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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  2007 Odyssey transimission, brake, steering pump problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By unhappyowner07 - March 23 - 12:34 pm

  This is an update to my post on 07/03/10 regarding the transmission problem with my 2007 Odyssey 40k miles. The dealership I went to told me that Honda did not admit there was problem with the transmission because the warning/engine light did not turn on. Eventually the dealership did put in a new torque converter. However, the brake issue was never resolved and there is still problem with brake even after they re-rotor the disc?. I think the dealership does not know what the problem is. On one rainy day, I almost hit the car in front of mine because the odyssey glided forward even though I pressed the brake all the way. I called Honda manufacture customer service and spoke to the manager

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  BEST MINIVAN. But NOT perfect... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By conniereddy - March 22 - 4:19 am

  So, were at 3k mi. and I LOVE our van!! OVERALL, compared to 2012 Sienna: it looks WAY better, is safer, gets better gas mileage, and has MANY more features standard. My husband ENJOYS driving it (as do I). I think it drives beautifully - not at all like my step-fathers minivan. Its controls are reachable (love the steering wheel controls), and the electronics are rather intuitive, I think! That said, it has its design flaws and neither van is worth 35k so, the value factor just isnt there. Nevertheless, its the best on the market for the money and we bought it and are VERY happy overall :)

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  Good car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By owneriam - March 21 - 2:44 pm

  I bought a brand new 02 EX V6 coupe and kept it 8 yrs (10/01-11/09). I gave me 8 trouble-free years so I owe it a nice review. The only issue it ever had was 1 or 2 dried out engine seals. It did sit for 4 months while I recovered from an accident so not sure if it sitting awhile had anything to do with it. The only negative things Id say about it was the poor visibility out the rear (you get used to it) and the disappointing gas mileage I got. I drove 90% city and the low fuel light consistantly came on at ~265 miles each tank. I miss that paid off car!! I sold it with 79k+ on it to a very happy person.

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  A reliable, durable pleasure! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By freshlife51 - March 21 - 12:04 am

  Ive thoroughly enjoyed this tough little SUV!! From Sept. 2005 thrul March 2012 Ive put about 70,000 miles on my EX automatic transmission, city driving about 3/4 of the time. Its agile (fantastic turn circumference & good get-up-and-go for hwy on-ramps), comfortable & roomy (great passenger & cargo space! Car seat plus 2 adults fit in back), & has cheerfully handled our over-loaded vacation road trips. Ive not had to put a dime into my CR-V except for scheduled maintenance & to (rarely) replace "disposables" like a bulb or tires. Not luxurious but quite comfortable. Road noise is annoyingly pronounced (get with it, Honda!!), but otherwise, this attractive workhorse has been a pure joy!

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  First major maintenance at 209,599 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By joeydnj537 - March 20 - 11:48 pm

  Purchased new. I am the only driver. Original Michelin tires replaced at 40,000 with Bridgestone Potenza a 50,000 rated Z tire, which I got 70,000 from. Replaced them with Bridgestone Turanza Serenty H rated. I rotate every 15,000 and filled with nitrogen. Replaced factory brake pads only at 70,000. Made mistake using aftermarket pads which yielded on 40,000. Replaced those pads only with Honda pads original rotors without cutting. Replaced spark plugs at 130,000. Replaced starter at 160,000. Replaced catalytic converter at 180,000 with a junkyard 2006 model crash with 30,000 on it. At 210,000 front Brembo rotors, rear rotors, Honda pads, 2 O2 sensor, MAF sensor, RF axle, control arm bushing

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  Thank GOD for Lemon Laws! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By santaclaus - March 20 - 12:35 pm

  Purchased the car in early 2010. In August of that same year it spent 12 days in the shop with engine and PCM problems. In December again back to the dealer for PCM problems. In August of 2011 the engine blew up while driving at 30MPH in residential area. At that point Honda refused to continue fixing the piece of crap. I had to go through all the hoops of the Lemon Law process in order to force them to take it back. Owned it for 26 months.....the car was broken for eight of those

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  Love my lil 4 banger - 1998 Honda Civic
  By kickback2 - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car in 1998. Was my first new car. I was into the fast and furious concepts of things. The only mod I still have left on the car is air intake and the exhuast tip. I have gone through 1 window mash attempt to steal the car. They didnt steal at that time. On the side nice big scrape on the passenger door which I never fixed. Then the car was stolen and took my nice after market system with sub and amps. To say the least I was bummed. They found the car 3 days later. I had my insurace restore the car to stock has I bought brand new. I can say I have repalced several things over the pass 14 years with 145,000 miles on it ans still running great.

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  Second Ridgeline - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgedrive - March 19 - 3:16 pm

  I traded a 2006 Ridgeline on a 2010 CRV to downsize and save fuel. That will be my last 4 cylinder in a SUV. The tweaks from 2006 to 2012 are noticable. Its quieter and peppier. I took six months to purchase a vehicle, test driving many SUV vehicles. The CX-9 was a top contender. But, at 6-02, it lacked enough headroom. Do not compare the Ridgeline to heavy duty pickups. That not what it is. I use it for hiking, camping, biking, trips to Lowes....etc. If I could describe it, using only one word, it would be smooth. I hope Honda does not kill the Ridgeline but updates it.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By iacivic06 - March 19 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my Civic in November of 2005, one of the first 8th gen civics in my area. It been a great car, very reliable and perform well. With the exception of check engine light for and 02 sensor twice, I have not had it in the shop for anything. It still looks great.

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  Dont Believe Everything You Read - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By djm21 - March 19 - 7:37 am

  Given the title, you may not want to believe this review either, but all I can say is that I have no motivation to make this up. The biggest gripe about our now 1 month old 2012 pilot is the horrible ride due to this crazy ECO / VCM (Variable Cylinder Mgmnt) thing they have designed in it to save gas. You can research more on the internet yourself, but the shuddering that happens when cruzing is very annoying. Constant acceleration is smooth, but cruzing, is shudder city. Feels like driving 25mph in 6th speed. I cant believe Edmunds wrote "Pros: Impressive fuel economy pleasant ride..." in their review. Are you kidding me? and I havent seen more than 21mpg yet either .