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 agian - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ts - February 1 - 5:17 pm

  I have had the car for 18 months, bought brand new, thought I was buying quality. WRONG. This car has design flaws. Sunvisers bust and fall on your head (replaced 4). A/C doesnt work at stop lights. Engine rattles when you start it in the morning. Car does not start on first try every time(stranded 2xs and now carry jumper cables). Honda cares about my safety so much they will not even look at anything wrong with the car. I am told "unless you can duplicate the problem there isnt one."

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ulysses - January 31 - 11:33 am

  Car was ten months 2900 miles. Three cylinders had to be replaced! Ride very rough as if one were in a truck. The passengers felt every bump. This bumpiness and jostling made it impossible for a ride of any length or distance The car had rattles in it. The dashboard panel was confusing. If one pressed the remote open the door too hard or long, the sun/moon roof opened. An immense annoyance and risk to the interior of the car. Headlights had to be manually turned on Fuel mileage very poor, about twelve miles per gallon. Do not purchase a six cylinder engine of this car. The 2009 Honda Accord is a great disappointment. In sum, do not buy this 2009 Honda Accord

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  Problems with my 2007 Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. Unhappy owner - January 27 - 9:49 am

  #1 A freaking creaking noise when turn the ignition switch. #2 Power steering fluid pump has problem making a streaking noise. #3 Mileage is very poor not even close to Hondas promise. Even though I do have extended warranty, it is really a pain both mentally and physically. I did not paid for this piece of junk. My 4 runner had no problem for 7 years. I am not happy with my 2007 Honda Odyssey. I will never buy another honda rather stick with Toyota. Road noise is also a major problem with this van.

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  CRV is a DISASTER! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Honda NO more! - January 22 - 10:46 am

  I am so frustrated right now, it seems our mechanic sees the car more! We have had front strut issues, tire issues, brakes going to early, AC issues, and when I am driving it sometimes feels like I have a manual trans and have the gear too high, I am afraid what that means. Now the emissions warning is on, back door latch is getting lax. I want to get rid of this terrible terrible car soon! I like the looks hate the car. We dont have alot money to constantly be fixing this!!

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  Nothing but problems! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Do not buy! - January 10 - 6:03 pm

  Well bought my civic used and with 65,000 miles. At 77,000 miles the steering rack started leaking and needed to be replaced. All 4 struts blown at 90k miles. Headliner just coming apart and dome lights holding up material. Now at 140,000 miles mainshaft bearing in manual trans and second gear syncro. Had to replace transmission. I have been very gentle to this car and it has just turned into a money pit.

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  The worst car and service ever - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Annie - January 5 - 9:35 pm

  I love my Odyssey, but it started having transmission problems within 12k miles. I went to have the transmission replaced in Boise after moving (The dealer in Los Angeles told me it was under warranty)and Boise refused. Later Honda corporate refused the repair. So much for a "warranty". I will never buy from Honda again. Given the initial price and subsequent repairs/tires, I would say a 2002 Odyssey isnt worth the price to have it junked. Given the perpetual check engine light and TCS light, I have a mind to abandon it at Honda Corp.

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  Its ok, but... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rolf - January 4 - 9:54 am

  Went for a basic cheap commuting car, but hwy mileage ave is only 25--My 6 cyl Toyota gets 21. Seats not comfortable for long trips over 1 hr. Back seat riders get slung around and get car sick, ride is rough & right over wheels. Paint quality on body is cheap. After 2 yrs the car looks beat up! Having all controls on left side of driver is poor--passengers cannot adjust sunroof and driver has to do it all-- and drive! Too many things for the driver to fiddle with (radio, cruise, roof) while concentration should be on driving. Agree with others, car needs auto headlights. Odd random interior noises - wind, rattles. Rear pass window motor came broken, fixed in warranty Prefer Camry

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  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEY...MUST READ!!!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary Snyder - December 31 - 12:27 pm

  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEYS. New 2009 Honda Odyssey with 5000 miles. Dealer has had to upgrade the transmission software twice and replaced the torque converter one to attempt to eliminate a transmission/vehicle vibration issue. Steering wheel shakes when moved off center and vibrates at highway speeds. Tires rotated, balanced, etc. Both problems still present with no improvement. Both sliding doors rattled severely, now they just squeak. Dealer wont touch the vehicle anymore to prevent Lemon Law from becoming effective. Drive vehicle on smooth roads and YOU WILL notice these issues.

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  Honda soso - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nielsen - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The seats are stiff which goes along with the ride. The leather is not soft. I have decided that I really do not like the style. I have had electrical problems.

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  Going green has tradeoffs - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Roger A. - December 22 - 10:41 am

  Do not buy this car if you are wanting a comfortable ride. Im 61 250lbs. It is very hard to get in the driver seat. The steering wheel has to be all the way in the up position and the seat all the way back for me to slide in. The seats are very hard and uncomfortable. The parking brake handle is located where my knee stays on it while driving, this will make your knee start hurting in about 10 - 15 minutes. I had to put a small pillow next to the brake handle to make the pain somewhat tolerable. Road noise is loud, I mean LOUD. The BIGGEST problem I have experienced is the cupping that occurs on the back tires, see below in the suggested improvements.