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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  First and only Honda ever to purchase - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mechdaug2 - July 9 - 10:28 pm

  At 13,771, blue gray smoke coming from the exhaust system and dealer reported caused by condensation, normal operation. My vehicle was serviced at Honda dealerships for 30, 60 and 90 K mile service work as recommended by Honda. Over the years, service records have indicated work to door seals, faulty mechanics of siding doors, faulty Honda batteries( 4<4 years), premature failure of systems, such as air conditioning, power steering, and catalytic converter. Another interesting, but significantly disappointing fact, is that the seals for my doors, the back hatch door that was most recently replaced has leaked water in the back of the minivan and sides even after replacement at Honda service.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By tedfrisbee - July 8 - 7:38 pm

  Car was great for 70K miles. Since then, transmission, power stearing pump, radiator, car now has 85K miles, time to sell. All maintenance done by dealer. Too expensive to run anymore. I suggest looking at Nissan,

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  Overrated - 2011 Honda Element
  By ahjah9 - July 5 - 9:29 am

  Bought a used 2011 last yr and had it for a few months. Pros: Easy to clean, esp vinyl flooring, which is a must w/dogs. Able to remove back seats for more room. Consistent 25 mpg. Cons: No telescopic steering wheel, hard, uncomfortable seats, other than power windows/locks, there was nothing updated. Suicide doors were horrible, as were vent windows. How this vehicle was aimed for dogs is beyond me. It should have been 4 doors, all windows could fully open even the back one. Sluggish and the place to charge a phone was also at a inconvenient area.

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  Noisy top of the line - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By luis44 - June 24 - 3:44 pm

  Honda Odyssey Elite 2014, the top of the line Honda model, one which do not require additional purchases, has a flaw that detracts all positives, and apparently will not be acknowledged by Honda and its dealers. Purchased the vehicle brand new with very few miles. Upon driving the vehicle home for the first time, we noticed a very annoying sound coming from the front of the vehicle, anywhere from the windshield area, to sunroof, we yet do not know. Once the vehicle reaches freeway speeds of 70 plus this death rattle takes over. 3 times at dealership, resealing of windshield each time, but the noise persists. Call Honda, the feel nothing is wrong. Check forums regarding ugly noise.

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  Bad Rear Control Arms - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kgoz - June 23 - 6:46 pm

  The 2007 Civics have been involved in a class action lawsuit involving the rear control arms. If you purchase a used civic make sure the rear control arms have the letter "C" stamped on them, otherwise you will rapidly wear out tires. The fix for this problem costs several hundred dollars (and Honda WILL NOT PAY for the repair). Fuel economy is excellent.

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  Great gas mileage! Terrible steering wheel vibrations and ride harshness! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gejj - June 15 - 6:50 pm

  Gas mileage is fantastic BUT there is way too much vibration in the steering wheel at some speeds thats really annoying. It happens around 30-35 mph and again around 65-70 mph. Makes it very annoying to drive long distances. Ride quality is very stiff causing you to feel every bump and ripple in the road. The dealer updated the engine computer and rebalanced the wheels but the vibrations are still there. Im now working with the factory rep to find out whats causing the vibrations. This is my first Honda and maybe my last if they dont fix the vibration problems.

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  Disappointed - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By twintrouble63 - May 22 - 10:07 am

  After driving my van for 6 months now, and several long trips with the grand kids, the 8 passenger seating and 26 mpg rating are the only good things I can say about this purchase. This is the first Honda I have ever owned, and if this is the top of the line product for them, it will probably be the last. The electronic technology is old and outdated. The Navigation system is worthless. The entertainment system is also not up to par. The COOL box has proven to be worthless for keeping things cold and has turned out to be just another storage box. The alarm and remote start are a joke. Overall this van has not lived up to my expectations and I’m very disappointed with this Honda.

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  What causes the car to jerk - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kojow - May 20 - 11:42 am

  I love my Honda but recently it started jerking when driving between 20-40km/hour. Can anyone assist with an antidote to this problem?

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  DISAPPOINTED - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By aky13 - May 19 - 11:23 am

  Compared with my previous vehicle, a 2004 Honda CR-V, the 2013 is VERY disappointing in all aspects EXCEPT fuel economy.

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  Honda slow to resolve issues. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By wadelovell - May 16 - 3:20 pm

  The CRV has been revised since the 2011 model so the rear tire wear problems may have been addressed by now. If not, plan to spend $500 - $1,500 a year on tires depending on your driving habits. The rears cup or scallop just as the did on the CIVIC but HONDA has yet (May 2014) to issue a technical service bulletin to correct the CRV.