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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  Disappointed in Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By badhonda - August 27 - 9:06 am

  Worst car I have ever owned. Bought this car new and it developed a rattle in the first month. They added insulation around the speakers. Six month check-up required new brakes which I had to pay full cost. I later learned Honda had a brake problem with this car. Before the car was two years old the interior lights "burned out". At two years old the "seat belt light" came on. The dealership did not notice or correct . At three years old they checked the seat belt light and decided the air bag switch was defective and needed to be replace for $500+, at our cost. The air bags had were disabled this entire time (safety feature not working). I bought the Accord for quality. It is not!

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  04 Honda Odyessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jason04 - August 19 - 6:20 pm

  I had a 2004 Hoda Odyessy that I bought from Gilman Honda brand new. I had multiple electical issues, too many to even list, they misdiagnosed multiple issues, charged me $800 to replace my starter but the last straw was when the transmission went out not once, but twice. They replaced it the first time under the extended warranty at 45,000 miles, then it went out again 4 years later with 99000 miles. I explained that I thought Honda was a repiltable company that would stand behind there product...I sure was mistaken.

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  2011 Pilot Touring Engine Noise - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By dgsheridan - August 7 - 11:55 am

  I do not recommend this vehicle. Engine has a rattling sound during acceleration, much like a chain dragging the ground. Dealer initially changed out a part in the exhaust system which didnt fix the problem. Dealer now says its a characteristic of all Pilots and is normal. After 8,800 miles, the noise is getting louder.

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  2011 Honda Accord coupe - 2011 Honda Accord
  By carsales1 - July 28 - 10:21 pm

  I have owned car lot for 8 years and have had good luck with hondas. This one was different. The beautiful design of the exterior and the good quality found in past hondas is why I bought it. The seat is rock hard so on 2 hr drives my legs and back hurt. Very uncomfortable car. this car sits very low making it difficult to get in and out. also difficult to find a position to hold the steering wheel so that you can rest your arm while driving. At 7500 miles the front suspension started making a popping sound when stopping and starting off. Honda fixed this free, but it started back the next day. The back also squeaked on bumpy road. Traded in with less than 10 k for a Ford F150. Happy now!

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  It is not "the one" for me! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By nova14 - July 17 - 12:39 pm

  I bought this car after owning volvos and needless to say, I wish I did NOT! It may be advertised as "the One" but it is a NONE for me. The car is just plain ugly and lacks any sort of fun to drive feel that I had from driving my volvos. It is the most boring and uneventful car out on the road today. The interior design is acceptable and the cost of service is good and those are the only nice things I can honestly say about the car. They advertise the car as holding its blue book value, but when I took it to the dealership recently to sell it back they took so much off my purchase price that it was not realistic---so dont believe the bunk about resale value--not true.

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  What a horrible mistake. - 2011 Honda Fit
  By orangesmoke - July 7 - 5:25 pm

  I was taken in by the reviews. I test drove it and fell in love. I thought it was the best car out there for me. Then I bought it. The a/c doesnt work, blows hot air. Honda assures me this is normal. After a 6 hour drive Im sweating and my a/c is putting out 70 degree air. The headlights flicker at night. Honda says this is because the a/c is on and I should shut it off. Sure enough, if I turn the a/c off the lights stop flickering and the temperature of the car goes up to 80. I have a manual. I try to put it in reverse and have to double clutch it. Honda says that all manual transmissions do this. I replaced a 1990 Toyota Camry with this Fit that says otherwise.

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  Honda USED to make a superb car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tbckc - July 5 - 7:29 pm

  I had been a raving Honda fan since the early 90s. I finally gave up and sold my 42,000 mile, 03 Accord after a bad a/c compressor, sunroof relay, wiper motor, and drivers door lock motor. Of course, AHMC had no interest in a goodwill claim on any of it. Im just now reading reviews by other owners who are citing the same issues over and over. Also looks like I got out just in time to avoid the failure of a poorly engineered automatic transmission. Since the late 90s larger vehicles with more powerful engines, and attempts to make them shift without jerking have stressed Hondas unique design of an automatic. Please, DO YOUR RESEARCH before you buy.

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  Most expensive vehicle ever!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By baust - July 5 - 7:34 am

  Our Pilot has been family owned since new and was dealer maint. up to 80K. We bought it from her parents with 80K miles. Its hardly even needed any maint. done. I did the timing belt/waterpump/plugs @ 107K, the first brake job was done at 125K. We drive mostly highway. Heres the catch: The first transmission went out at 130K miles. Honda quoted us $3,700 to replace it with a factory reman. with a 3-year/36K warranty. We had them replace it because we didnt want to ever have to worry about it again. Now 2 years later @ 172K and the transmission needs to be replaced again. They wont cover anything because we have put 42K on it. They quoted us $4,700. Can YOU afford one? We cant.

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  Shame on you Honda!If you have money to pay the repairs, buy Honda! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By owner2009 - June 10 - 11:55 pm

  We bought a new Honda Accord 2009 for my husband in June 09. Hes tall (6.02) and we couldnt afford a SUV. This was the only car with enough space for his legs. He heard the brakes noise from the beginning. We took it to the dealer..they said nothing was wrong. NOW, we have to pay the repairs for the front and rear rotors and brake pads! 2 years and 34000mile only. They were going to a law suit at the time we bought this car! We had no idea! But the dealer knew...they didnt care ! Not then, not when I went back, not even now! Shame on them! Premature rotors & brakes pads wear ! Its a manufacture problem theyll not agree with that! This is my first and last Honda. Its for sale

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  Not worth the premium - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kamikiaze - June 2 - 2:07 pm

  I bought my 2003 Honda Hybrid new. All told I think it was $35k. Paying a premium on the car because it was a hybrid, the tax deduction and the gas savings would make up for the extra cost right? Well, for the past year it has been sitting in our driveway with a busted transmission. $4500 to replace it. This is the latest in a long string of recalls/replacements on this car. Luckily, our other fixes have been covered by Honda but this fix is not. We look at the blue book value of this car, and seriously question if it is worth fixing especially when we read other reviews of cars that have gone through multiple transmissions and other fixes. For the price, I expected better.