the car riding over water. The map has "breadcrumb" dots all over it. Fuel mileage barely makes the 20 mpg advertised on sticker. Service departments in more than one dealership try to find excuses to get out of warranty repairs of which there have been more than afew

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  Dont Buy American,Honda that is. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Eileen - February 16 - 7:56 am

  This car has been a huge disappointment. I think that the quality is VERY poor compared to my 1991 accord. Already the road noise in this 2004 is louder than my 15 year old car. With only 8000 miles on it, Honda has had to replace the cylinder head. The mileage is worse than my 1991 vehicle which had the same number of cylinders and less plastic than the 2004. Does not say much for the engineering. Honda engines made in America do not seem reliable at all. Next for them to fix is the heater and A/C. Oh well, live and learn.

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  Civic Poor Quality - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JackBruno - February 16 - 12:20 am

  We bought the Civic for fuel economy and reviews that indicated the Civic was a high-quality car. We drive mostly in the city, with an occasional long highway trip. The car has been very frustrating because of the overall poor quality of the construction. We will never consider buying a Honda again. Major problems: Driver side front door not aligned. Took 3 visits to dealer to get it close. Right side of car is 3/16 inch higher than left--Honda says this is OK. Many body noises, especially loud rattle coming from wheel well on right front. Transmission grinds (this is an automatic!) when trying to decide what gear to be in--Honda says there is nothing wrong.

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  Such an Unremarkable car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Silver99 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Im tired of this thing after only 1 year. I still dont see what all the fuss is about. This car is terrible in cold weather and rain. The engine makes a beautiful sound, but that is about all you can expect from it. The 2.3L probably would scream in a Civic, but is not quite enough for the heavy Accord. The interior just screams cheap. The steering is a loose and shaky, as are the brakes. After a year, I already want to get rid of it. What a boring car.

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  Disappointed - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By clk9 - February 3 - 12:04 pm

  This was the first car purchase that I have ever read the reviews on, researched through the internet re: hybrids and electric cars. Decided on a hybrid because of short drive/charge distances on the all electrics. Went with the Honda Accord Hybrid based on review from this site and several other sites. I have never been more disappointed in a car purchase than I have this one. It is miserable to ride in, sort of like sitting on bleachers with a towel under me. The transmission seems to gasp when changing gears, although the drive remains smooth.

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  Very dissatisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gord - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The seats in this vehicle are terrible. After about 20 minutes in this vehicle I am in agony. The leather seams across the seats dig into my thighs. The side bolstering is so stiff it bruises my hips on long trips. I am 6"4" tall -can hardly reach the stearing wheel. When I tilt the wheel down the speedometer is completely concealed. The ergonomics are horible. The vehicle performs and handles well but is an absolute rattle- trap. The headliner sounds like it is going to come unglued.So far I have had to have body panel flaws and weatherstriping problems. Just started to have trouble with door handle on passenger side door handle and cd player skipping.Gas mileage not near what they claim

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  Road Noise! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Z - December 28 - 7:45 am

  I really wanted to get this car. Very practical! Amazing seats that fold up! Great for the city with decent miles. I test drove this car three times. The road noise is unbearable. If you are stuck in rush hour with this car you will have serious headaches. I am not sure if its the CVT or just engine noise. The interior is very nice and i like the way it looks over the CRV. I have owned honda cars forever and this CVT/Engine noise is going to have me looking at other car makers. I am going to hold off for the 2017 to see if they fix these issues.

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  Dont do it!!! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By NottherealJLO - December 22 - 3:45 pm

  First and foremost, I am Honda obsessed. With the exception of my very first car when I was 16, Ive only owned (and loved) Hondas. However, Im deeply regretting my most recent purchase. I have a brand new, beautiful to look at 2017 Accord Hybrid that I HATE. Its loud, the drive is jerky and feels unstable, and does not at all feel like a Honda. Ive been ressured that there is nothing technically WRONG with the car, "Its Just the way the hybrid drives". And I got better gas mileage with my 2015 Accord, though they assure me my MPGs will go way up once I hit 1000 miles or so. Either way, HUGELY disappointed with a very severe case of buyers remorse. Its going to be a very long 36 months.

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  Most UNRELIABLE car ever owned - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HONDA CIVIC EX - December 12 - 12:46 pm

  After owning many Hondas since 1983, buying a 2004 Civic EX was not questioned. It has proved to be nothing but a headache with techncians unable to find the problem. It has a continuing refusal to start probem. Tech says its a quirk that well just have to live with. Been at dealership several times since 6/04. They dont pick it up (theyd too busy) then say they cant find the problem because its been jump started. Two complaints have been filed with Honda North America. Both times promised a response within 2 business days. No response to either complaint. Service techs are useless; customer service is nonexistent. Honda is not the quality car it once was.

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  Worst Car EVER - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 2cents - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned/driven and my first car was an 88 Isuzu Pick-up. Performance is terrible. Engine has no power. Suspension is trash. It bounces everywhere like a cadillac. I have a 5sp. It never likes to go into reverse or 2nd. Im luck if I get 25mpg. The car rattles everywhere. At 48k miles, my transmission needed to be rebuilt.