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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  sagging headliner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rick - April 9 - 5:50 am

  the headliner is held up with four little pices of velcro wich do not do the job, it sags down about a half inch wich is very annoying for taller drivers. also fuel ecconmy is only 20 mpg. I was a big honda fan till i bought this accord, my civic was a better choice,

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  Good car for the mileage - 1991 Honda Accord
  By EstateWagon - April 8 - 11:36 pm

  The door interior handle trim tends to break on these cars, speed sensors, paint flaking off of hubcaps (LX, DX models), squeaky front suspension, cassette/radio problems, harsh/noisy shifting automatics. Luckily, rust has not been a problem on my car, as it is a problem spot around the rear wheel wells on the Accords. My car had developed a few rattles and "popping" noises in the dash area and door panels, but again, for a 11 year old car and 169K, not too bad.

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  Run flat tires, will leave you flat - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer Dad - April 7 - 2:24 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for the many features my Honda model offers, such as storage capability, number and placement of cup holders, GPS Navigation system, DVD player, and the list goes on. One feature I thought I was going to appreciate was the run flat tires on this model. I was wrong thinking that. I have had three flat tires in 18 months, with two repairs costing about $125, with the third requiring replacement of the tire. That bill was about a car payment in value. Lucky for me I had purchased the extended road hazard insurance for the tires. It takes the dealer about 4-5 hours to repair the tire, purely outrageous.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Al - April 7 - 9:56 am

  Got this my car back in 2002 w/ 24,000 miles. Now it has over 80k and Im amazed how reliable this car is. Aside from the required maintenance, the only problems I had is changing the light bulbs, squeaky shocks on the front driver, & annoying rattles in the trunk. That is it, I bought a 5spd so I have non of those trans problems. Thinking of getting a new car, but cant really part w/ my reliable Honda.

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  Transmission Problems..... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kelly A. - April 6 - 7:28 pm

  I think that I have always had a problem with this cars transmission, but it is completely gone at 116,000 miles. New tranny ect. $6600.00!!!!! I thought I would have this car forever, but now I will probably buy a Mazda or a Toyota).

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  Air compressor blew up! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By raks - April 5 - 3:15 am

  Shame on Honda! My a/c compressor blew up around 58000 miles. Since this was a known problem (read the reviews).. they replaced the parts but refused to pay for the service.. cost me about $500 not including rental car fees for the time it was in the shop and the $200 I spent at a private shop trying to diagnose the problem. (about $800 out of pocket total).

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  One week and so far so good - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By EC from Canada - April 4 - 10:10 pm

  Picked up my first Honda and first mini van a week ago and so far its been very good experience. I havent driven it lots yet, but so far I really like how it drives. Love the backup cam and power sliding door and tailgate. I do find the VCM is more obvious than it felt on the van I test drove. I also felt it more when the gear downshift as I am gliding along with the foot off the gas pedal and running with the ECO light on. Mileage so far hasnt been as good as I expected, but we are just about 500km into the break-in phase of the vehicle, so hope it gets better. Will write another review in a few months after the break-in period is over. Considered Sienna, but like styling of Honda

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  What Happened to Mine? - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By NotSoHappyWithCrv - April 4 - 9:27 pm

  I know I bought mine used, but I have all the maintenance records and by reading the paperwork it looks like it was properly taken care of. But, it is falling apart. At 130K miles, Ive had to replace the battery twice in the last two years. I had to replace the ignition (costing $700) six months ago - I had the local dealer do the work and now pieces of the dash board have fallen off and the steering wheel squeaks when I turn. The left channel on the radio goes out of hot days. The air conditioner will have to be re-charged this season. The PVC joints had to be replaced. All in all, its a money pit. I get 16-18 MPG in the suburbs and 20MPG on the interstate. And electrical shocks too.

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  do not buy that car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nikcina - April 4 - 2:10 pm

  I made big mistake when I went to buy a car. I was looking for a car that I like (big mistake). I should look for the car that will have basic purpose: to run trusty without problems. I thought a new car should be trustful and HONDA is that kind of brand but on the first oil change (4500 mi) power steering fluid was leaking (changed hose), drivers door squeaking when weather is wet, when I step on brake I heard click-clack. Then (6000 mi) it was very noise squeaking when I go all the way left (changed p.s. pump). NOW, when the gear is in the drive position I heard noise is like metal hitting metal (on neutral position that sound has gone), I need more time to start engine in the morning...

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  Disappointed!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By clewis - April 3 - 4:31 pm

  This is the 2nd Honda Civic that Ive bought and both have had problems. Ive had my car recalled 2-times. Within the 1st year I had to the car recalled, which included a h2o pump malfunction. I also had to put new brakes on w/in the 1st year and continue to hear a metal "clacking" noise when turning. I took the car to 2-mechanics and they havent been able to figure out the problem but continue to assure me that its nothing major! I really disappointed in HONDA! They just dont make things how they use to! I now looking @ HYUNDAI AND NISSAN and will probably go with HYUANDAI!