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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  Adequate Car for the initial cost - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hardfire454 - March 31 - 3:55 pm

  I have never been one to be impressed by Hondas, but this hybrid was in my price range so I bought it. Overall, it was cheap in every way, you get what you pay for. This car on various occasions wouldnt start, so Id wait a half hour, and it would start. This is by far the most uncomfortable car that I have ever owned, the battery was just replaced for free by the dealer. The cars transmissin also has needed expensive repairs many times. If you need good mileage, and dont have any money, this is the car for you.

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  Very Noisy - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondaremote - March 27 - 12:25 am

  I started using this Honda A-2010 Pros: very stable in ice/snow and curves, good control and smooth steer Cons: It sucks because it very noisy, last week i rented a Hyundai and amazingly silent inside the cabin HOnda please change this and if you can tell how to improve I really appreciate

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  Got suckered in - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lexlaser - March 26 - 10:07 pm

  Bought this car used 10 mos ago. Was told we would get about 40 mpg. Boy were we suckered! Averages about 17 mpg in town and the best hwy mileage was about 28. Complained to dealer and was told (after the fact) that Honda only made this hybrid for a couple of years and that it was a disappointment so they quit making it. Wish we were told that before we bought it! Was told if I drove it like a little old lady I would probably get better mileage. I swear they said that! Car tends to vibrate loudly upon deceleration after driving several miles. No more Hondas for us. Dont get suckered....ask questions about mileage! I sure miss my Ford!

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  electrical problems with 2011 odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tcmichigan - March 18 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased the 2011 odyssey over the new sienna because of the ability to put 3 car seats across the middle seat. I have owned the car for 2 months have havd 600 miles on it. The low battery light has repeatedly come on. I have brought it to the dealer and Honda states this is normal and caused by taking multiple short trips, which, in my opinion, is normal minivan operation in a suburban environment. This is a common problem as reported on the internet (on edmunds forums and elsewhere) with many people reporting repeated visits to the dealership with no remedy from honda. Retrospectively, I should have purchased the Sienna. The car does have multiple nice interior features.

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  77K Dealer Maintained, Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By thx123 - March 13 - 5:15 pm

  Clearly this models transmission has a design flaw. So many transmission failures at 70k mileage. I used to believe that people can drive a Honda and not worry about any major problem before 100K. Its certainly not the case for us, though our Accord has always been dealership maintained. My Honda dealer first asked us to spend nearly $1k to replace two broken engine mounts, then told us the transmission still needs to be replaced, and would cost another $4,6K, which is comparable to the kbbs used car price. Its a class action law suit waiting to happen. I think weve got enough people just from this review page. Honda, please take this issue seriously, dont try to hide from it.

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  My Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By averagejoe3 - February 22 - 8:51 pm

  Bought this 2004 accord two years ago. It already had 70 k miles and got it thourghly checked. Now, after two years I have mixed feelings about it.

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  UNDRIVABLE DISASTER - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tturner201 - February 21 - 5:34 pm

  Drivers had to constantly fight the steering wheel. The slightest breeze, curve or slope of the road pulled the steering wheel so hard no one would drive it far. Honda acknowledged the problem, but stated they could not correct it. I had to sell it at very high loss.

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  Nice little vehicle but... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By crvissues - February 18 - 8:09 pm

  1st of all I do like my CRV EXL 4WD but I have had problems with it. 1. Hobble bobble from the left rear like I had a flat spot on my tire when going 30+mph. Went to the dealer they said it was the nature of the vehicle. True as I drove another( used) and felt the same thing. My thought was it had the same problem. Why else would someone trade it off at 12k miles. a. Took it to another dealer and they over balanced the tires stating that was the problem. Not at all, it was still there if not worse. b. Took it to a private shop and they pulled the drive trane and replace it for it was out of balance. Honda picked up the cost. The problem is still there. Then thinking it was the tires I have replaced them 4 times + lined up and it was even worse. At this point I just wanted to return/ trade off the CRV off for something other than a Honda ( this is my first and last one) 2. My ABS and traction control light came on and stayed on. Back to the private autoshop and they discoverd the sensor wire on the left front was broken. Called Honda and its still under warranty. It goes back in next week. Buying a new car I expect perfection and this has missed the mark. Getting the push off from the dealers in place of taking me seriously was most disheartening. I researched for 9 months on which car to buy and chose this one over many and it has turned out to be a dud. I wish they still made the Jeeps with the in line 6. They rode like a tank, held up well, ran like a sewing machine with over 240k miles on it. Shouldve kept it! The CRV Is pretty and has all the creature comforts except I think the seats are cheap leather and are uncomfortable. I hope they can correct the problems with it. Next up after fixing the lights perhaps a rear axle. Actually I want the quality of car Honda is so proud of and that I paid for :) I feel as though Ive been hoodwinked! Anyone else had problems?

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  Car dead for the third time - 2010 Honda Insight
  By yuk - February 12 - 2:42 pm

  Today on Saturday morning for the third time after I bought iit n September 2010 the car not responding to anything probably again because of dead battery. When the car is running it is OK, giving me around 42 MPG after 11K miles on rush hour highway/city. However, this dead car problems are the HUGE one. Usually, it happening if you are not using the car for couple days suggesting some battery drain. First time, the battery was replaced by local Honda service dealer. Second time, despite testing they didnt find any problems. Now, after couple weeks the car again dead leaving me w/o car for the whole weekend. If anybody have suggestions that I can pass to dealers would be appreciated.

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  wishing i had my 93 integra back - 1999 Honda Civic
  By cjrock - February 7 - 11:03 pm

  now i understand this car is about value and all, but boy is it cheap. Rattles every little bump i take, power windows hardly roll down anymore, awful noises when starting in cold (dealership and mechanic cant target the problem). I can barely hear a passenger when driving on the highway. I wish my I didnt replace my 93 acura...