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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  There Are Better Cars Out There - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Nick - May 14 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car last year for my wife after she was in an accident in her Honda Civic. I knew she loves Hondas and Honda has a reputation of having safe, reliable, fuel efficient, and fun- to-drive vehicles. So, we purchased a fully-loaded v6 and regrettably, I wished I went with my first instinct and got something else. This car has been in the shop so far 4 times and now the check engine light comes on. I have not been impressed with the mpg either. Avg city/highway is 20 mpg. There are plenty of better vehicles out there so dont waste your money on this one. If you have low back problems, this car will hurt your back on long trips. Very uncomfortable.

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  If I Only Knew - 2000 Honda Passport
  By marcochardoofb - May 8 - 2:18 pm

  Purchased SUV from dealer with warranty in 08/07. Engine died 01/08 with 74,000 miles. Now I find out why this SUV is no longer made. Engine eats oil, sounds like truck and terrible gas mileage.

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  Trashy Transmission - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Problem - May 4 - 4:36 pm

  Warning: Do not but Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny. My tranny went out after warranty went out. Even dealer told me that there was a problem with the Pilot and the V6 with auto tranny. A $2500 fix for me. I am a disabled veteran and live on a fixed income. Bought Pilot expecting to get about 250,000 miles out of it. What a joke. If you buy, plan on trading before power train warranty runs out. Do not end up with the same problem that I did. Warning. Do not buy Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny.

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  Not Hooked On Honda Yet - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Steph - May 3 - 12:53 am

  I drove my van off the lot once, after the papers were signed.. Big mistake.. Bad vibration in the steering wheel. Service Director is great, but after 7 service visits Im a little irritated. Oil leak, still trying to determine from where. Engine backfired today. The tires and wheels have been replaced once working on the second time. I wish I had better things to say.. OH, my gas mileage finally improved when I hit 5,000 miles, I average 19 in the city! I think the steering is a little to sensitive so I seem to oversteer a lot. It does great in the snow. The seats are very comfy. The interior plastic scratches really easy, so I tell the kids dont kick it or let the seat belt hit it.

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  Not happy with my purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Matahari - May 1 - 9:15 am

  I have owned two Hondas before this purchase. This is the first CR-V. I am not happy with it and will replace as soon as possible. The interior is cheap, there are issues with the differential that I learned have been an issue for quote some time. Now with only 22,000 miles I have to replace all 4 tires. Never had any trouble with my Honda Accords. Should have bought another one! Miles isnt as good as I thought either. Drove terrible in the snow and ice.

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  My honda is a lemon - 1998 Honda Accord
  By localkid - April 28 - 2:00 am

  What ever happen to Hondas reputation for reliable engines. My diffuculties include engine shut off constantly as I approach a red light. I took my current Honda to a dealer to figure out what was wrong and they explained to me that it was due to a sensor canister (whatever Im not a mechanic) so I got it fixed and a couple of months later the same problem appeared - engine shut off. Second, are minor issues such as the winshield wiper blades nut or screw whatever the thing is every so often becomes lose and Ive had to tighten it a couple of times.

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  Do your homework think twice - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Terry G Watson - April 23 - 11:36 pm

  I have 2009 that has been in the shop three times under 6000 miles,once for a failure of the tire pressure sensor, twice for IMA battery failures. The car is currently experiencing the same type of behavior as before the last IMA failures. Honda states they are having battery problems. In addition, Honda customer service states the MPG is actually normal for winter driving for Missouri. Dealer failed to inform us of this when we purchased vehicle. I find this to be an unethical deceptive practice by Honda. Car is not the quality we expected from Honda.

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  Brake and navigation failure LEMON - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lucky to be alive - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The day after I purchased my 1st new Honda Accord my brakes started grinding and skipping. Multiple repair attempts did not fix problems. The skipping brakes caused me to go into intersections and I was almost killed because of the brake failures. I have been to Honda 6 times and Honda Corporation refuses to help me. I have hired a lawyer to help me and the car is park - since it is unsafe to drive and Honda cant find the brake problem. PS the navigation unit went out so many times, Honda replaced the entire system. The Honda service people were great, but they couldnt fix my car and continue to place me in a life-threatening situation as we

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  Its ok for city driving - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Daniels - April 22 - 2:58 pm

  Great Gas mileage rides nice , you can not have 5 adults in it. ....not a good touring drive ...perfect for inner city driving

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  Disappointed with Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Emily - April 22 - 9:19 am

  I love the style, like the drive BIGGEST problem.. Making a roaring sound while going up hills. Almost like vibration. Honda claimed it was a heat shield they fixed it & we are still having problems. Obviously wasnt a heat shield. Not happy.