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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  Not again not very reliable. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chris_m387 - August 2 - 12:34 am

  I used to own an 06 Civic it was fun to drive very responsive. But had too many problems. At 32,000miles the speakers went out warranty didnt cover it paid out of pocket, then the control arms, struts and wheel bearing were very bad had to pay out of pockets, at 45,800 replaced front brake pads. Tires worn unevenly went thru 4 sets of tire and had the same problem, I took a family road trip and out of nowhere the car lost traction and ended up spinning off road in Iowa. Had problems with the airbag sensor. At 60,000miles had to replace both ball joints. And was very bad in snow even with the best winter tires. ABS didnt work good. So I had enough and got an 07 Hyundai Sonata V6 SE.

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  Very Impressed! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dano100 - July 31 - 12:16 am

  I leased an EXL and the car has exceeded my expectations. Having driven a 2007 Infiniti G35X the last 6 years I was prepared for a letdown. Although the Accord is no sports sedan it fulfills my current needs. It is very comfortable, roomy, stylish and gets outstanding gas mileage. The CVT performs flawlessly and although I was originally hesitant about it I now prefer it to the traditional 5 speed auto in the previous Accords. My only complaint is the sound quality of the stereo. Its mediocre at best.

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  USB/ Bluetooth - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By vimanman - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  Just traded a 2007 Odyssey for a 2013 Odyssey EXL . The car drives Great and all the interiro features are nice but...... WTF the USB plays in an archaic fashion, you cannot play files as you woudl on your computer or any other car.... The bluetooth DOES NOT show what song is playing... Its quite a shame that Honda decided to ignore this part of the Odyssey. I purchased a 2013 Civic a few months back and It has all the features, (USB that you can pay your files in order, Bluetooth that displays the song) I am wondering why Honda seels a car ^ months later that has such archaic technology.

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  Vibration and Engine Ringing - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By kr1839 - July 30 - 4:12 pm

  Go on a long test drive before buying this vehicle and tell the salesman not to talk so you can listen and feel without distraction. This vehicle has a pronounced vibration in echo mode which can be felt and heard. My vehicle also developed a very suttle ringing and I only have a few thousand miles on it. The dealer says it is just part of the vehicle design and that their computers say nothing is wrong. So Im SOL. I loved my first Honda Pilot but I wont buy another Honda product after this experience.

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  Door lock actuators - 2009 Honda Accord
  By denisehamdi - July 28 - 7:12 pm

  I bought my 2009 Honda Accord used with approx 18,000 miles on it. I love it!! The only issue I have is that I have had to replace the 2 door lock actuators on the drivers side. Now the back passenger actuator is going. Im going to wait until the front passenger actuator goes so I can replace them at the same time. It seems thats an issue of the part. Otherwise LOVE my Honda!!!

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  Great! ,,but.... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ethelip - July 27 - 1:55 am

  Had this car for 2 years now - I drive it tough, on tough roads (NYC, dirt roads..) I can accelarate as fast as I need - even though I must use low gears & push it, she goes! Now 86K and still sounds great.

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  Better than the last generation... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pkl226 - July 25 - 5:22 pm

  I have owned each of the past 6 generations of Accord, plus an Acura TSX thrown in, so Im pretty knowledgeable about the car. This 9th generation is worlds better than that 08 I owned prior -- the build quality is better (no squeaks/rattles yet), better fit/finish, impressive fuel economy, more fun to drive, etc. My car is a later build 13, so I have none of the CVT juddering issues, radio lag/freezing issues, or squealing brakes that many have complained about. I can understand others frustrations -- my 08 had many teething problems of a new generation. The car doesnt feel bloated & sluggish like the prior generation -- the 2.4L makes the most of its 185hp/181lb torque.

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  Nice Looking Car Bad Transmission - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jpl572103 - July 24 - 9:08 pm

  The 2013 Accord has a transmission shudder or judder in it when cold and in stop and go traffic. I have called the dealer and called Honda, Honda agrees there is a problem but there is no fix yet. I tried to get them to buy the car back, only have 1000miles on it. They wont. So I DONT recommend you buy the CVT version of the 2013 Accord.. You have been warned. I am stuck with the car, but I have contacted Consumer Affairs, BBB, and WAVY TV 10. I hope Andy Fox will call me and go for a ride in this car. The test drive was after the car was warmed up and on the highway. No stop and go traffic.Figures. Honda if you take care of me , I will stop this bad publicity of your 2013 Accord.

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  Rattles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By barsky - July 23 - 11:51 pm

  For the most part Im pleased. But the dash noise, rattles and speaks are getting to me. When I first start to drive the car after its been sitting in the heat the center dash snaps, crackles and pops. Sometimes on rough highways there is a rattle/buzzing noise from the center dash in front of the audio display. If I place my hand on this flat part of the dash the noise stops. I had a friend video this noise just in case the dealer cant reproduce the noise. I dont know if the video will help.

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  Still Running Great - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sb2323 - July 22 - 10:16 pm

  Bought used in 2009. It now has 120,000 miles, a mix of long highway driving and short trips. This car has not been babied. Only maintenance is oil/filter changes. Weve had to put a couple thousand dollars into it replacing normal aging things. Passenger side door has to be pulled twice to get it to close or open and it kinda thuds when it does. The cloth interior has a lot of worn spots and paint around the bumper is peeling in places. Overall its been a great car. The kids hate driving in an "uncool" minivan but love having room for a bunch of friends. They love the interior as well. This car is great for long road trips. Very comfortable. I plan to drive it another 100,000.