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:

• 

  Many problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By lrdog - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We bought this van new in Aug of 2001. Within the first 6 months we began experiencing problems with it. The light behind the dash board went out, the automatic doors began sticking, and the transmission began slipping. This van is at the shop every 6 months for some type of issue. I have taken it to the dealership for the transmission at least five different times. Now at 117,400 miles, the transmission goes out and Honda will bck up their product at all. There has been a class action lawsuit because the transmissions are faulty. I expected more from a Honda than constant small problems and a broken transmission. i have never experienced these problems with my Toyotas.

• 

  Disappointed Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By nohondamom - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased a 2003 Honda Odyssey in Fall 2002. I started having trouble with it after 100,000 miles. All maintenance were kept up. Transmission was the major problem. I had to replace it twice within 1 month (had to pay about $1500, while Honda covered the rest). Then a year later I was told the transmission was leaking. Shift Solenoids A and B Gaskets had to be replaced, luckily it was still under warranty. Now Jan 2011, I found out my transmission has a leak again with other major issues. Im told the cost of repair is not worth it. The car is almost 180,000mile. Extremely disappointed that it could not make it to 200,000miles.Told it should last well over 200,000.Will not buy Honda again!

• 

  Do not buy this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By fhiebel - December 29 - 3:58 pm

  Unfortunately at this point I would say do not buy a Honda car. I have been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years but Honda has dug their own grave with this car and battery issue and their lack of customer support! Just go out and read all the issues that people have had with the IMA recall and battery issues for this car. Very unhappy customer.

• 

  Never again - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been getting good (>43 MG) mileage before the Honda update to my Hybrid in May of 2010. Prior to that update I had reached 47.8 MPG on a 1,022 mile trip from my sons home in GA to my home in Boston. After the May computer update, I never got better than 38 MPG, even on the highway. Ive had this thing back to the dealer at least 3 times for crappy gas mileage after the May update. One more thing - the resale value on these things is terrible. The Toyota dealer across the driveway from my Honda dealer offered me $9 grand on a trade-in for this $22,000 Hybrid with less than 34,500 miles and less than 24 months driving. I pick up my new 2010 Prius tomorrow.

• 

  My last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This review is not to bash the Honda, but let people be aware of potential problems with this vehicle. At about 70k km. the power steering pump had to be replaced, no a big deal since it was under warranty. At around 80k km. both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced – under warranty. Once the vehicle was off warranty the following items had to be replaced – all wheel bearings, the whole struts assembly (over $1200), ABS sensor, catalytic converter (over $1000), recently my u-joints “went” but they cannot be replace – the whole drive-shaft has to be replaced (over $1000). Currently some bushings should be replaced but I am putting this off, and seat belt sensor is not working ($300).

• 

  Bye Bye Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Rob - December 4 - 2:00 am

  For the last 12 years every car I bought was a honda product. That would be 5 cars, most higher end. I bought a 2009 accord, new with a V6 and everything but Nav. I needed a valve job (4 of 6 were toast) after 8 k. The car was never the same, poor power, power fuel economy.I was concerned,the dealer said they would stand behind it. the transmission started making noise and the brakes went early.Honda claimed nothing was wrong. Brakes went early & basically honda would not stand behind product. They strung me along till i was passed lemon law miles and then said good bye. I feel this car was about what i would expect from ford for $10 k less. Honda lost me.

• 

  Wont start again - 2010 Honda Element
  By Not Happy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new Honda Element in May and it has been in the shop 2 times this time over a week and getting response "we dont know the techs are looking at it". will not run if not started daily. Left me stuck in Washington DC and 3 additional times at home. Honda will not provide a rental call while they guess at issue. Also, purchases Honda Civic SI 2010 same time have had no issues with that so far. what a bummer!

• 

  Stay away from Honda! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By April - November 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car under the impression Honda is a good car. Never again! Even the company was horribly rude, worse than non-helpful- accusatory, and defended their illegal actions of their dealerships. Our civic has since 20k had steering problems, shifting problems, battery problems, engine issues and other parts having to be replaced by notice of recall or failed. However the dealership which did the repairs failed to properly document and repair saying the noises, shaking, and hard shifting are normal. The problems have constantly gotten worse and now that the car is over warranty Honda insulted us plus refusing to repair the car! Go get a Hyundai or other car with a 100k warranty.

• 

  Lots of problems - 2010 Honda Insight
  By 2010 insight driver - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Battery/IMA does not work as it should. Been to 5 dealerships more then 10 times just getting the run around. Honda knows they have a major issue but will or can not offer any fix. MPG is: in city about 35 and on the highway 42. You dont need to spend 8K more to get this kind of mpg it is similar to regular Civic with a msrp of 15k. The paint job is poor. Car always feels like is having a hard time to change gear and to accelerate when going up the roads. The miles I put on this car the more issues are pumping up!

• 

  Brakes, doors and windows - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By RAC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very unsatisfied with this vehicle. Im owner of three other Honda and decided to buy and Odyssey. Decided to buy lower end Honda because i dont like automatic doors. van has been in the dealer twice for issues with the doors due problems with spring. at 21k miles van was having issues when pressing the brakes at 50 mph the steening wheels vibrates very hard, took van to the dealer and according to the dealer rotors are uneven and need re-surface or replacement. According to do them the problem is bad driving. I cannot believe this response. I have other Honda and has never had any issues with rotors at this early driving mileage. Warranty doesnt cover rotors after 10K miles. Van not recommended.