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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  Trans Failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pwinth - September 16 - 10:55 am

  Loved my 2003 Honda Odyssey till transmission suddenly failed going 70mph on the freeway with my children in the back seat. Trans suddenly downshifted to 2nd/1st then continued to wildly shift back and forth, just through good luck no horrible accident. For $100, dealer tells me trans is cooked. Found out via Internet this is a very common problem, in fact most people dont get as much use as we did. We took good care and was in beautiful condition prior to this incident. New trans -> $4800, Honda America refuses to help, they say warranty is 36,000 miles and I should be happy I got 160,000 miles. If Id have known of this potential issue, Id have sold it pronto while value was $5k.

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  Before you buy one of these...!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dmarklin - September 14 - 10:18 pm

  Google "vibration in an 05 Honda Odyssey" and be prepared to read a snoot full about owners with brand new Odys with the problem. (Edmunds forums for example), And then be prepared, if you go ahead with a purchase, to experience it yourself. I just about guarantee it. I bought mine because theyre rated by Edmunds to be the best van but Hondas have had tranny and motor mount problems since the 90s and now this. Evidently Honda doesnt believe in testing their products. Also their batteries are too small to handle the electronics in these things. Get the biggest one you can find.

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  Was hoping this was a van to last 10 years - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By buyamerican11 - September 13 - 9:04 am

  I purchased this fan new in 2006 because it was a Honda and I wanted a vehicle to care for properly and last 10 years. We drive about 12k a year, so this isnt much to ask. Its a noisy stiff ride, tires dont last longer than 25k, and weve had issues that you wouldnt expect from Honda. New front axles, AC problems, lots of rattles and noises, Its a nice looking fan, quality materials inside, good paint, no complaints there.

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  Underwhelmed - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By abf13 - September 11 - 11:41 am

  I test drove a tan LX that I loved and was fun to drive. I purchased a different one for a better price and it does not seem at all like the one I tested (yes, they were both LXs) Mine has 4K miles on it and the SVT traction sensor has gone bad. The cheap plastic used in construction scratches/dents easily and leaves white gouges. I can move the dashboard with my hand. The city gas mpg is more around the 12-13 mark than the 19 stated by the EPA. I have found the controls awkward. The van is very bumpy, the ECO light constantly goes on and off and I can feel the shifting when this happens, and it does not have very much power. Overall, wish I had purchased the Sienna

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  Honda does not Fit - 2011 Honda Fit
  By dillpickle1 - September 7 - 11:03 am

  I followed Edmunds and Consumer Reports great ratings and bought a Honda Fit. BIG MISTAKE!! Worst Honda ever and would not buy again. 4 safety recalls and counting. Very harsh ride and "go-car" handling on interstate....very scary. Poor fit and finish compared to older Hondas. Tires are terrible and should be recalled. Should be Michelins. Bald tires at 25,000 miles but rotated every 7,000!! Body metal is suspect and very thin. Fascia trim falling off car. Transmission shifting poorly timed and paddle shifters are a JOKE. What more can I say....

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  I thought Hondas were supposed to be reliable... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By melanierose10 - September 4 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 2004 Honda used at 120,000 miles. It had several problems that were very expensive to fix. It was very unreliable. It broke down several times randomly - the PCM went out twice, and the EVAP solenoid needed to be replaced. Those were the most costly repairs but it seemed like once one problem was fixed the check engine light would come back on for another reason. Also, a lot of electrical problems that I never had diagnosed, the interior lights never worked and the electric locks didnt either. Other than that, however, my Honda was really fun to drive, and very fast, with lots of amenities, but I would not recommend based on reliability. Drove it to 160,000 miles then sold it.

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  Never Again! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By defenderman - September 1 - 1:27 am

  Ive owned 17 cars in 30 years so Ive driven a few. This is my 5th Honda and my last. Im going elsewhere. Noisy, gutless, rattles. The brakes were fixed and reimbursed. OEM tires made it 28k miles. Cheap. Glovebox rattles. Cheap. Seats are uncomfortable and thin. Cheap. Cross members under parcel shelf in trunk rattle. Cheap. 5-speed AT pretty much gives up at 55 for power. Pull out to pass in the mountains and the best you get from there is 3rd gear so you may as well be dragging a log behind your car. Looks great. Mileage is okay. The noise! My word the noise! I cant wait to dump this car. 38k miles and its the worst car Ive owned, and I had a 73 Pinto Wagon!

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  I HATE IT!!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By mreich1 - August 31 - 12:27 am

  This is my fourth Honda in less than 10 years and second accord, so that should tell you how much I have like Honda in the past. Well, they really blew it on this car. I truly hate this car. I hate it so much, that when my lease was up on my Pilot, I replaced it with a Toyata, because Honda obviously does not care. This car is way underpowered. You hit the gas, and almost nothing happens. Goes from 0-60 in about 10 seconds. Try going up the hills in San Francisco. You will stall unless you are in first gear. This car should be offered only in a six cylinder. I think I want my 1979 Dodge Colt back. And gas mileage is terrible, of course it should get 25 mpg, it barely has an engine

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  Not so reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By colibri1 - August 8 - 4:25 pm

  Bought this Honda (first and last one) used with 88,000 km and a little warranty left. Noticed that it consumed about 1 liter of oil every 3000 km. Took it to the dealer - he said it is normal for Hondas (????) At 112,000 km had to replace engine. Luckily air conditioning is working fine. Not happy. Not the greatest gas mileage either. Very noisy on the highway - can not hear radio clearly. Will never buy Honda again.

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  Manual Sliding Door Fell off my van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tnie - August 8 - 4:54 am

  We purchased our Odyssey brand new and currently have a little over 100,000 km on it. The only concern we have had is problems with the sliding doors. The most common problem is sticky doors. This spring my 6 year old daughter was opening the driver side sliding door and it came off the track and nearly landed on her. The only part holding the door on was the arm at the bottom of the door. The dealership said it was the plastic roller that broke and blamed me for not having it lubricated properly. They did cover the cost of repairs after numerous calls to customer relations. It has been a couple of months since this happened and now the same door will not latch properly.