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:

• 

  2011 transmission issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By madjackson - October 14 - 5:25 pm

  the transmission shudders @ 15-30 mph took it to the dealer 1st time told me nothing was wrong 3rd time they are waiting for honda to figure out was is the problem no time line I have a child on a ventilator this is his primary transportation they said it is safe to drive how can it be safe if they cant even tell me what the problem is my concern is being stranded with 2 kids and one with a boat load of medical equipment spoke with honda directly they said they MIGHT get back to us in 2 weeks fine we told the dealer we wanted to trade it for a pilot and in so many words they said no we needed to wait for honda to tell them what they could do! btw we didnt ask for anything special on trade in

• 

  Great value car in long run - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kripsing - October 13 - 1:32 pm

  Lets see i got this car for $5.5K with 142K miles . Tranny cost me $2k. Have been driving in city for last 4 years and have 183k miles . Cant beat that .

• 

  I wouldnt buy again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By camrykiller - October 13 - 1:27 pm

  VTC Actuator failed (known issue) under warranty Power lumbar motor broke (400.00) Transmission pauses at cold start before shifting Honda service will not address Brake problems like everyone else. No thanks Honda....go find some other sucker TRADED!!!!

• 

  Dont let looks deceive you.... - 2011 Honda Accord
  By bimmercity1 - October 10 - 7:38 am

  I bought this car on account that I could not afford to buy what I really wanted. I wanted sporty and reliable. I was told top look at Honda. I ended up looking at the Accourd Coupe. It looked great on the outside. Its been 5 months, I am so disappointed with Honda. 1. Its the EX you would think top of the line would add insulation. I hear everything. I cannot use bluthooth on the highway. Dimmer on the display is a joke, light sensor too sensitive. Suspension is too soft, steering well has not been centered from day one. Windows if lowered, vibrate so does everything in storage along with rear shelf. Only some buttons are lit at night?? No puddle/underdash lights.

• 

  Disappointed, - 2012 Honda Civic
  By matt144 - October 9 - 1:58 pm

  I purchased Civic LX (1.8L 4-cyl Automatic) in August 2011.The first impression was the car looked sharp and the price was reasonable. However, after driving it for about 2,500 miles, the biggest problem is excessive road noise. I drove Toyota, Ford and Nissan before but I never had such a noisy car. The mpg is 35 to 38 which I expected but I didnt expected such a excessive road noise.

• 

  Rust - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By raceee - October 6 - 3:36 pm

  My 2007 Honda has started to rust on the back of the trunk lid. I have had it rust proofed every year since I bought it, this is on the surface paint. I have only driven this car two years in all the time I have owned it in the winter. Of course they say it is out of warranty, but would like to know if anyone else has had this trouble. The worst is around the plastic honda plate on the back. Anyone else have this problem and how did you get it fixed. I dont feel I should have to pay for rust when I have done everything I was told to do. I am sure if I fix one spot there will be others pop up. It looks like a money grabbing thing that isnt going away even if it is fixed.

• 

  Come On Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By pieceofchum - September 26 - 2:02 pm

  I would never recommend a Honda Accord 2009+. My 2009 Accord LX is at best sub par for Honda. I have had 3 other Honda vehicles and they were all excellent except this one. The rear of the car squeeks terribly while going over bumps. The brakes feel like I am standing on a gym floor while 20 kids dribble basketballs - never had breaks that felt like this ever in any other vehicle. The seats are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had in a vehicle, lumbar pushes into your back to much, the foam is way to stiff and the side bolsters too narrrow. Car vibrates with ac on at a stop.

• 

  1 year - 2011 Honda Civic
  By altimase35 - September 25 - 4:11 pm

  This is my wifes 3rd honda. 2 accords before this. Bought the car for my wife. she loves the car. easy to read speedometer. simple car which does not overwhelm her with gadgets. She wanted a small car and felt the accord was to big. Honda has made this car as cheap as possible. steering wheel material starting to come off. not sure why? Florida is hot, but one year? Doors seem to flex when shuting. hollow sounding. car does not feel stable at high speed. car tends to move around especially when being passed by vehicles. soft suspension? No compaints about the engine or transmission. Gas milage is good. stereo is basic, speakers are ok.

• 

  Shame on Honda! Part 2 - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ewells - September 20 - 6:17 pm

  Last November 2010 I bought the new 2011 Pilot. In the first weeks of owning the car I got a recall notice for the front wheel axle. It was fixed and now it squeaks loudly. I have owned Hondas for 20 years and I expect better. The dealership asked me to fill out a survey after I brought it in again for the squeak and they could not fix it. I filled out their online follow up survey and have not heard back. I am now very disappointed in my Honda Dealership in Louisiana. A good alternative to this car might be the Jeep Grand CherokeeÂ…just had it as a car rental and the gas mileage was far, far betterÂ… as a long time Honda owner I am so disappointed this is my second time writing.

• 

  Overrrateddd - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tom237 - September 18 - 11:58 pm

  I have a 2002 honda civic and I bought it for raliability but the trany at 73 went out while driving in country road So I got standed for so much time having no option except towing it.Now I need a new transmission.So to me Honda is very overrated and it is not worth the price at all.Nothing different than any other american made car or better say it much worst.