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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  Worst Accord Ever? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brahk - August 4 - 3:42 pm

  Rear brakes went out at 17,000 miles & the dealer denied that there was a problem and made me pay the cost. The front brakes have squealed since 5,000 miles. Have had it in to the dealer 4 times and they never fixed it. 3 times they denied that there was a problem. The padding in the front seats is as hard as a park bench, and the leather quality is very bad. Road noise is horrendous. This is my 6th Honda and it will definitely be my last.

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  Upset Honda owner - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Neshelle - August 4 - 6:35 am

  I purchased a 2009 Honda Accord in February 2010. My front left passenger wheel began to pop and I took it to the dealer only to find out my new car has a broken axle. The dealer informed me that this should never happen to a car this new. I am distraught. I have purchased several Hondas before and have never had this much difficulty with one. I am at a loss for words.

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  Good on gas bad on ride - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ex-civic owner - August 2 - 9:12 pm

  I loved the mileage I got out of a tank of gas. The tires wear quickly, the ride gets shaky and there is vibration at highway speeds. The Road noise is horrific, but radio was good enough to drown out that noise. The car looked great but rode horrible. The tires wore poorly even on a brand new car. The rear arms replaced at 1 year, the car was cool looking and fun to drive in town, on the highway this was a nightmare.

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  Dont buy a honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jose - July 30 - 4:28 pm

  I currently have over 116k on my cr-v if you want high maintenance costs, buy it. Example: 18 months battery replaced. 40k new brakes 35k new tires. Change spark plugs every 30k. Driver side window cable broke 3 weeks ago. 40k transmission shutters at low speeds 5 trips to different dealers. Finally, problem is diagnosed. Now waiting for last 5 hours to find out if extended warranty will cover repairs. I bought this cute little lemon new. Had a corolla and drove it for 180k for 12 years, once I had to change the alternator, brakes 85k front 110 rears. Also have a Highlander with 95k that gets better gas mileage than this car, I will never buy another Honda.

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  Just ok i guess - 1999 Honda Civic
  By buddman - July 28 - 9:10 pm

  EX is a nice package for an economy car. Manuel transmission has its pluses as well. Decent mileage on flat Louisiana roads is a disappointment (32 mpg). but overall from 66K to 100K one thing after another is breaking. Master cylinder replaced distributor replaced. Timing belt and water pump replaced as recommended so I knew that going into it. Rear passenger door will not open at all, cruse control broken, CD player broken, paint chipping on bumper, steering wheel chipping and uncomfortable, horn pad broken off, muffler falling off. Cant think of anything else but i know i am missing a thing or two.

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  Not Reliable - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By lalit - July 26 - 9:44 pm

  Yes. Its all a myth. We bought this van new and ever since went through many problems. In its 120K life so far we have changed transmission thrice. I have not changed tires thrice though. Honda is replacing old bad transmission with new bad transmission and just making sure its goes past their 109K warranty. Folks: you will keep on paying for this unless geniuses at Honda finds some solution (may be they do not want to since now they can charge you big bucks). It had door problems, CAT issues, EGR issues and many others but big is transmission and it is a recurrent problem. Dealerships has been kind in helping consumers but why should they? why are they not demanding a solution?

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  Buy stock in a good tire company. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jwells - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Have had this car for three years and already looking to buy a third set of tires. The car itself is fine and I feel safe driving my children in it but already looking to get rid of it due to the expensive cost of tires. We cannot keep buying new tires every year. Im on a budget and was looking for a low maintenance vehicle. Bye bye CR-V.

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  Dont try a Honda! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By bcav - July 24 - 9:22 pm

  I bought this car from a private seller after owning a 98, should have sold and had a car payment. I have changed numerous brakes, rotors and calipers, and rear wheel hubs $600(i did the labor). Sway bar bushings went $400. But misdiagnosed as needed 4 new struts $800.EGR port in upper intake clogged common problem new EGR $150 for parts.Transmission metal line that goes to radiator rusted out and started leaking before i knew it, at the same time I thought the front wheel bearings were going. Garage couldnt diagnose it, 2 months later, got P0740 code. Transmission failing! $2,300 to rebuild. decided to buy from junk yard $1,700 with install,no warranty but not my problem. kept it to 137k

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  Didnt know what was wrong until now - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Peggy - July 22 - 8:42 pm

  Former 1998 Civic owner---loved it for 160,000 miles! Upgraded to new 09 Accord in July, 09. Fine car but Ive been unable to pinpoint why I havent been thrilled with purchase. Seats extremely uncomfortable for 5,3". Rear window around auto-defroster splotchy. Less than 20 mpg city 29 mpg highway not bad though. No brake problems at 12,000 miles. Car idles rough. Stalled for no apparent reason approaching red light (auto transmission). Thinking about going back to Civic. Dont know if I should go with a 2011 or wait for 12 redesign. Not sure what I expected but I have not had the same satisfaction I experienced for 11 yrs w/1998 Civic. Maybe bigger is not always better.

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  Will be selling soon - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By honda*not for me - July 22 - 1:24 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 months. I am disappointed in the gas mileage. The car has rattles all over the place that we cant pinpoint. Seats are not very comfortable for long trips. I noticed yesterday how many chips are showing up in the paint--just from normal driving conditions. I sold a Buick Rendezvous for this vehicle and I wish I had kept my Buick.