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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  Extremely Happy So Far! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By zawski961 - July 5 - 11:58 am

  Let me get right to the point. There is no transmission shutter at 30 mph and 50+ mph in the 2007 Honda Odyssey EX that I purchased this past June. The brakes are fine. My minivan was not manufactured at the plant that produced all the 2007 Odysseys that had to be recalled for the brakes. I promised myself that I would write a review 1 month after I purchased this used 2007 Odyssey EX after making a couple of 250 mile round trips and seeing how the van rode locally and on the highway. Im very happy with this minivan and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good used minivan. Ill probably write again with an updated review after 6 months.

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  No regrets - 2010 Honda Accord
  By juspassinthru - July 4 - 7:38 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for one month & have put about 1800 miles on it. Wind noise is not any worse than other cars in the same price range, ride quality is good, gas mileage could be better (avg 21-22 mpg around town) Over all I have no regrets. Nice Car.

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  Might buy American next time - 2008 Honda Accord
  By honda4 - July 4 - 6:51 pm

  This is my 3rd accord and this one had the most problems. All the power locks failed and were replaced, but it caused me to get locked out of my car one time. The rear brakes are 90% worn I was told at only 27k mi. There was a misc evaporator valve problem with the emissions.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Guy - July 4 - 6:09 pm

  I just turned 25000 miles and had my car inspected. So far, brakes are fine as I had the dealer inspect them. The car has given me all that I wanted and if the rear brake problem does not rear its ugly head, I will be delighted with this vehicle. This cars handles very well and is extremely comfortable on long trips. Performance is good and highway gas mileage is around 32 mpg and 24 mpg city. No problems at all as yet, so to date, I am very satisfied. The road noise is higher than I would like, but it is strictly tire noise. Road surfaces affect the degree of noise there is. No wind or outside noises, only tire noise on particular surfaces, so I feel this issue has been overstated.

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  Recommend this car for performance - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Farrell - July 4 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a year ago and work with the same dealer, in Michigan,I have worked with over 15 years-Honda Bloomfield-these folks just get better and better! The 2009 Honda Accords traction in winter snow and ice is phenomenal-best Ive ever driven. I count on reliability in any car I drive and this vehicle provides outstanding reliability. Seating comfort needs to be upgraded and the road noise needs to be reduced to bring this vehicle to near perfect for a "smooth ride." I reliably get 33.3 miles a gallon in this 2009 Honda Accord.

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  3-Year Review - Excellent Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By NOVA_CMUTR - July 4 - 10:54 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years - highly dependable, reliable and comfortable. I use this car to commute in the brutal DC area traffic. Great acceleration (V6), braking and maneuverability. Gas mileage could be better - 22 city/28 hwy. As others have noted, there are occasional problems with the 3rd gear synch on the manual transmission, the cars only flaw. This is my 3rd Accord great performance and reliability for the price!

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  High Quality SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Nancy - July 4 - 8:28 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this 2005 EX-L with built in navigation and entertainment system. Got it 2 yrs. ago as I wanted an SUV with excellent visibility and reliability. Honda has not disappointed me as vehicle has both. Only maintenance has been oil changes. I now need new tires at 63k miles-not bad! Gas mileage is not great-I average 18 MPG combined but this is a 6 cyl. so gas mileage is not going to be fantastic. I was thinking of downsizing to get better gas mileage. I looked at many other SUVs and none compared with the Pilot. I dont want to sacrifice comfort and space so I am keeping it. Excellent headroom, spacious interior. Rear a/c great for my dogs! Handles great in snow.

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  2009 honda pilot lx 4wd - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By satisfied driver - July 4 - 12:38 am

  This vehicle has been with us for more than a year now and we are just completely satisfied with it. We drove it to the central and eastern US, never had a problem with it. Its so comfortable and has a lot of room (we have 2 boys and a ton of toys). The pilot is solidly built and make us feel really secure. It is fun to drive and I feel like I am always in control.

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  Severe Transmission Problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2007 Odyssey Owner - July 3 - 11:31 pm

  My Honda Odyssey is less than 4 years old and it now has 53K miles. It started juddering slightly soon after I got it. Every time I took it back to the dealership, I was told my brake was bad and my tires were bad. With a new front brake and all four new tires, the judder continued and got much worse. I again took it back and also received the recall notice Honda at about the same time. I was told that the software update should take care of this problem, but it did not. I took it back again and another software update and the transmission fluid flush was performed. It was good for three days and the problem returned. I contacted Honda CS and did not get a decent response.

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  New meaning for the word JUNK! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Lee F. - July 3 - 11:27 pm

  Door panels rattle, sunroof controls rattle, shifter rattles, trunk rattles, brakes had to be replaced at 5000 miles, rear brakes have a class action settlement, hesitates when going around a corner, glove box rattles (replaced three times), drivers door wouldnt open (had to crawl over console from passenger side), both front and rear doors on drivers side had to be "readjusted" because they wouldnt open, squeak under dash, air conditioner makes a popping noise, drivers seat belt had to be replaced because it was making a ticking noise, and the list goes on and on. Car was in the shop 12 times before it even had 5000 miles on it. Last time, they had it for 11 days!