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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  I miss my 96 Accord - 2006 Honda Civic
  By grace2007 - July 13 - 5:02 pm

  I bought the Civic because it was close in size to my 96 Accord and the price was right. I didnt realize that squirrels find my wiring harness so tasty and Ive had to spend over $500 repairing. I asked if there is anything that can be done to protect the wiring harness. Nope. Evidently they like the foam that surrounds it. At 34k I need a real ABS sensor and was told it was covered under warranty. Went to pickup the car and had to pay for it in order to get my car back. I have loved Hondas but they need to get a 10yr 100000k warranty. Next time I will look at a Hyundai. One more thing...the dash and glove box rattles terrible. No fix for that either.

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  Angel Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sean Hunter - July 13 - 7:01 am

  This car is more than perfect. Sure the break pads wear a little. But the soul of the car is unstoppable. Once in a while, people get stuck with a Honda that has been through a flood, or had an engine rebuild in Puerto Rico. But for those of us who are multiple Honda Owners, who have seen the light, there is no other choice. This particular car that I own now, I bought in 2008 with 80,000 miles on it already. Im up to 100,000 now a year later, and this car is begging for me to take it X-country. Not a SINGLE PROBLEM. I am a road jockey and I know what a thoroughbred feels like. Honestly, I want to go back and give it 10s in every category, but I dont want to lose my credibility. -)

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  Dont Buy This Honda! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tiffany - July 13 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 02 CR-V with 20,000 miles on it. My AC broke at 65,000 miles. I paid $150 to have it fixed. Broke again 2 months later. Honda quoted me $1000+ to fix it. Im STILL making payments and cannot afford to replace it. Not fun in 100 CA weather. Ive always sworn by Hondas. Even my Honda mechanic said "I dont know why you have so much trouble with this car you take such good care of it." It has electrical problems, the stereo had already been replaced when I bought it. Cruise control works when it feels like it. The rear door latch mysteriously stopped working. The cup holder is broken. Interior door panel by the window fell off. I baby this car! COME ON HONDA. REALLY???

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  Good Car, Crappy Windows - 2000 Honda Civic
  By BBrownfromCA - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has served me well. I have had no engine problems whatsoever, but the power windows are defective and barely work. My 5-speed is fun to drive. Low-end power is nonexistent but there is a nice surge of power once you push it up over 4500 rpm, which is the sweet spot for Honda 4-cylinder engines anyway. Handling is crisp and the ride is smooth although noisy at highway speeds. Front seats are unsupportive for long trips. CD player has started to skip badly despite repeated cleanings of the laser lens.

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  Transmission problems @ 41000 miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tmock13 - July 9 - 9:07 pm

  I purchased new back in Jan. 2002 and have faithfully followed the necessary scheduled maintenance. But guess what, with only 41200 miles, the transmission needs to be rebuilt. The check engine light came on and the code came up p0730 "incorrect gear ratio". Dealer told me that there is no extended warranty, as assumed by many people. The extended warranty applies only to 1999-2001 odyssey. The standard 3 year/36000 miles applies to my case which I no longer qualify. Dealer was quoting me $5000 to $6000 for a new transmission. I brought it to AAMCO and grudgingly handed over $3004 to rebuild transmission with a 12 months warranty. Again, what happen to Honda quality?!

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  Great value - 2001 Honda Civic
  By idnpeg - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great value. I get 30 mpg every tank, city driving. Yes, there is wind noise, the ride is not as smooth as previous models; but, no mechnical problems. The radio has been replaced twice. I test drove an Accord and I felt crammed in the driver seat; the Civic is just as roomy. I paid 14,800 US dollars for this car, and I feel I got a great value.

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  Transmission trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By npond - July 8 - 7:06 pm

  At 96,000 miles the transmission failed, $4700 later and Honda wont cover it! Unbelievable, we took excellent care of this van and had hoped it would last MUCH longer. I wont buy another Honda.

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  Very Smooth - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michal - July 8 - 4:04 pm

  Love the trunk and the two-way tailgate. Very smooth, comfortable ride that feels more like a car than a truck. Excellent traction in all conditions. I had to have the transmission replaced at 34,000 miles. The dealership did it in two days once they were able to determine that it was slipping while in drive. I have pulled boats and trailers totaling more than 5K lbs with no problem. Not as easily as my V8 Tundra did but adequately.

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  Love the vehicle; hate the buying experience - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Terrence - July 8 - 12:24 pm

  After 12 years, 222,000 miles and raising 3 children with our 2004 Odyysey EX-L, we decided to buy another one. Its still an awesome vehicle for the intended purpose. This is my wifes daily driver, so she has to be happy. If you get car sick easily beware of this vans tendency. In the beginning the transmission was jerky as it was wearing in, and that was bothersome. But after 700 miles now it seems to be smoothing out. Everything else is great. My only other advice is to avoid contact with Honda dealerships as much as you can. We contacted multiple dealers as we were looking at both gently used and new vehicles and the experience was bad at every one. Weve bought other vehicles in the past from Honda and other makes and had good impressions, but this time we truly felt like just a number to them. It was so disappointing!

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  This car is indestructible - 1998 Honda Civic
  By CP - July 8 - 12:05 pm

  My 98 Civic is the best car Ive ever had, and when (if) it eventually dies there is no way Ill consider anything else but another Civic. I have driven this thing into the ground and it has never had the slightest problem. 169,000 miles on it so far, and it looks its age, but it NEVER GIVES UP. All it wants is the usual oil change and minor checkup every three months and it will go forever. I never get less than 30mpg out of it. I cannot imagine WHAT youd have to do to this car to break it. I use it for the daily commute, plus several longer road trips every year, and even offroad once down a 4WD-only jeep track (stupid, but it survived).