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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  Loved it except for windshield issue - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jan - August 13 - 10:28 pm

  Super for hauling 2 mountain bikes without disassembling any bike parts - both fit fine standing up in the back with seats out or seats hanging up on the side. Loved being able to sleep in it on road trips with all seats left in/just reclined (just put mesh fabric over windows with magnets to hold fabric in place.) Super dependable in the rain and snow. Excellent turning radius. Doors became problematic when I had two toddlers and had to park next to other cars at the grocery store and get them in and out. I had to replace 4 or 5 windshields because rocks caused cracks (I think it must be a design flaw.) Honda did cover the first one when we could not find a rock pock at the crack start.

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  Nice all around vehicle - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rick - August 13 - 8:00 pm

  Just completed a 3500 mile road trip with the wife and all the luggage that brings. Drove well on freeways and secondary roads, also did did well in the southwestern sun and downpours back east. Mileage was 19.4 for the trip and though it runs well at eighty the gas mileage really takes a hit. It is a tight vehicle with no rattles, vibrations or sqeaks. My general use other than road trips is around town and to the hardware store. Honda did well as this is one great truck.

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  First Honda - Cant Stop Driving - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kyle - August 12 - 1:54 pm

  I find myself looking for reasons to drive somewhere, simply because driving this car is so fun. This is my first Honda and it has been a treat. I wish the hybrid still was able to have fold down seats in back but that is currently where the batteries are located. I have had to relearn how to drive because if I drive normally, I wont get near the high MPG I bought this car for. If I watch what Im doing, its ok. Drove a 150 mile trip, mostly freeway and got 47 MPG. In city, I get a solid 40 MPG. Car is really jerky in the 7-9 mph range. It feels like it cant decide whether to shut the engine off or not.

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  Great Car But Has Transmission Issues - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tinkbot - August 12 - 11:54 am

  I have a 2003 Civic and currently have 83,000 miles on it. I do all maintenance and oil changes as recommended in the owners manual. About 6 months ago I noticed the automatic transmission was having problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 3rd to 4th. Transmission is now having major issues accelerating and going over 60 mph. My mechanic says the transmission is slowly dying and has to be replaced. Cost will be around $3,000. WHAT!?! This car is only 6 years old. A transmission shouldnt have to be replaced before 150,000+ miles and especially not on a Honda. Honda whats happened to you? Buyer beware!

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  Transmission Issues TOO! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jennybecky - August 12 - 11:36 am

  I purchased in July 2009 a used 2007 Honda Odyssey with 30k miles on it. After driving for two weeks, realized it has vibrations and skipping from the transmission. Will NOT keep a constant speed and vibrates at 40mph. It had no prior warranty claims and clean carfax. Love the van, but I have a transmission on order and havent even made the first payment. Thank God for warranty! If we continue to have problems, we will seek help from the dealer to get us out of it. Honda needs to recognize this problem. I am sick to my stomach but thankful for the Certified warranty...it is covered til 100k miles.

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  Should have kept the Mazda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By 2004honda - August 12 - 11:31 am

  Before buying my 04 Honda ex I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege. The Mazda was much funner to drive, faster, sporty and gas mileage wasnt that different. This Honda is gutless I cant believe how slow it is. I hate the automatic downshift while breaking down hills. There are so many rattles in this car I dont know where to start. Road noise is really loud, same with the engine sounds like its working to hard. I think this is a good commuter car but not much past that. It looks pretty good but the build quality is not up to par for what a Honda should be. I would rate value to cost at a 5-6 with 10 being greatest value.

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  Accord V6 Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By BobCat - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. My previous car was a BMW325ci coupe, so the Honda had a lot to live up to. I immediately replaced the 16" wheels and tires with 17" wheels and better tires. This has made a big difference in handling and driving enjoyment. The stock wheels and tires, in my opinion, are inadequate. I am not speaking as a "motorhead"; but, someone who simply wants a better driving experience. I admit the BMW had a lot of nice features that I got used to and miss; however, I have good value/performance for my money with this car. See improvements. Overall I am very happy with this car.

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  Good but not great - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By skip miller - August 12 - 2:20 am

  electronics in the way of trip meter, digital readouts of computer system is very very limited all you really get is an estimated MPG readout, no elapsed time or average speed or trip information on start engine to stop the engine on a trip. Trip mileage is the same as ti was on my 2001 Chevy pick up truck. There is no way to program what you want to see out of the computer and sensors. The front arm rest are not adjustable there are only a couple of preset positions none of which suit me or my wife. the power seats only go up and down they do not tilt the seat bottom and they are angled just a little to much to the back for my bad back. The analog speedometer and tachometer are white numerals on a light silver background and are hard to see during the day and there is no digital MPH readout only analog. Ride is great, gas mileage is OK. Also i hope you like some shade of silver or black or white because that is the only color that was on the three dealers lots we looked at. All in all not sure why I went ahead and bought the Odyssey!

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  As advertised - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hack - August 11 - 10:35 am

  We recently drove from Minnesota to Maine via Canada, down the East Coast and back to the Midwest with our two kids. Most of what you hear about the CRV is true. There is pronounced road noise on rough pavement, though smooth pavement is fine. The engine has pep in city driving, but acceleration can be sluggish and the engine can feel over-matched on highway merging and some hills - passing is fine. The suspension and seats are a bit stiff, the low-beam lights are poor, but the drivers view, cabin lay-out, and the responsiveness of the steering are excellent. Easily fit a months worth of gear. Biggest surprise? Very good mileage 28 - 32 at 70+ on the highway. Not a luxury vehicle.

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  Excellent except transmisison - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - August 11 - 8:11 am

  We bought this van early in 07 with between 70 and 80,000 miles. It was really clean and nice. It drives and handles nice. However just a couple weeks ago while driving on the highway the transmission started acting up. We took it in to get checked out and now we have to rebuild the transmission and hand over another 3 thousand dollars. I was very disappointed -definitely not what I expected from a Honda and for the year, mileage and price we paid for it, this should not be happening. Only other complaint is the sliding doors. They are slow and cant be stopped midway. If the electric is off for some reason or the doors are stuck they are very, very hard to operate.