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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  Never buy a Honda again - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Sucks - May 14 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased 4000 miles in the shop week 2 left rear bearing went out, wk 3 needed new tires, airbags defaulted, most uncomfortable seat/steering wheel adjustment, battery, poor stereo/cd audio, I purchased the LX for me and ab ex for my daughter. I will take a Nissan any day, the customer service was good, the car disappoints.

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  Takes a licking! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By shawn2e - May 8 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this accord brand new in Monrovia. The only problem I had was cheap arm rest had came unattached and the brake rotors would warp after excessive freeway usage. No other problems with the car from day one until totaled. I do have to say this is a safe car. First accident was striking a box spring and spare tire on the highway ripped front bumper right off. 2nd accident totaled car, rear end impact at 50 mph! Was able to walk out of the car shaken up and unhurt. I would have to say I would buy another Honda Accord when the time for me to buy another car comes around. its a good everyday car to run around, commute, errands, or go out in. Good price for the piece of mind.

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  Transmission? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kc - May 7 - 8:40 pm

  This was my first Honda and my last. The transmission is shot and come to find out, this is a known issue for Honda. However. And beware. They will not assist in repairing the transmission if you are one day or one mile over the warranty. They knew the transmission was faulty and still used it for several years. The issue is not that a manufacturer has a defective product, but rather, that the manufacturer knowingly sold a product that had the distinct potential of failing and will not back up their product. I dont care how many great reviews Honda gets or has gotten. They have proved to me to be an unreliable company with which to deal. Stay away from all Honda!

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  Hated my fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By tquigsmay - May 6 - 11:42 pm

  Bought a fit, took it back less than 48 hrs later w/ a backache. Cant adjust seat cushion up or down because gas tank is under the drivers seat (how can that be safe?). I felt like I was sitting in a high chair in a fish bowl. There is so much untinted Glass its like youre on display. The cheap black interior showed every speck of dust immediately. The paddle shifter are totally useless and get in the way of resting your hands while you drive. W/ no center console or arm rests (pay extra on sport model only), where is someone supposed to put their arms? The passenger has no options. The tiny visors do nothing shade sun from the gigantic family van style windshield.

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  Horrible Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Ray - April 23 - 2:54 pm

  The only thing good about this Honda is the mileage. I bought it new in 2001, and will never buy another Honda. Air dam fell off until I finally threw it away. Gas filler mechanism fell apart within 2 weeks. Drivers power window fails to go up when it rains. replaced wheel bearing at 40,000, engine mount at 50,000, headliner fell down around 50,000, left control arm at 65,000,rear defroster doesnt work, Manual transmission needs overhauled at 90,000. Right control arm is also shot at 90,000. This car has been nothing but a mechanical money pit. Worst new car I have ever bought. Dont buy the Civic.

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  Same Problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ml8533 - April 16 - 1:57 pm

  Im speechless to see that everyone is having the same problems as me. I have 30,000 and my wear indicators are making noise. Road noise is horrible, trans slips when it is cold, has used oil since day 1. Seats are hard and uncomfortable, Im getting close to end of warranty and getting nervous. Why this engine needs to turn 2500 rpm to do 70 mph is hard to understand, I feel like Im in the daytona 500.

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  Not good in bad weather - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paula - April 8 - 3:09 pm

  My sister had an older model and loved it. I bought mine just before winter hit and big mistake! This van goes absolutely no where in the snow (I have been through 2 winters with it and I am now trading it in because of how bad it is). It truly makes me nervous to drive in any kind of bad weather with my kids in the car. Also, both my nieghbor and I have had several problems with the doors. I would not buy or recommend this car to anyone who lives where it snows/rains until they bring back the all wheel drive.

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  Honda Odyssey 2003 EXL - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tdoalamo - April 6 - 10:08 pm

  I wonder what the new 2011 Honda Odyssey looks like. But couldnt wait until the fall. My kid needs to go vacation in the summer and the 2003 Honda Odyssey I have had way too old. Got broken transmission @ 120,000 miles. Now leaking steering wheel oil, just fixed it. Too much wind noise and road noise when driving a Honda car. I already looked at the 2011 Toyota Sienna and love it so much, quiet drive and interior room is awesome. Will go with the Toyota Minivan then 2011 Sienna.

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  Piece of JUNK - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Kibbles00 - April 2 - 7:27 am

  Thought Id try this car since Toyota was having all their issues. Big mistake. Everything in the car is plastic, it hydroplanes, and you can blow on the carpet and it shimmers. Went back to a solid car, Toyota. Also this dealership is awful.

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  A Rip for the pice - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - March 28 - 5:06 pm

  Never again a Honda CR-V. Tires need replacing at 31,000, noisy ride down the highway, no sound insulation and no power with a small 4 cyl eng. With the small engine you would expect gas milage in excess of 25 mpg and not 22, which is what we average, which is mostly hwy driven.