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 fails miserably with the Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - July 24 - 11:34 pm

  I have had more problems with this van than any other vehicle I have owned. I purchased it based on the Honda name and now realize that even Honda can make a lemon. Definitely avoid the 1999-2001 model years and get the 2002 and later years. The interior is spartan with hard seats that are not too comfortable on a long ride The side doors have a problem with sticking in the winter. Im on transmission number two...which has just failed. The original tires lasted only about 32,000 miles. The EGR valve is a problem on the 2001. Honda did a poor job on the 2001 Odyssey.

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  Great Van, Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By james - July 23 - 11:59 pm

  I previously drove an Acord for 7 years before buying the van. I expected the same reliability. Boy,was I wrong. The sliding door gets jammed frequently. That started around 38,000 miles. The transmission is shot at 69,000 miles. Too bad because this will be my last Honda. Good luck to the new owners. Keep your fingers crossed that the transmission problems have been solved. A very, very expensive repair.

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  Honda CRV 2004 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kawailani - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately there has already been 5 recalls on this 2004 CRV. The miliage promised with this Honda is not what it is. Many of the special ammenities which came with this car has already fallen apart and I have taken it to the dealer several times to have things fixed, ie. speakers from stereo, latch where you can place your gas cap while fueling up fell off twice, hood of vehicle failing to close, brought back to dealership twice for repairs, problems with brakes X1.

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  Shoddy Job - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Robcat - July 21 - 1:26 pm

  Honda wont stand behind workmanship. I owned a 1995 Honda Odessey and LOVED it. The 2005 design w/removable seats is a laugh. Where are you going to put the 2nd row seats when you take them out? Only have room to put the small in hidden area.The carpets are installed very poorly and w/in hours of buying it was already coming out from undertucked areas. Is CUT drastically where the seat are design to go. HUGE pieces of material that flip up and leaves a gapping hole. Brakes actually started to dragging (They did fix them), Sliding door defaulted causing damage but Honda wont fix the door nor the repair. Attempted to hide w/different color. Paint peeling on body!

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  expected more - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mrbuick - July 19 - 2:00 am

  left dealer lot and got on highway,van shakes at 60mph,so much for pre delivery inspection.seat heater marginal at best,radio controls in steering wheel and window switches on doors are not back lite at night.have to fumble around to use.also seat heater switches are in terrible location and do not cycle off with key each time used.acc power plug on front dash in terible location on floor.first time import car owner was told honda is #1,well i guess they still have a lot of homework to do on the odyessy. not worth the money for level of trim and features.

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  i thought hondas were built to last - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hilary - July 16 - 11:14 am

  This car is not very comfortable to drive. i bought it for its reliability. you can feel every bump on the road and it definately does not go fast. just at the 4 year mark and 45000 miles the air conditioner died. ive had many other cars that never needed a new air conditioner and were much older. after reading other reviews i decided to dump this car. leased a new vw and surprise the warranty is a whole year longer. it is no wonder honda warranty ends at 3 years. i am now a much happier driver and do not feel every bump. i now have a lot more features too.

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  Not the most reliable... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By chig - July 15 - 2:20 am

  Bought a Honda due to excellent ratings and their reliability that you hear so much about. Had two expensive repairs. Had to have the tranmission replaced with low mileage. Honda covered and extended warranty to 100k. Also had a rear main seal that needed repaired with around 50k mileage. Honda refused to admit is was faulty design/workmanship even though all independent sources indicated otherwise. On the 2001 LX model, dont believe the hype that this car is the most reliable out there.

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  Overall I cant complain - 1994 Honda Passport
  By Anita Murray - July 13 - 7:58 pm

  I bought the vehicle with 110,000 miles on it. I have had to replace a lot of little things water pump, belts, alternator, electric windows, valve cover gasket, spark plug wires, most everything however any car that has almost 200,000 miles on it will have to have all that done if it even still runs. Mine still runs good is beginning to use a little oil and some other minor things but it is 11 years old. It needs a cup holder and intermittent wipers and is a little rough riding and noisy even after I changed the shocks. The gas mileage needs some work but I like the size and I use it as much as a truck as I do a car. Considering the age and milage its been good. I plan to keep driving it.

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  Major disappointment - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary - July 13 - 12:22 am

  Bought in 1998 so one of the first. Have had trans, catalytic converter, some other pollution control kit replaced at 80,000 when engine light went on. Got it back afetr new catalytic converter and kit, light went ride back on. Wonder if I even needed them. CD player at 60,000. Dealer servicing was horrible experience. Better ask if something is covered by warranty and also ask them to check with Honda if anything further can be done. They wont do voluntarily and said as much. Two service managers said they would after I asked and I never heard back. I would never buy another Honda. Bought for reliability. Not only was it unreliable, but service department was horrible and useless.

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  What happened Honda? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Love-A-Nissan - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My fiancee owned the car for about two years before finally getting rid of it after the transmission went out with less than 50000 miles on it. If this had been just about any other import car the rapairs would have been covered under the powertrain warranty, but not on a Honda. The exhaust manifold had also cracked on the car about a year earlier. I have a friend with a 2000 Accord coupe that is aslo having transmission trouble. Where is that Honda quality I always hear about? Ill stick with Nissan. They build more exciting cars at a better value and I have never had aproblem with any of my Nissan vehicles.