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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  Research Hondas...Transmission problem - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Honda99 - March 24 - 4:51 pm

  I bought the vehicle at 84,000 and thought that Honda goes forever. Did regular service at 85,000. Water pump, timing belt, drive belts, a/c belts, spark plugs, transmission fluid, pretty much a good tune up. But to my surprise I noticed and was told by my mech. that I should have researched before buying this accord as it has manufacturing problems with Transmission. Its not even 100K and the transmission is slipping. When you take off, it hesitates from gear 1 to 2. And when you stop, it gives a little jerk before stopping. This is known issue with Honda (98-02). So, research before you buy it.

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  Reliable.. what? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By m24 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have a lot of friends that have older Civics and just love them to death. So, I thought I would be safe by purchasing a newer model. Man, was I wrong. I have never seen a car that had as many problems.. Honda does have problems, maybe not as much as you hear about Fords, but atleast Ford tells everyone something is wrong and tries/Attempts to fix it! I only need to have the civic in the shop 2 more times and it will be lemon lawed, I cant wait to get rid of it. I think Ill stick with an older Honda, or better yet, get a Ford or GM. I might be living life on the edge with it, but atleast I can get Ford or GM to admit to problems and fix them.

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  Poor Build Quality 2009 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jonboy6 - March 20 - 5:23 am

  Brakes squeak from day one, transmission makes shredding, tearing noises when putting in reverse and then drive, headrest forces your head forward, when full gas tank sounds like a swimming pool sloshing around and already had a safety recall for poor build quality with "noises" coming from the back of the car. Road noise is horrible on certain roads. You still want to risk buying this car?? My last Honda ever!

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  Dont buy this car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jdfour - March 18 - 1:31 pm

  This vehicle is now on its 4th transmission. Do not buy this or any other HONDA. Its a real lemon.

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  made a mistake - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By john911 - March 16 - 12:33 am

  Bought van used it had only 28550 miles. WE were excited to get a Honda Van!! Heard so much about Hondas. What a disappointment after I read the reviews.We are having the same problems. Noisy engine. It sounds like a small car engine also the wind noise from the windshield. It was two days over the warranty the local dealer will not cover it.The told me this after they said the noise was due to the tires that needed balancing which I paid for. After reading the reviews on this site I wonder how they could not know what the problem was. Now they say it is a loose rear engine mount and the whistling is from the windshield cost will be $1000.00 now I am just waited for the brakes to be next!

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  Broken struts, damaged transmission - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Donkey Kong - March 3 - 5:20 am

  Only 1500 miles on this "truck" and Ive already broken the front struts and damaged the transmission by taking it on a hunting trip. The roads werent terrible -- just rutted mountain logging roads -- but the Ridgeline is now in the shop for an extended stay. I learned one thing: its not a real truck. Dont believe the ads....

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By William Rohrey - February 27 - 8:30 am

  So far it has been very good ,as much or more than I expected. I like this for its room & easy 0y entry from both sides & rear. The bad part is having to open the front doors to be able to open the other doors.I think Honda builds a good product in all their cars. Bill

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  No Economy, nor Honda Quality Here - 2008 Honda Civic
  By johncr12 - February 18 - 6:03 am

  Ive owned a Honda, either a Civic or Accord since 1973. I purchased one of the first Honda Civics in the US (Wash DC). So I know the quality that Honda is capable of. This particular car I purchased over a Prius, based on the style and economy of the car. I can overlook the definite road noise that is present, but I cannot over look the low mileage, far below the est MPG of 40/50. The best I have gotten on a 180m trip was 30.8 mpg. As for city mpg, I average 28.7. Would I recommend this car, absolutely not. I currently have 420 miles on this vehicle (second car). Shes not yet broken in, but looking at others mpg- this car is really lacking. This will be my last Honda. Prius is right!

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  Not Happy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Honda User - February 18 - 4:10 am

  This car was built in good quality. However, this vehicles design is absurd because Honda tried to reduce manufacturing cost. Despite the poor materials used, people love this just because of its reputation...

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  Honda Betrayal - 2003 Honda Element
  By Disappointed George - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Element in January 2003. Honda claimed that it would meet my most important criterion--safety. Safety was important because my 16 year old daughter would be driving it. No safety tests were available but I trusted Honda. That trust was misplaced. The Element did poorly in the side-impact tests. There is no excuse for any new SUV to not excel on side-impact tests. There is no excuse for a car company to tout the sefety of its pillarless design and then do poorly on the side-impact tests. There is no excuse for a father to purchase a car for his daughter before he knows for sure it is a safe car.