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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  No So Good Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - July 10 - 4:24 pm

  I am very disappointed and surprised at the unreliability of the 2003 CRV. I thought Hondas lasted a long time with standard maintenance. I had to replace the tires not long after I got the car. The ones that come with the car are poor and unstable. My seatbealts are difficult to use and dont slide back and forth as they should. The security light stayed on because one of the seatbeats was not working at all. A part had to be ordered. Another one is a nightmare to use. I have had to replace one of the oxygen sensors for $550.00. Now my clutch and air conditioner are going out. Thats another $2000 plus. Because of this, I will not purchase another Honda and will now trade this one in.

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  Really Bad Brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By masta - July 6 - 6:20 pm

  I had major problems since I bought the car with real hot rear brakes and noise in the front brakes. I had to change rear pads at 14K and still no fix for my front brakes.

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  2004 Odyssey EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jme - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I got a Lemon and no one at the dealership or Honda wants to deal with it. The fuel gauges were replaced, didnt help. A new fuel sensor, that doesnt help. And now the car is stalling all of the time! The fuel gauge is so inaccurate. I love my Civic Hybrid, but I am really hate this van and how I am being treated by Honda.

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  Horror-bolt disintegrated-uppr eng lost - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - June 29 - 1:01 pm

  Sold 11 yr running Dodge Caravan, bought 09 Honda Odyssey. Had for about 3 months, took out west. Before return home took drive to Sedona, AZ, lost power on National Forest Road w/few places to pull over - van towed to dealership on Sunday. Monday told the whole upper engine destroyed by disintegrated bolt, needed days to repair. Afraid to drive it home about 1800 miles to Ohio. Informed insurance agent of manufacturer defect - if something else happens to investigate van. Seriously worried we could have been in bad accident. Honda disinterested in our concerns - repaired to their satisfaction not ours.

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  Honda Odyssey has the worst AC - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By A Hasan - June 26 - 2:09 pm

  Now I am paying 900 dollars to fix the AC whereas my car is only 4 and 1/2 years old. So I am not happy at all with Honda Odyssey.

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  I hate this thing! - 2003 Honda Element
  By pwhit - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive always liked Hondas, they have a great reputation for quality, but Ive never owned one. I thought this would be a great alternative to a minivan, and for about two days it was. The thing is about 70 percent plastic, and the looks of the interior is driving me crazy after about a month. I thought the exterior look was cutting edge at first, but I see people actually pointing and laughing at it while driving. It really IS stupid looking now that I have to see it in my driveway every day. Im hoping someone will steal it soon.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Honey - June 16 - 2:39 am

  AC and electrical issues as well as pulling to side upon acceleration. Master brake cylinder went out and had to be replaced. Ride is jiggly compared to other SUV I had considered. No tinted windows so gets hot! Poor acceleration with AC on which did have probs as well as idiot lights sometimes lighting. Got a lemon... Not happy with power...even the Hyundai is faster (and has a much better ride, though Mercedes heavy feeling). Needs more storage compartments, no bumper to stand on to get to roof racks... paint chips easily in parking lots... Cute, bought because of reputation. At least it still has 2 years on warranty... Got a lemon...

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  Wont buy another Honda!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By js114 - June 11 - 7:35 am

  I purchased this brand new and at first I did not want a minivan, but Ive found I like the convenience of it. Now I absolutely cant stand it, the passenger side door rattles. At first it sounded like a marble. They took the door apart and wrapped everything, it was gone for a few months, now its a new rattle and now the other door has started. Its bad when your 4 year old says, "mommy my door is rattling again." You cant even turn up the radio to drown it out. Its only a year old and I want to get rid of it. I wish I never got rid of my 4Runner. Dealer says hes never heard of this problem. After reading the reviews, it sounds very common.

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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2005Hd - June 3 - 9:52 pm

  Purchased new in Oct of 2005 and cant wait to get rid of it. VERY uncomfortable to drive any amount of time over 1.5 hours. Road noise is VERY pronounced. Interior materials are substandard - very easy to mark plastics & can never remove these marks through cleaning or rubbing. The radio is starting to malfunction. Sun visors will not stay up against the windshield. Thus, I have to point the visor toward my face in order to block the sun & drive at the same time. The auto transmission does not shift smoothly - first gear is geared too low. Hey Honda, how about making the oil capacity either 4 or 5 quarts, NOT 4.4! No more Honda vehicles for me.

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  Terrible radio! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rick G. - June 2 - 5:44 am

  This car has a radio issue that has yet to be addressed by Honda. It crackles, fades, and volume fluctuates. It seems to go in and out of mono and stereo on a radio station that is right down the street from me. The speedometer is too high on the dash and from my seating position I can only view it when I look under the top of the steering wheel.