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 the quality of Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dharrin - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in late 06, have put 85k miles since. Every year the repairs total approximately 1000.(in addition to regular maintenance). I found out this car has a coil for each cylinder. Brakes are noisy. Piddly electrical problems also. So far, the trans hasnt died, but is slipping a little. It doesnt hold an alignment very long. The ride is very comfortable and fits all five kids and their stuff. The ride is good, seats are comfy even on 1600 mile round trips to relatives. It is pretty good in No. New England snow. Avg 27 mpg on highway trips/17 in town. I doubt it will make it another year.

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  Noisy and bouncy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Nancy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the Odyssey less than two months. It has 3,000 miles and has been on one long trip from NC to CT. It has lots of wind and road noise. It only drives well on smooth pavement. The cargo area is poorly designed. There are no tie down hooks to strap in cargo. It seems to be solely designed to haul people. We usually keep a vehicle 7 - 10 years. This one will be gone in 2-3 years. Front seats are uncomfortable.

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  engine - 2008 Honda Civic
  By disgrace - November 9 - 2:00 am

  i purchased a brand new 2008 Honda Civic ex in 2008. At 34,000 miles, my engine blew. Of course Dean Honda tried to fight me on the warranty, but my dad was able to convince them to replace the engine under warranty (like it should be). It is now a month later, but my tire pressure light and the check engine light are both on. I take it in the Dean Honda today and they call to tell me i need a "software update" that is not relevant to the engine so i have to pay. Although the fee is only $24, it is the principle. What sense is a warranty if they dont honor it for anything. Not to mention the month they were rebuilding my engine, they provided no loaner and i wasted 2 hours of my work day up

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  Ill never buy another Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BJ - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Problems: A/C poor. GM figured it out 40 yrs ago. Squeak & rattles at shifter/headliner/sunroof/dash. Daytime RL makes speakers "buzz" Tires force balanced, still ng. Water leaks behind both rear door trim pads. Poor hood/fender fit. Poor taillight to body fits. Exhaust misaligned to bumper cover. VERY ROUGH 2 to 1 downshift (Dealer says normal)Poor driver door fit. Hondas are so over-hyped. They have the same problems as other cars, its just that most people dont notice. Honda builds the same garbage as every other maker in this price range. I can imagine the problems this will have when it has more than 3K.

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  A Turd! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By enginagogo - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car straight from the boat-with 6 miles. The 6 months were fine but since, its been a rattling, oil leaking piece of junk. I have had to take it in to have it looked at for rattling once and have to take it back again. At 60 mph, it rattles and whines. The Fit is the cheapest car in the Honda line-up and it shows. Its cheap. I cant wait to be rid of it.

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  Caravan to Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mister Bill - November 7 - 1:00 am

  After totaling my 2003 Dodge Caravan, I looked at 5 different vehicles to replace it and ended up with an Insight. The fuel mileage is what sold me on a lease. The car has a hi tech proven power train vs. the KIA Forte which has a higher tech interior only. The ride is busy but produces good handling on cornering despite the battery weight. The main review states that the engine crankshaft keeps rotating yet often my tachometer goes to 0 at a full stop? and I just snicker that the guy next to me is burning fuel going nowhere. he he. There is some rattling going over bumps coming from the open back area. Have to take it back to be looked at.

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  Good Car, But Far from Perfect - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Marin Driver - November 7 - 1:00 am

  The 2011 Accord is rated at 34 mpg/highway. Im averaging 27.5 for mostly highway driving. Unlike my 2003 Camry, there are no cargo hooks in the truck, and the trunk carpet is one-sided only. In contrast, the trunk carpet in my Camry is two-sided, with rubber on one side - a must have for carrying potting soil, bags of cement, etc. And unlike my Camry, the Accord lacks a tray for 1-gallon jugs of milk. The installation of cargo hooks and a cargo net in the Accords truck requires rivets and a lot of work. Most people will have to pay the dealer, which is expensive. The cargo net is not as good as the Camrys, as its not very deep, cant hold heavy loads, and fits fewer grocery bags.

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  Please change the seats - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Puru - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Honda 2011 LE last month. Before purchasing, test drove it for 10-15 mins. Well, 2 things that bothers me. 1. The drivers seat is horrible and not at all comfortable. There is hardly any cushion on the seats and the seats are very hard. My back pains if I go on a long drive ( more than 2 hrs). This could have been my deal breaker if I had experienced this earlier. 2. Road Noise : Hondas are usually noisy and this one is no different.

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  Tire Trouble - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Cheryl - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Has anyone had to replace the tires on their 2010 Pilot? We have been told that we need to replace all four tires already because the pressure light keeps going on and the tires are worn already. Seems like a lot of money to spend already.

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  Water leaks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Zimmer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We use our EX-L for hauling bikes, Labrador retrievers and light cargo for home projects. Weve taken the middle seats out and keep the rear seats folded down into the floor. Imagine my surprise today, when I accessed the compartment below the rear seats and found the carpet soaked with about 1/2 inch of water. I googled the problem and found that this is a common problem with the Odyssey and has been prevalent since 2001. My main complaint is that Honda knows of the problem but responds as if mine is the only case ever. Honda will lose me as a follow-up customer. I dont like dishonesty.