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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  Not a vehicle I would recommend - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jennamarie - November 21 - 3:11 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Civic last July brand new. In the last 4 weeks my power steering pump has been replaced and repaird five times -- as well as the seals on it. Not only have I had major issues with the power steering, my sun visors have both cracked and been replaced, my seat belt buckle was replaced as it was not functioning correctly. If you want a headache with good gas mileage and a company that does not have your back when its product is defective - GET A HONDA CIVIC!

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  what a mistake - 2012 Honda Accord
  By mailman12 - November 17 - 3:27 pm

  We finally decided to replace my wifes 2001 Camry she always wanted a Honda and took standard 10 minute tes drive she loved it. We picked up the vehicle and after her driving back to work she stated to get extreme back pains which is caused by built in seat restraints, after numerous of dealing with dealership we went to Hond direct and they said nothing they could do and to get rid of car or live with it who wants to take that kind of financial hit so buyer beware make sure take long test ride is this vehicle.

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  Do your research before purchase,lots of complaints! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By 2011lemonlx - November 4 - 5:54 pm

  This will be the last Honda chosen, have also a 2005 model which is a great car. 2011 EX-L 4cyl is more like a lemon,driving 135 highway miles daily, speed 60-75mph, fuel mileage 26-27mpg,no mountains,1 person in the car, has issue with fuel tank when more than half filled you hear fuel splashing in the back giving impression of waterbed in the trunk. Hydroplaning starts at 55 mph with normal rain, rear brake pads wear prematurely,driver seat lumbar defective causing discomfort and requiring to adjust seat constantly to remain in the car. Leather is low quality, exterior appears cheap, "lighting section" left & right to license plate is fake, would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ml4416 - October 30 - 12:35 am

  This is worst van ever own. Transmission dead at 100k miles and cost $5k to fixed transmission. Lots of road noisy on highway and very uncomfortable especially driver seat. Also, under power.

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  Where has the Honda of old gone? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By focusfanatic1 - October 23 - 7:01 pm

  I at one time was a die hard Honda fan. I owned a 1991 CRX, and a 1994 Civic. Both were solid dependable cars. I purchased a 2000 Accord new, and it turned out to be a lemon. I mean literally, I received a payout from Honda on a frequent problem. I decided in 2008 to give Honda another chance, after all, my previous cars were great. Should not have done it. I purchased a new 2008 Accord. Problems started with the transmitters having to be replaced, I needed new rear break pads and a new battery before the car hit 30K. The interior is cheap. The vinal on the console arm rest and door arm rest bubbles up when it is warm outside. Never again Honda, Im going elsewhere.

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  Hondas transmission is terrible!!!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By burgh2 - October 23 - 4:23 pm

  This is the second Honda I have owned..it will be my last. The Acccord I purchased had a bad transmission in the model line, but I was lucky and it ran fine for me. This time, I landed squarely on a terrible transmission. It shifts constantly at highway speed. 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, 75-80mph...Ive tried setting the cruise and it just keeps shifting. Its like riding in a vehicle that is hiccupping all the time!!! Ive owned Toyotas and Nissans in the past and have had great success, so long Honda!

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  I wish I could get rid of my Honda - 2010 Honda Civic
  By maryam - October 13 - 10:09 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Honda Civic. It already had 6K miles. I should have known the original owner dumped it for some reason. Unless the road is just built yesterday, you can feel and hear the road roaring and the whole car is so light that it jumps over the smallest of lines on the road. I am extremely unhappy that I have put in so much money on this. Bought it for 16 grand. I wish I could get rid of it. Already I have changed a shock, which was under warranty and its brakes are going away. I cannot believe it . It has 18,000 miles only. I will be always discouraging people from buying this.

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  2000 odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By christislord - September 25 - 1:56 am

  No longer a Honda fan. My 2000 odyssey is on its 5th transmission. The first failed at about 55000. Honda put 3 rebuilt transmissions in, one only lasted about 15,000 miles. The fifth i put in at an independent dealer who rebuilt it. We bought new and had all work done at the dealership, took good care of it. Honda Corporate refused to pay for the last transmission. I feel that since they know there are problems with the transmissions they should take responsiblity for them. They advertise that 80% of their Hondas are on the road 20 years later, they should keep them running by replacing defective transmissions for 20 years. I expected to keep this for 20 years.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bmwfan24 - September 20 - 12:57 pm

  As you can see from the other reviews this car has reliability issue and the car feels cheap. Theres alots of interior road noise along with too much dash board noise. Alots of stuff squeaks and the car seems cheaper than a KIA. BUT THE MAIN REASON I HATE THIS CAR IS BECAUSE IT HAS NOOOOOOO POWER. This is a heavy car and it only has 190 horse power...really?! My 2001 Camry v4 picks up better. This car SUCKS at picking upeverytime I find myself going over 4000rpm thus messing up my MPG!!! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! look at the MAxima or altima theyre better!!!!!!

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  Transmisson - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bhastings - September 4 - 12:09 pm

  We bought this 2002 Honda Odyssey it look good they said it skips between 2 and 3 gears but now it is so bad you cannot drive it. Do not buy.