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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  Problems and how to deal with them - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By harrys1 - April 9 - 4:49 pm

  1. A/C compressor. Often is stator that pulls clutch in to engage the compressor, but dealer will replace compressor anyway--more money to dealer and less chance of car return. Stator costs $75 and takes 2-3 hr. to replace=$400 repair, not $1300 for compressor. 2. Power steering noise requires new reservoir NOT pump. There is TSB on this. Total parts and fluid around $45. Takes 20 minutes. 3.Transmission not shifting well. Honda changed fluid spec to DW1 from Z1. Put new fluid in before replacing transmission--requires 3 fill and drain cycles of 3.5 qt 4. Power doors. You need to lubricate channels at least yearly. My doors have no problems after 9 yr. and 130,000 miles and 3 kids.

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  2012 Honda Accord SE 4 Dr - 2012 Honda Accord
  By palmblue - April 9 - 2:40 pm

  I love this car and have had it more than a year. I see other complaint like the seats but you can push the button for the lumbar to go all the way back so you dont feel and it is fine. I have driven for 5 hour trips and I am fine in this car and comfortable more than other cars I have driven and same with my wife. I also like the road feel of the car so it truly is a drivers car with great handling and responsiveness. The car is a sleeper and the vtech ready to unleash its inner beast anytime you have need for the extra punch and nice exhaust sounds. Hondas are just all around great cars and no issues and I drive rough and still cant break it.

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  Just OK - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By driftma - April 8 - 1:49 pm

  Was looking at 3 row SUVs to fit the new twins and the dog. Decided on the Pilot over the CX-9 because of cost and dealership. For utility and storage and seating, the Pilot is great. However I feel it lags when it comes to acceleration, even compared to our 2012 CRV. It definitely drives like a truck. Having a little regret because I only use it to drive the whole family once every couple of weeks. Would rather have something more fun to drive. Im also finding the seat even with all its adjustments, difficult to find the right position as of yet (1 month).

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  Engine Block Cracks in cold weather - 2007 Honda Civic
  By airb - April 8 - 10:48 am

  We had negative temperatures this winter. After that my car was losing antifreeze, but couldnt find were it was going. After a few weeks we found out Honda has a "secret warranty" on the engine block cracking in cold weather in Honda Civics from 06-09 and maybe even 2010. Thats what happened to my civic. Honda should pay for this if thats whats wrong. Honda make us jump through hoops to have them fix it. They still didnt fix it, and charged us $700 for just looking at it. Now, we are still fighting to get our money back. This is the biggest part of the engine. Antifreeze went in our oil and messed our engine up and had to buy another engine.

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  How do you get excited about an appliance? - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By obyone - April 7 - 12:07 pm

  This is the first and probably the last minivan. Based on recommendations we purchased this van with the only requirement being a powered tailgate. Most friends commented that we were moving backwards going from SUVs to a minivan. Personally didnt matter to me since I dont drive it.

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  Amazing vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ptr81 - April 5 - 11:04 am

  We purchased our Honda Accord SE in May 2013. It is amazing - with great fuel economy, impeccable build quality, and outstanding reliability. It starts flawlessly in -40 C weather and smoothly rushes to redline when its driven hard. Although the steering is light, it is communicative and direct. This is one of the best Honda vehicles we have ever owned - next to my 1996 bare-bones Canadian Civic LX 5MT (DX in the US) Sedan.

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  91 Civic hatch back - base model - 1991 Honda Civic
  By jkmj9999 - April 4 - 6:09 pm

  bought it used in 2007 & It still drives great after 17 Years !!! love it . lowered it years ago , with a set of 16 in. Alessio wheels .

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  Best Car Ive ever had - 2009 Honda Accord
  By commuter15 - April 3 - 11:20 am

  I bought my 2009 Honda Accord EX-L 3.5 L with Navigation new from the dealer in 2008. I now have 93,xxx miles on it with no problem. I changed the oil every 6k mile and thats it! Dealer sold me 4 oild chnage for $100. That is it. Oh, I almost forget. After 6000 miles, the dealer replaced the rear breaks at no charge to me. Buy it, drive it and enjoy it. It is a most dependable car Ive had.

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  Great car but test out the seat first - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - April 3 - 6:46 am

  I got my Honda Civic EX about a month ago. The car is amazingly quiet and handles very well around town and out on the highway - very stable at highway speeds. The electronics are very easy to use and have sharp, bright graphics that make them a pleasure to use. The Bluetooth system easily synced with my iPhone 4s. The back up camera is great! The only negative is the drivers seat. I am 6-0, 180 lbs and it was extremely difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The front of the seat cushion puts pressure on my legs and is very uncomfortable. Pay attention to the seat feel when you test drive it.

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  Transmission issues Honda Wont Acknowledge - 2002 Honda Accord
  By thuglife714 - April 1 - 11:23 pm

  I am the third owner of this car after my uncle. My uncle at 68,000 miles had to replace the transmission $2500. Then later he sold the car to me. with 116,000 miles on it.. At 129,000 miles I had to rebuilt the transmission $1500 now currently at 143,100 miles symptoms of transmission slipping hesitating yet again. Meaning a new rebuilt.. engine code P1751. I was thinking of buying the 2014 accord but the problems this car has given me not going to. HONDA doesnt appreciate its customers and doesnt want to acknowledge The Problem with these transmissions.. 98-02 models #HateHonda