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:

• 

  Honda quality - 1999 Honda Accord
  By chuck - August 15 - 6:57 am

  My 1999 accord quality and reliability is so bad that I am convinced Honda is misleading the customers on their claim on reliability. Through this review, I would like to point out a flaw, either in the design or the manufacturing process, of the 1999 model year Honda Accord engine. The cylinder #3 valve melted out and blew a hole in it while driving on the highway. The mileage on the car was only about 105K. Honda dealers, and Honda H.Q. refused to honor any claims since the mileage is over 80K.

• 

  Totally Disappointed in Honda Quality - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Martha - August 14 - 6:54 pm

  Like other 2003 CRV owners, I bought with expectations of "Honda quality." My air conditioner went out at 56K miles, and to their credit, Honda paid for parts I paid for labor. At 118K it went out again. I was told it was "too far out of warranty" for them to replace the AC again. I assume keeping a Honda for 200+K means replacing the AC every 55K miles??? The oxygen sensor is also out, so I am a soon-to-be EX-Honda owner. Had planned to buy a Civic next, but not now. Detroit should be a lesson on squandering a good reputation and letting quality slip. I dont know what it costs for Honda to get a new customer, but it cost them an AC replacement to lose a "Honda for life" customer.

• 

  Bad tires, noise problems and hesitation - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JPC - August 11 - 8:58 am

  I have gotten 30, 000 miles on the "no flat" tires by driving longer than I should. $1200 to replace. Car hesitates at 60 - 65 mph. Dealer says this is normal. Air noise is bad in the car. Brakes have been replaced twice. They finally got it right at my expense. The gas mileage is no better than 14 mpg in town driving. I have owned many Hondas and this is the first one that has been a total bad experience.

• 

  O8 Odyssey Touring - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By jojobird - August 3 - 12:41 pm

  Vehicle is average with utility in mind. This could be an excellent basic transportation were it not for tire and drivetrain vibration, road noise and Hondas denial and refusal to fix problems. This is not a luxury vehicle even though it is priced as one. Not refined, just good basic transportation. There are better choices.

• 

  Tranny advice and comments - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By 126 - August 1 - 1:18 pm

  Trannies are the weak link in ALL vehicles and especially VANS and MINIVANS. Most people dont realize this and push it to the limit abusing and breaking it prematurely. Be gentle with the tranny and will last much longer than did for others. Tip - find (feel) the changing spots and take the leg off the gas just before gear change. i.e. after 20km/h, 40,80)

• 

  Disappointed with Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dsignmark - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Honda Pilot EX with Navagation 3 months after I purchased the vehicle. Got poor gas milage. Fit & finish was not up to Honda standards. Also was disappointed that a factory sunroof was not available. I previously had a 1999 Lexus RX 300. The RX 300 Lexus was by far the best car I have ever owned & driven. I bought a new 2003 Lexus RX 300 and am much happier with this SUV. I am getting 19 MPG in the city and 23MPG on the Hwy. Also, The Lexus with more standard features (Bells & Whistles) actually cost less than the Honda Pilot as the Honda dealers do not deal on the Pilot. Once you have had a Lexus, its difficult to be happy with anything else.

• 

  Just Another - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Boring - July 20 - 9:28 am

  Well I was sold on all the hype of reliability. My wife is really upset we traded a Chevy that has zero issues to one that has us at the Honda Dealer every week. All little stuff from rattles to AC not working. Oh yeah my second transmission in 18000 Miles. Did I get a lemon? Dont think so, lots of others in the waiting room at Honda thinking what did I do. Oh the new body style will be better seems they are doing a redesign to modernize it like the Nissan, Chevy , Ford and Mitsubishi.

• 

  Honda Accord a so-so car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jim - July 19 - 9:53 pm

  Had a problem with the passengers window that Honda would not fix. The dealer did fix it free of charge. Problem with the power steering leaking when under warranty. No problem found until end of warranty. Honda fixed it without charge because it was noted on the service report during warranty period. Brakes had to be replaced early. Tire had to be replaced at my cost.

• 

  honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By wp - July 16 - 2:00 am

  grossly inadequate power in all ranges. transmission searches for gears constantly. front bumper paint coming off in sheets

• 

  Bad quality Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda lemon - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Four (4) recalls and fourteen (14) trips to the dealer with problems in a two (2) year period. No more Hondas for me. This company is not user friendly when dealing with customer complaints.