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:

• 

  More trans/rack problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Huggins - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Echo other experiences with leaking rack (replaced ~25,000 mi) now worsening shudder, prob transmission. Previously had "thunk" with downshifting during slowing, better after flush/software adjustment x 2. Drives, rides worse than 2005 Town and Country. Would not buy again-go with the Sienna-smooth as silk in test drive.

• 

  A Movable Living Room - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By suzanne - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Wow. My first Honda and am blown away. Crazy interior space...like driving around with your living room attached to you! Yet handles really well and gets pretty good gas mileage. Have only had it for a week, so very early, but I am Miss Picky w/ cars. Great deal at dealer and great service here in MA. Not sure I believe promised MPG, but will see. I do wish it were about 4 inches narrower, but then again I am not needing to haul 8 people as this van is designed for.

• 

  Ive got the peeling paint blues - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ApexPilot - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive got an appointment to take my Pilot in a few weeks for peeling back bumper. Whats up with that? Ive been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years and Ive never had an issue with the paint peeling. For the most part I love my Pilot. For me its much more comfortable then my 2007 CR-V was.

• 

  Best Car I Ever Had - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mike - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This car ran like it was new when it was 16 years old with 190k miles. Its life was cut short by an accident, but I loved this car. Many cars (even newer ones) make noises or everything just seems flimsy, but this car ran and felt great. I chose not to buy a Honda again because I believe they have actually become overrated. I loved this car, but the prices for cars like this have become outrageous in the past few years. It was a great car, not a magical car that never will die or require maintenance.

• 

  Not the quality of Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dharrin - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in late 06, have put 85k miles since. Every year the repairs total approximately 1000.(in addition to regular maintenance). I found out this car has a coil for each cylinder. Brakes are noisy. Piddly electrical problems also. So far, the trans hasnt died, but is slipping a little. It doesnt hold an alignment very long. The ride is very comfortable and fits all five kids and their stuff. The ride is good, seats are comfy even on 1600 mile round trips to relatives. It is pretty good in No. New England snow. Avg 27 mpg on highway trips/17 in town. I doubt it will make it another year.

• 

  5th Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Teez - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and the only probably I have had is the Engine light came on and it was a sensor. The dealer charged $385 to fix. Just replaced the tires at 58,000 miles. The V-6 is powerful. I rented a car at the airport recently and it was 2010. Basic and when I got back in my Accord I felt that I was driving pure luxury. This is my 5th Accord

• 

  We Love it! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Orange&Blue - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Best driving vehicle we have ever owned. Has a very sporty/stiff suspension which is fun to drive. Cant believe its a minivan! Very quite ride. Interior is laid out very well. We love the interior quality and ergonomics. Ride and interior quality made the difference to us versus other mini vans available. Personally, I like the exterior styling, its sportier, differentiating, and better looking (chrome edging)than the Odys main competitor. We opted for Nav. only EXL. We have an ipad and that keeps the kids busy on long trips. Also, DVD can be added after the fact by dealer if we change our mind on this. Eco cylinder limiting and monitoring is neat and helps us conserve fuel.

• 

  Buzzing when car starts - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By larry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my cr-v new in 08 problem free till about a week ago, when starting , the relay switch buzzes.. Honda says its a "quirk", which to me says "problem" called the main office in CA was told to take it the dealership were my car can be checked out, but dought anything will be done about the buzzing.

• 

  Rear Differential - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rear Differential - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my CR-V with two exceptions. First the original equipment tires failed after 30K and the rear differential has required "regular service" (at $100.00/per) four times in almost 60K miles, which are mostly highway miles. Honda "Engineers" are supposedly investigating the problem but it still will not help those of us who will drive the vehicle past the 60K mile warranty period. We will look elsewhere next year when we expect to replace this vehicle. The manual and my dealer recommends service every 30K miles, which in my estimation is a outright lie.

• 

  Not a bad vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jeff - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle but seats are very firm and uncomfortable for long drives. No real creature comforts or nooks and crannies for your stuff. Nice as a plain Jane grocery getter but not a family car or executive sedan. Brakes dust and are questionable quality after 500 miles. MPG is 25.5 with mostly hwy driving at 75 mph