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 odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Sebastien Boulos - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I think the honda odyssey is a good family car but if you are looking for good gas mileage this mini vans is not a good option but for reliabilty it is a good choice.It is surely a one of a kind mini van.

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  A Favorite with Flaws - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Peter12345 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The LX rides well in the city. On country roads and freeways the sound of the road comes through the floor, annyingly so. The body feels as sturdy as a box; it literally feels like a go- kart with panels. Its been quite reliable in terms of the engine, but the body is falling apart. The exterior panels are so thin and the electrical windows are poor in quality; the passenger window sticks in open position when its humid or raining. A fun ride with definite flaws.

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  Uncomfortable!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kimberly Smith - December 22 - 10:54 pm

  Driver seat is very uncomfortable along with no leg room. Disappointed.

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  Our Experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ty - December 22 - 6:35 pm

  This is a car that I insisted my friend should get after her first lemon of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Turns out that this Accord makes that lemon look heaven-sent. Its a shame because I drive a 2000 Honda Accord with over 210,000 miles. The suspension rattles and clunks, the engine burns oil, but it runs well otherwise and hasnt given me any major issues. The 2003 Honda Accord that my friend got has just 79,000 miles. The ride is infinitely better, the seats are much more comfortable, and the car is all around a significant improvement from the previous model. However, the number of issues that the 2003 Accord has way outnumbers my own Accord just 3 years older. The transmission is absolutely garbage. This car has left us on the side of the road outside of Vegas in the middle of the summer with an overheated transmission, pouring fluid all over the side of the freeway. After getting one part of the transmission fixed, it started to shift hard. The tail light switch failed and started killing the battery, which I had to fix on my own to save some money. The AC would only blow cold air through one half of the car. The list of issues go on. All in all, as much as I love this car, the quality of the mechanical components is incredibly bad. A car that I told my friend would be reliable and problem-free has been anything but. CarComplaints.com rates this car as the second worst car to purchase and suggests "avoiding this model year like the plague." Boy were they right. Be careful when thinking about buying a 2003 Honda Accord. As much as I love this car, I hate it just as much.

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  Incomplete Promises - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Willcall - December 19 - 11:20 pm

  Some of this is about purchase experience, but there are a few issues with the vehicle. Mileage - count on getting a full 1/3 less than promised. Driving as gently and efficiently as I can, I cant get over 12.4. Nimbleness - it has decent turn radius and good handling on the road, but is really over sized in parking, both getting into spaces and opening doors when parked. Stupid remote locking system - must unlock again to open hatch and cant click to lock if any door open. Maybe configurable, but havent figured out. Finally, watch out for Honda Leasing. Closed with $0.15 per excess mile on 3 year, then called back in to sign new contract at $0.20. Wouldnt have leased at that rate.

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  Unpleasant Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By veryslowdriver - December 12 - 2:13 pm

  Bought this for commuting and city use. Seats seemed comfortable in test drive but real back achers in day-to-day-use. Miserable. Powertrain was so so. It could rev up but it was just business. Terrible shifter. Avg 30mpg. Hugely annoying interior rattles that dealer said were normal and would not fix. Handling was only average - a compromise of compromises, not comfortable, not precise, even w/good Michelin tires. My third new Honda and my very last. This seems like an excellent chassis, but not correctly exploited. Toyota Corolla a better choice for a commuter compact, quieter and better mannered. All in all, the car made me miserable. Sold at 6700 mi

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  Most Annoying Honda to Drive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Douglas - December 12 - 1:53 am

  Weve had our 2008 Honda Accord V-6NAVL for over a year now. The dealership has been unable to correct the vibration and noise that occurs at certain speeds (e.g., 25 mpg, 35 mph, 45 mph). It seems to be a combination of the transmission upshifting too soon and the engine. The sound and vibration is very similar to what happens when a manual transmission is shifted into a higher gear at a too low rpm. The result is that the noise and vibration make the car annoying to drive at certain speeds. Love the car design inside and out. Hate the engine and transmission. Just waiting to dump the car after 2 years.

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  The rear end cups and chews tires up - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ruth Veith - December 9 - 5:53 am

  The car has dropped in mileage. A new set of tires in the rear every 5 thousand miles. Ive had to have 3 sets of tires put on the car. Sometimes the car will jump if you want to go ahead very carefully. You need to keep your foot on the brake in close quarters. American Honda will not recognize the tire problem and will do nothing about it, so only buy one if you want to put new tires on constantly, which is more expensive and bad for the environment.

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  Wrong size tires - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ron Obranovich - December 5 - 11:56 pm

  This vehicle is equipped with the wrong size tires if youre looking for a car with a great ride. You feel every bump and even the smallest crack in the road. The tires on this Accord V-6, are the P215/50 R17 93V All-Season. After consulting with the tire manuf., they indicated to me in writing that these tires "will lack ride comfort, but give you more performance handling, this tire selected by Honda." Im 62 yrs old and assumed the 2006 Honda would give a better ride and tire performance. The local Honda dealer refuses to swap the tires, and now Im stuck with an $28,000 vehicle that lacks a comfortable ride.

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  Problems with my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By J.P. - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Pilot for list price on July 20th and I am extremely disappointed. The front hood, side panels, and the front grid/bumper do not align properly and cannot be corrected. Passenger side door light cover was missing. Window trim was bent. Intermittent problem with acceleration (feels like its not getting gas at times) Rear AC vent fins broke. "Side air bag off" warning light flashes on and off at times and is scheduled for repair.