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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  Disappointed in Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Jay - October 17 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van in 2002. We owned it for 8 years and 120K miles. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. It did have some good interior and exterior features. The engine was always reliable. However, the transmission was a train wreck. We had to replace the transmission 2 times while we owned it. We had numerous issues with the power sliding door. Every so often I had to clean the connectors with steel wool or the door would not shut properly. We recently traded off the van for a Toyota. The little things like nobs, handles, buttons, etc. were starting to fail. The gas mileage was also starting to diminish. I would be hesitant to purchase another Honda Odyssey van.

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  Axle/Transmission/Steering - Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy one of these. This will be the fifth time going to the dealership for repairs! The transmission, axles, wheels, steering, are poorly made. I will never buy another Honda again (unless they give me a huge amount of money to trade this minivan in for something else).

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  Should have stuck with my 2006 Altima - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - October 16 - 2:00 am

  My first new car purchase ever, and I am very sorry for buying this car. People are amazed that one couldnt be happy with a new car, but while CR-V has great comfort, notable reliability. When I did a Test Drive I felt good. But on the way back to my place there was tons of vibration on the steering wheel and when called Honda they just blamed the Continental tires and immediately got confirmation from the tires guy saying the tires are in a very good condition and the RIMS are not good. When spoke to Honda dealer they are giving bull stories and not trying to fix the prob. I am really regretting my decision of buying CRV. Need to wait and see still how many days i need to wait for this.

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  2nd transmission gone - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Ross_t - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Decent minivan, has some squeaks and rattles, struts are shot and the second transmission just blew. The first transmission went at ~58k, less than 40k on the second. I have kept the transmission fluid clean by drain and fills, has Honda trans cooler. Other items replaced have been wear items. I would be quite happy with this vehicle if the transmissions had been better engineered and reliable. Honda has been poor in standing behind their product IMHO and wont get another purchase out of me. (multiple Honda car owner.)

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  Downgrade from previous models - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2007 Odyssey. This years model has several downgrades that may seem minor, but are not. The center removable seat no longer folds for storage under the floor. It did not come with a cargo net. Little things like that. The Bumpers on this car are terrible. They are easily scratched and dinged and upon lease return you will be charged to repaint or replace them. My Transmission has a shutter at low speeds and I just learned that there is a recall to repair this. Overall Honda took a step back in quality with this model.

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By disappointed - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our van worked great with no problems until about 76,000 miles. After that it was one thing (some big) after the other. After 10,000 more miles and about $3500, we decided that we had enough. We hoped that this car would last for many years and at least 200,000 miles. It felt like the transmission was going out, similar to other reviews below. After seeing similar vans at the transmission shop, we got rid of it. Since my dads Accord has over 350,000 miles and our friends and family have similar odysseys, we are extremely disappointed! We would not buy another Odyssey unless we purchased a new one with extended warranties. So much for Honda quality and reliability.

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  Very unhappy - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TMCHousehold - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2011 Pilot and have had MAJOR sunroof issues. In addition to the chain rattling noise from the engine (that is apparently normal), I regret buying this vehicle and would NOT recommend it. I am very disappointed Honda feels this is a quality car.

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  saved our lives - 2010 Honda Accord
  By scp91b - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Accord for 5 months before getting hit head on by an impaired driver doing 75 mph. With a combined speed of 110mph my accord received massive damage. I broke my wrist from the holding onto the steering wheel and preparing for impact. The accident was devastating with very sad results for the other cars driver and passenger. After inspect my accord I was impressed that the front doors still opened without having to force them open and the rest of the car looked undamaged. The Accord design to absorb energy and protect its passengers proved to work for me and my passengers. Thank You Honda!

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  Honda Fit Sport - 2007 Honda Fit
  By linda - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Honda Fit Sport for the amazing interior cargo space, and that has proven to be a big plus! However - there are some things that I do not like - having driven it now for almost 5 months. The driver seat, for any driving time more then an hour, is very uncomfortable. The back lumbar support is great but the seat causes hip pain. The paint seems to be shoddy - in a couple of spots I believe I actually see the beginnings of rust, AND last but not least - the front spoiler! It is WAY too low! It scraped going in and out of a driveway - now it the paint is damaged! The driveway was in no way high - there were no bumps - it was just the pitch at the end.

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  Last honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By joe - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced transmission at 44,000. Replaced mechanism for steering wheel controls. Having problems with side passenger door not locking at 49,000. Today driving home from park with kids side passenger door window drops off track. Need to replace. Not happy with this. Seems as you pay it off starts falling apart. Also replaced motor mounts at 35,000.