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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  Beware of the A/C issues - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ashowee28 - January 24 - 9:07 am

  I bought my CRV used in 2009 when it had 88,000 miles on it. On a trip back from Minnesota to my home state of Ohio, the A/C compressor blew out when we were 3 hours away from home in 95 degree weather!! It cost $750 to fix, even with us having a friend who is a Honda Certified mechanic who did the work for us practically labor-free.Honda knows of the A/C problems and wouldnt help me. Also began to have oil leakage issues and O2 sensor failure (check engine light coming on because of that) around a 100,000 miles. Ive owned a lot of Hondas, but this one gave me more trouble than all my others combined. Just traded it in for a 06 Odyssey.

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  2011 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) - 2011 Honda Accord
  By beachgirl100 - January 18 - 1:34 pm

  I am still debating if I like this car! I had a SUV for 12 years and downsized for fuel economy. The seats are very uncomfortable and the road noise is HORRIBLE. You CANNOT hear someone in the backseat talking to you on interstate without them almost yelling at you. If I had to do it all again, I would not choose this car based on the interior noise and very uncomfortable seat. I have read reviews and saw that others have complaints about the seats as well so I guess nothing can or will be done to correct my car (problem). Definitley take for a test drive on interstate if possible..

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  2012 odysseys has its flaws - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By antech555 - January 7 - 3:45 pm

  take a close look at the 2011 -2012 odyssey. Ours has 80 miles on it, 1 week old. Rear brake pads was changed, it was literally deteriorating badly , rear rotors had scores in it. engine light came on and to get reset, poorly aligned rear tail gate, bad gaps in body panel, misaligned, poorly painted front and rear bumpers, take a close look at the two rear bumper reflectors, on either sides of it is not painted, under the bumpers are not painted. Honda bean counters are trying to save money by skimping on paint here folks, what else are they doing to save money on a 35K van, it is inexcusable in my book. Other areas of the van that paint is not applied because most consumer dont pay know

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  Mileage Drop After Tire Change - 2008 Honda Civic
  By pamski - January 3 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Civic. Now at 37,000 miles I had the tires replaced. Im sure these were not the original tires, but I bought it from a dealer that does that sort of thing. Anyway, the day the tires were replaced my mileage went from 40 on the Hwy to barely 30 on the Hwy. Why is this? Not cheap tires, and they were to proper size according to the Civic Manual. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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  suspension - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ulmboy - December 28 - 11:13 am

  After 15,000 miles my tires had warn down unevenly. I took into Tracy Dealership to point out hearing noise in back wheel. Told nothing wrong. At 18,000 miles noise worse so took to Stockton Honda and was told back right wheel bearing out. They replaced wrong side. Had to buy new tires. Took back to Tracy Honda and they replaced other back wheel bearing. Car still did not drive smooth. A lot of road noise. Traded in at Tracy Honda and would not give me blue book because wheel bearing problems. Even though I had a warranty for 100,000 miles they would not reimburse for having to buy new tires and did not give me a good trade in value. Will not buy a Honda again. Traded in for a Toyota Van.

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  First car! (170,000 Miles) - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By emmalandry - December 26 - 4:07 pm

  I bought this as my first car about 8 months ago and although it is not much to look at, it is pretty reliable. I have had to fix lots of little things which is really annoying, but I guess you can expect that from any used car really. The most ive spent is a few hundred on some sensor or another. As far as appearance, like i said, not so great, and its kind of clunky. If you have to go 50 up a steep hill, except to go wheezing up it and end up going 40. This is a stubborn car. I would recommend this to a GUY for a first car, but for girls. No. I kind of regret buying mine. The cons outweigh the pros.

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  Only slightly better than their nearest competitor - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By tastycakes55 - December 20 - 1:27 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda/Acura purchase in the last 6 years, and like my others, this is typical Honda. The Odyssey is only slightly better or manages to bring in more features than others in their class. By this, I mean you are getting a mini-van which has the most space, the best EPA mileage, likely the best re-sale value, and just about every safety and entertainment feature available. The implementation of many of these features, however, are often frustrating/incomplete/difficult to use. But, if youre buying an Odyssey, chances are you know that walking in and as I stated, its the best option. The Elite has the 6 spd transmission, gets you around town easily, and keeps the kids happy

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  read reviews before buying!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - December 20 - 8:14 am

  Many people are reporting steering wheel vibration and dealers cant fix this issue. For example read this thread: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f197b14/0 Do your research before buying! Some people are reporting success in having Honda admit there is an issue but I bet not everybody has money for a lawyer. The best course of action is to call BBB Auto line and get them involved. With enough people complaining Honda must look into this issue.

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  Build quality: Is this really a Honda? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By pokechimp88 - December 19 - 9:43 am

  This a 3rd update on our 2010 Honda Insight that we have had now for about a year in a half. It now is December 2011 and the car has 41K on it. At the 40K service, the guys found a worn out axle (left) and the drive shaft assembly was beginning to come apart (!!!!). Luckily, extended warranty covered it and in the process, they reprogrammed the IMA system and auto-stop feature and now the auto-stop engages even in sub 20 degree weather and in stop and go 5 mph traffic, something it didnt do before. The interior has held up fairly well and the stock tires are a joke they wore out at 26K miles. But its fun to drive.... I just wish we it was better built

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  long gone the Honda myth of reliability - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - December 15 - 8:59 pm

  Bought a 2011 EX-L sedan and after 6 month I started to experience steering wheel shake, took the car back to dealer more than 5 times and they cant find the problem. Last time they told me this is "normal" road noise.... go figure from a 6 months old car the wheel shakes like crazy and they cant find a problem !? If this is Honda quality Im looking at other brands. Check forums for many many similar issues with the Honda Accords. I contacted BBB to get this issue resolved because Honda is not making good on their warranty. Over time Honda brand has slipped way down in quality/value. Look at other brands for better buy for your buck. Better options for same price @ other brands.