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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  the rattler - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tony - April 28 - 1:23 pm

  Great car. Super performance. Various car magazines clock it very very close (in acceleration, 0-60 and 1/4) to a 350z. Fantastic interior, very comfortable and well laid out. Great except that several trips to the dealer have failed to stop a horrendous (loud) rattle coming from the dashboard. Unacceptable for a 29000 car, or a 15000 car. Ruins the whole experience. Seems like junk when a loud rattle destroys an otherwise great ride.

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  Drive it like you stole it - 1998 Honda Passport
  By faceplant - April 28 - 9:56 am

  I bought it used. Loved the feel of the strong V6. Not strong anymore, 56k to 152k. Gaskets and seals are now a problem. It is burning a lot of oil. The car really started to act up. No idle, stalling. Cleaned carbon out of the throttle body, replaced the MassAirSensor. Fuel gauge broke. Drivers window broke. Rear door key broke. I put the largest tires I could on it for a better ride. Feels good. AC is always perfect. Water pump, alternator, fan pulley all replaced. Installed electric fan with thermostatic switch. I really feel Ive got all I can out of this car and it still runs OK. Auto auctions love these cars because they sell great in S. America.

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  Honda let us down! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry-from Cloquet - April 27 - 11:34 am

  My wife and I considered the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, but liked the overall looks and reputation of Honda. The one option we both wanted, living up here in the frozen north, are heated seats. At first we only wanted the EX model, but had to purchase the EX-L to get the heated seat option, along with the other options that came with the EX-L. This cost us over $3000.00 extra, all because we wanted heated seats. After buying the Honda, taking it home and reading into the owners manual, discovered that only the drivers seat was fully heated, not the passenger seat, which is only heated on the seat portion. Honda should have had this information on their brochures.

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  Good Transportation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By D Hare - April 26 - 5:38 pm

  RATING 3/4 of 5 - DX-G, MAN. TRANS., CANADA BUILT, 27K MILES. Overall a good/very good car for city/highway driving. PLUS: Styling, Fuel Efficiency, Maintenance/Reliability, Road Feel/Turning, Drives Straight, No Vibration, Starts at - 45! Great for shorter drivers, Fun 2 Drive. MINUS: Fit & Finish - paint, plastics used (scratches easily), Some parts slightly misaligned, Front end is low to ground some people may have difficulty entering/exiting car if not aware, may easily hit concrete barriers while parking, trunk space good for small jobs, Suspension has started to squeak over small bumps, Factory tires will need to be replaced due to softer factory tires.

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  Brakes - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Beth - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  We have owned this car for 3 yrs. Bought it new. Am a stay at home mom and have not driven it much but in 3 yrs. we have had the brake pads replaced once under warranty and now they are grinding AGAIN at 33,000 and the dealership wants us to pay saying a 25,000 mile repair is normal. We own another car and in 100,000 miles have never replaced the pads. BE FOREWARNED ABOUT THESE BRAKE PROBLEMS. I am now going to contact Corp. and see what response I get.

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Driver - April 25 - 10:38 am

  Has been a good car, good ride and handling. Good paint, fit and finish.

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  Transmission issue - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kiwivee - April 25 - 7:04 am

  My car has 19,000 miles on it and I noticed a hesitation when RPMs are around 1500. I could hear it in the engine noise as well. I brought it in to dealer & tech figured it out right away. Said hed seen several of these. He ordered the part, will drop the transmission and fix it. Or so I hope. Ill soon find out. Everything else about the Odyssey is great. Though I do wish the Touring model came with a third seat in the middle. It is so great to be able to open the doors in bad weather as Im approaching the car & just plop my smalls and groceries without getting soaked.

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  Hidden cost to operate - 2007 Honda Fit
  By tiny scott - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  We have 34,000 miles, car has been back to dealer for service, any time the computer hit 20%. At this mileage we have to replace 4 tires and were told WE HAVE TO CHANGE ALL THE FLUIDS AND FILTERS AT A COST OF $490.00. This will be repeated or higher cost every 30,000 miles. My old Mitsubishi with 170,000 miles did not cost me this much. We are considering trading.

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  Most reliable car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Breath - April 23 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car as a hold-me-over for $300 with 212,000 miles. I have had it for 6 months now and it has done nothing but save me money and get me to where I want to go. I have been beating on this car from day one, taking it off roading, bottoming out, e-brake slides, smashing into snow banks, and just having fun with it, yet it still will not die. $18 fills the tank, drives everywhere, and I dont even think when I put gas in it. Insurance is cheap..no problems. The trunk leaks, Im not sure if that is a regularly occurring problem or something from the previous owner. Also, my speakers dont work.

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  A car with a bunch of problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jon - April 23 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car new in November 2005. Then,i had to have the SRS airbag sensor replaced. The dealer didnt fix it the first time! the car rattles like crazy. I had panels pop off the side airbag, on passenger seat and "repopped in" my glovebox had to be replaced. The alignment is way off and sterring wheel is not straight,after months of ownership the interior looks like its 10+ years old already,cheap interior pieces and plastics,prone to scratching and damage easy. When you press the gas all the way the car doesnt move!! its weak. I cant see the front of the car or the hood when driving. Drive by wire makes the car jerk, and takes away the enjoyment of driving.