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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  Finicky drivers review - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dave - August 10 - 6:41 am

  I drive a lot to get to work. Ive owned about 9 or 10 different cars (mostly hondas or acuras) and tend to be pretty critical of vehicles. Overall after 700 miles on a 2016 Accord EX (no leather or Honda Sense) Id give the car a solid B-. Handling is good: not too much body roll and car goes where I point it. But Id prefer slightly faster biting brakes. Ride quality is decent, but certainly not as smooth as these professional car reviewers say. Perhaps its only the higher end trims or the V6 with this supposed smooth ride, but my Accord rides firm. You feel most bumps. I also dont like how it deals with road undulations, the landing coming back down is abrupt. Vehicle quietness overall is very good: wind and road noise are generally well controlled. However there is some noticeable drone and vibration from the cvt and there are some squeaking sounds on interior panels when driving over certain coarse surfaces. Fuel economy is fantastic. Im averaging 31mpg in mixed driving on regular. Stereo and infotainment are pretty good quality for class. And I really like the Apple Carplay feature.

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  2013 Honda Accord sedan acceleration hessitation - 2013 Honda Accord
  By fair2us - August 7 - 8:04 pm

  I brought my 2013 Honda Accord to Orr Honda of Hot Springs to have back up sensors installed in January 2013. I left it at the dealership and Travis called to tell me that the backup installation kit that I was having them install was missing some pieces. Since they had my vehicle, I asked that a technician ride in the vehicle to identify why it was causing a small stutter, jerking and hesitation when gently accelerating. I was told that the technician said that this was normal in the new Accords and that I had nothing to worry about. Over time, it seems that the stutter/jerking/hesitation has become more prevalent, so I called HondaÂ’s customer service to complain about the issue.

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  Sorry Honda lovers, our last van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Last Honda Van - August 7 - 1:17 pm

  We were originally so excited to trade our SUV and get one when they first came out. However, we are quite over the extreme cabin noise (dealer will say it is tires, but we changed to no avail), steering squeals, brake grinding and shimmy, and easily marred bumpers. #1 is noise - both the "roar" when we drive and loud squeals from turning. Wife, who once loved it, now cannot wait to trade it as the DVD volume has to be 20+ to cover the roar. Dealer serviced since day 1, they seem to resist really trying to seek out the issue. Thankfully we bought an extended warranty as otherwise all of service efforts on these issues would be out of our pocket. FYI - No loaners car for service on $31K van.

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  2003 Pilot Falling Apart - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Disgusted Pilot Owne - August 7 - 1:31 am

  I have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with RES with 79,000 miles. Gradually, the thing is falling apart. After 3 years, the A/C broke. Shortly after that, 2 door locks broke. The quality of the leather is terrible. The drivers side visor mirror cover broke. The plastic on the bottom side of the drivers side broke off. One of the rear A/C vents broke. The car is even starting to rust right in the middle of the passengers side door for no apparent reason! This is unbelievable! When I speak to Honda about these issues, they say they have never heard of such problems. However, I am finding by reading online that my problems are quite common. What has happened to Hondas quality?

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  Bring your own transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Anonomous - August 3 - 1:53 am

  I bought my Accord new because they are supposed to be low maintenance cars that run forever. After warranty expiration, I learned that "forever" is slang for until your warranty expires. Even though my car is six years old, it only has 40,000 miles on it and Im replacing the transmission. Ive learned that this is a very common problem among hondas. It does have a flimsy front cup holder that wont stay latched and has a lot of road noise when driving at high speeds. With only four cylinders, its a little gutless when getting onto the freeway. All these things could be overlooked if I could just get the transmission to let drive it.

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  I want my Civic back! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rubypearl - August 2 - 11:15 pm

  I now have 5,000 miles on this car. Ive tried to give it the benefit of doubt, but I am so frustrated with it. The engine has an annoying knock/tick on acceleration, so much, that bystanders on the street acknowledge it. Of course, the Honda mechanics dont hear it. This Fit is a squirrelly beast in the snow, and is a frightening plow, rather than "fun to drive". Having lived in Alaska for many years, I do know how to drive in snow! Luckily I no longer live there. The paint quality is less than "quality". I have the Blackberry Pearl, sport model. I highly suggest choosing a Civic over a Fit, if handling, noise, and fuel economy are important to you. I miss my Civic, LOTS!

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  2003 Civic Hybrid Many Problems - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott - July 27 - 12:48 pm

  I have 180000 miles. Changed all fluids religiously. Had to replace clutch, transmission in Feb 08 and now IMA battery dying. $7000 worth of repairs. Very bad engineering solution for folks who care about the environment. Stay away from this vehicle...

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  A C problem after only 36,000 miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Martha Christensen - July 26 - 2:04 pm

  My whole ac unit in my cr-v crystallized after only 4 years old and only 36,000 miles. If I would not have had extended warranty on this car I would have to have paid $4,000.00 to fix it! This is terrible.The mechanic that fixed it said all honda cr-sv do this after 35,000- 45,0000 miles! This is terrible! I am not a happy Honda owner now! Martha Christensen

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  Most Overrated Car on the road! Really. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By godawgs2008 - July 25 - 6:50 pm

  Bought this car brand new for my daughters 16th birthday. Why, because I wanted the very best reliability for the money. It was a slam dunk according to "everyone". "What a long, strange trip its been"... Reliability issues, one after another. Failed auto Door locks. Failed power windows. Failed front and rear struts. Failed transmissions (if this has not happened to you yet, be patient it will. It is a manufacturing defect. Leaky/noisy sun roof Could have bought a Cavalier for this.

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  Piece of JUNK! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - July 22 - 7:29 am

  I have less than 53,000 miles on my 2003 CR-V and have spent over $4,500 on it in the past 8 months. New AC, new struts, new ABS brakes, new emissions controller, new SRS controller and more. And of course, all this started happening very shortly after my warranty expired.