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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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jmharrell - April 20 - 10:20 pm

  Ditched the car as soon as I found someone to take it. Transmission went at 30,000 miles, and started to go again at 60,000. Honda was only willing to help until 75,000 and then I would be responsible for each $4,000 transmission replacement. Only got 37 mpg because it didnt have the power to maintain higher freeway speeds in rural areas above 75 mph whereas my now regular civic gets 40-50 at those speeds. Avoid at all costs!

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  Love our Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Red Devil - April 20 - 7:05 pm

  Just passed 25,000 miles on our EX-L. So far we have had zero issues. Love the comfort of this minivan. The handling and agility is quite impressive for a minivan. Road noise can creep through on occasion. Not the perfect minivan, but a very good one.

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  Sad to see it go. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Me - April 20 - 5:55 pm

  Bought this car with 70k miles 10 years ago, now time to upgrade it. If youre looking for a good budget car - assuming its been maintained well - then you should consider this car. No major problems during ownership, standard maintenance, did rebuild trans, but wow, still kicking after all this time, and Im hard on it.

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  Will never buy Honda Again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Anthony - April 20 - 8:34 am

  I purchased the 2007 EX-L with navigation and rear entertainment system. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.. We first noticed the shaking, took it to the dealer and of course they could not replicate the problem. Found out the all of the engine mounts are broken and have to be replaced. I also paid several hundred dollars to have my brakes including rotors replaced. Torque converter has to be replaced. The transmission is shot.. All of this and I maintain the vehicle. Paid 32k. I owned a 2003 Odyssey and did not have any problems. Thats why we purchased the 2007.. Honda wont own up to the problems with this car. We are forced to purchase the 2011 Sienna with extended warranty.

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  Great car but - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - April 19 - 9:13 pm

  This is my 3rd review. Bought in Jan of 09 w/ 59k miles, now has 78k. Gas mileage is wonderful. Handling is solid, engine runs smoothly and transmission shifts smoothly. When I first got the car power wasnt quite what I wanted. A cool air intake, header, and performance exhaust helped. However Ive had some unexpected issues. Fuel door cable broke - $300 to fix! O2 sensor failed, over $260 to fix, front control arm bushings replaced for $300. Not things I would expect from a Honda at the age / mileage it is. Overall I still think Honda is an excellent product but I will probably at least look at reviews more closely when I eventually replace my car - which Im not planning on for a while.

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  Very cramped Noisy but great cargo space - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sam K - April 19 - 1:50 pm

  if youre the primary driver and youre over 5 7, dont buy unless you want back pain and/or heel pain. I am 5 10" and find that my seat even if all the way back my knees are off the seat which gives me foot pain. My wife is 5 2" and my father in law is 5 6" and both are thin. If we add the car seat, its hard for them to sit. The middle seat-belt is a joke. Very, very, very noisy interior. Especially if youre driving on 101 South LOL. Forget talking on cell phones inside this SUV or even having a decent conversation along with light music.

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  Caution - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jjl - April 18 - 8:40 am

  I am the original owner and this is my fifth Honda. The transmission just died at 44,000 miles. This is a well known problem for this generation of Accords. I babied my car and replaced the transmission fluid twice, at 28,000 and again at 40,000 miles. Honda has serious problems with automatic transmissions. I have loved this car. It was so much fun to drive. But, I can never trust Honda again. They sold a car with a serious design flaw. Do not buy a used Accord with an automatic transmission!

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  No Faith in Honda anymore - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Unhappy - April 17 - 7:12 pm

  I have lost faith in the Honda product and the companies willingness to stand behind their name. I have had over 7,000 dollars of repairs that were not covered by warranty. Power steering pump, starter, transmission, stereo, etc.etc.. The transmission going out at 82,000 miles was the last straw. I drove so easy on this car that the tires lasted 81,000 miles and I still havent replaced the brakes but the transmission failed? Go figure.

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  A good buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By aengberg - April 17 - 3:47 pm

  It is fun to drive, and a great commuter car. It is extremely reliable. I put over 25,000 a year on it, and have had no problems with it. It is not a luxury car, but it is sporty, and performs well. I would recommend this car for a young person looking for a fun and reliable car. Like I said it is not a luxury car, so if you want something smooth, and comfortable you might want to spend a little more and look at an Acura. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best cars on the market.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Fit
  By peter c - April 17 - 10:16 am

  First Honda I have owned and am I disappointed. The ride is unacceptable in the northeast in the winter, you cannot even drink a coffee, not that there is good cup holder to put it in. The car wanders all over the freeway, it needs constant correction. It feels like the wind is blowing the car around when there is none. The headlights flicker randomly. The throttle raises just a little bit as you come to a stop. I am always stomping on the brake.The light indicator is behind the steering wheel.There is an annoying rattle in the dashboard in front of the steering wheel which goes away with the heater on. I have 3 tires leaking 6 to 10 lbs of air a month.I never noticed these on the demo model.