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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  Nice car ... - 2012 Honda Accord
  By mikes2012honda - November 25 - 5:49 pm

  ...plagued with a high-speed front end shimmy. Our 2012 SE automatic runs and drives great at any speed except between 60-70mph (and above) ...the interstate cruising range. At 3500 miles our car went to the dealer to remedy a healthy 65mph shimmy but to no avail its going back again. Before you buy this car, check out the large number of 11 and 12 model year owners who are battling with Honda trying to get their cars to quit shimmying at freeway speeds. Check here on Edmunds ...theres a bunch ...and do an online search. I am hoping our car can be fixed. With the shimmy, the "fun to drive" quotient takes a big hit.

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  Honda never again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bick2905 - November 16 - 1:38 pm

  We bought our 07 Odyssey new and have had nothing but problems. Transmission, A/C, Power steering, 3rd set of tires, just to name a few. I have owned some dogs over the years. I once owned a 80 Buick Regal that stalled on railroad tracks! This vehicle however is by far without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. We bought the car because I kept hearing how reliable Hondas were. Never again will I own a Honda. Advice: If you buy one, buy an 80 Regal so you have something to drive when the Honda is in the shop. I usually keep cars until they have well over 100k miles, this POS has 65k miles and i cant wait to trade it in.

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  Good car but other than few recall issues - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jay4414 - October 21 - 11:20 pm

  I bought it new from the dealer and there is a water boiling sound from the engine and dealer wont do shit even though there is recall on same issue with other year. Gas mileage and the seating comfort is very poor. Trans shutters in from 1st to 2nd if you press the pedel slow. Overall I like it but I do not buy another Honda due to their dont care customer service attitude.

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  Wouldnt recommend buying - 2012 Honda Accord
  By annachen239 - October 21 - 10:44 pm

  after driving a Toyota corolla for 12 yearsithought it was time to upgrade to a newer vehicle.since my sister has a 2000Honda accord I thought Id take a look at the 2012 Honda accord because my sister said its a great car she said its very spacious so I went to a Honda dealership and took a look at the accord,I test drove the V6model exl it did offer great power and the A/c was ice cold.i got a great deal nd bought the car I went with the orchard pearl andivory interior got so many complaints.imtoo, it on the highway to go to work and I heard riddling noise coming from the rear window and the seat were really unsupportive for a 45 mins ride my back starting herting and it was loud too

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  Severe Back Pain - 2012 Honda Accord
  By shangkarm - October 1 - 10:19 pm

  We bought this car in january 2012 and since then we are having severe back pain and the pain is gradually increasing. if we stop driving this car the pain goes away...and the minute we start...it reappears. we are feeling helpless as their bad designing of the seats are ruining our health. we spoke to our dealer and they said we should call the manufacturer directly. we want to know if there are others who had similar problem and what they did to resolve the problem. I think Honda should recall and replace the seats.

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  Noises and vibrations started at 22,000 miles - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By cargus - September 27 - 11:50 pm

  All kind of mechanical problems. Some were fixed under warranty and some noises they just do not know where they come from. CV joints needed to be replaced at 30,000, strut mounts went bad at 45,000. Noise is when I accelerate between 40 and 55 mph. I will not buy another Honda. On top of that the dealer does not seem to care and Honda customer service did nothing. I had 5 toyotas and never had any problems. Will have to go back to Toyota. STAY AWAY if you need a reliable car

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  good reliable car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By tessnluke - September 26 - 5:29 pm

  We have this CRV and for the most part we like it. Very reliable, haven had anything wrong with it at all. But it is a Honda after all...

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  Breaking noise when coming from a complete stop at stop lights - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zintage - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  It appears that in most of these 1012 models there is a break noise that becomes increasing loud when the weather temperatures increase. This was rather frustrating because I bought this car in the winter of last year and as it became summer the noise became prominent. Before you purchase this car please test drive it during hot weather and let go of the break after coming to a complete stop. It will crunch and grind as if it were a car with 500+ miles on it. My family owns 5 honda accords from previous years and none of them make this noise. The dealer indicates that its the pads shifting, but if that were the case why does it change with the weather and only in this model.

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  Just not the same old odyssey!!!! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sadhondaowner - September 14 - 5:01 pm

  I just recently traded in my 2003 Odyssey for a 2012. If you are considering the Odyssey, I would strongly suggest looking at the Toyota Sienna over the Honda Odyssey! At first we loved the van, but it is very apparent that Honda has compromised its quality. Within a week of taking delivery of the vehicle it was apparent that the quality of the plastic of the interior trim was poor. We have scuffs and markings from the seat belt retracting. Hondas response is, "sorry thats cosmetic and not covered under warranty". We are also having a recurring loud noise coming from the front end. In all, Hondas quality is no longer what it used to be. There are better options for $40,000!!!!!

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  Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kyleoostrand1 - September 8 - 5:00 pm

  Had to replace the transmission at 90,000 miles and sometimes it doesnt want to start.