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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  The worst car and service ever - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Annie - January 5 - 9:35 pm

  I love my Odyssey, but it started having transmission problems within 12k miles. I went to have the transmission replaced in Boise after moving (The dealer in Los Angeles told me it was under warranty)and Boise refused. Later Honda corporate refused the repair. So much for a "warranty". I will never buy from Honda again. Given the initial price and subsequent repairs/tires, I would say a 2002 Odyssey isnt worth the price to have it junked. Given the perpetual check engine light and TCS light, I have a mind to abandon it at Honda Corp.

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  Accord SE - Should have lasted longer ( - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aliceBettyAnna - January 5 - 6:11 pm

  At 86,000 miles the transmission went on my 4 cylinder What a major disappointment. Could have gotten it fixed but it seemed to much $ to put into a ten year old car. Really sad and mad to see that Honda Accords have documented transmission problems. It was fun and reliable until then. Too mad at Honda to buy another one. Went Nissan Altima this time and am loving it.

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  A Mixed Bag - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By AGS - January 5 - 12:13 pm

  Bought the Odyssey while stationed overseas and brought it home with high hopes and initial satisfaction. While cavernous, easy to drive, powerful and full of many great features such as power doors and dual air, reliability is becoming a concern as it reaches 80K miles. Paint has peeled twice and dealers have not been receptive to repairing the damage in our area. Left sliding door continuously needs grease to quiet the chatter. Oil changes are a bear. A/C filter changes, too. CD player died. Clocks light went dark. CD and clock are very expensive to replace. Overall, a disappointment cant recommend it any longer and wont be buying another Honda :( This is a "Monday" car, for sure.

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  Not so sure about Hondas anymore - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pam - January 5 - 11:56 am

  My husband and I have had several Hondas - some new, some used. In 2003, we decided to buy a new Pilot. All was fine until last year when the air conditioner went out - very costly. Today we found out there is a problem with a rod and the whole engine will have to be torn apart - extremely costly. I am not at all happy with this vehicle that only has 70,000 miles on it and has had all service and oil changes done. My husband always takes great care of our cars. I will re-think another new Honda purchase in the future.

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  Not impressed - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - January 5 - 11:08 am

  I used to own a 94 accord that never had any problems other than rust (289,000 miles), so when I bought my newish car I only looked at Hondas. Mistake. The cars quality is not very good. The cable for opening the gas tank broke recently so I have to open the gas tank door through the trunk $200 to fix). Car has a strange overheating problem that the dealer cannot diagnose, not good soundproofing in car, engine is loud, The warranty on these cars in crap, does not get that great of gas mileage, maybe 25-35. This car is boring to drive, especially in an automatic. However the car handles nicely in upstate NY snow and I feel safe in it. I think Honda is riding on their laurels...

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  Everybody Knows Somebody... - 1995 Honda Passport
  By MzRevolutionary - January 4 - 6:27 pm

  ...That loves a Honda! My mom got this car for me as my first car and I still have it 6 years later. Honestly the thing wont die! Love hate relationship. Engine is 100% and only the body is starting to go some. Had to replace a window motor and have replaced the timing belt. Other than that not one problem. Recently began squealing in extreme cold but only minor issue. This vehicle will run through whatever! I can honestly say Ive put this car through more hell than the devil could bring and she is still going super strong. Would HIGHLY recommend if considering to purchase one. Only minor maintenance, rarely if every repairs and Im at 200,000 miles. Wish I could keep mine longer :- /

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  Good but not Great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wmacork - January 4 - 5:51 pm

  Great Utilitarian vehicle, even in the EX-L trim. Not a thing wrong since buying over 2 yrs ago. Everything works well but just not excited about driving it. For the price there are too many things it doesnt have standard (lighted visor mirrors, fog lights, roof rack. Great around town but get ready for that "Singer" sewing machine engine on the highway.

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dancingoutlaw - January 4 - 5:50 pm

  I owned two Infiniti G35 coupes before I purchased this car (times got tough). I dont think there is a better car out there for the money. I consistently get close to 30 mpg in town and the car handles almost as well as my G35s and that is no joke. The seats are actually more comfortable than the G35s, holding you in place firmly but offering great support during longer trips. I would highly recommend this car. It looks great, it performs great, its a blast to drive in the curvy, mountain roads near my home, the vtec motor absolutely howls from 5500-8000 rpm, it has plenty of interior room and a huge trunk. You just cant beat it with Hondas reliability to boot.

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  Love our Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ross - January 4 - 2:11 pm

  Overall, very satisfied. Primarily used by my wife who drives 1/2 mile to work one way. Mileage is bad but with wifes short commute, this isnt that critical. Engine compartment fuse box cover was missing and only discovered after getting vehicle home. This necessitated a trip back to dealer. Ride on highway not bad at all for a "truck". Acceleration and braking seem fine. Additional room from the 2007 Pilot we turned in at lease-end is a plus. Bothersome that the roof rack is a $400.00 extra. Other than that, no complaints.

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  Its ok, but... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rolf - January 4 - 9:54 am

  Went for a basic cheap commuting car, but hwy mileage ave is only 25--My 6 cyl Toyota gets 21. Seats not comfortable for long trips over 1 hr. Back seat riders get slung around and get car sick, ride is rough & right over wheels. Paint quality on body is cheap. After 2 yrs the car looks beat up! Having all controls on left side of driver is poor--passengers cannot adjust sunroof and driver has to do it all-- and drive! Too many things for the driver to fiddle with (radio, cruise, roof) while concentration should be on driving. Agree with others, car needs auto headlights. Odd random interior noises - wind, rattles. Rear pass window motor came broken, fixed in warranty Prefer Camry