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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  2009 Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - June 28 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased two 2009 Accords, one for my wife and one for my daughter. Both are now having rear brake issues. Not sure why American Honda wont stand up and do the right thing like a recall. They waited until the American public filed suite.

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  My dream mini van is a bad nightmare! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By My last honda - June 28 - 11:31 am

  60,000 miles - on my 3rd set of tires. brakes at 40,000 miles. new back gate lift rods at 36,000 miles. I have to scream to talk to my kids in the back seat. Super loud road noise. replace the back struts at 45,000. Goodness! We paid good money for this high quality vehicle. What happened? I have never reach the MPG recommended by Honda. we get 17-18 in town.

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  Vtech solenoid & Motor problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Boyoboy - June 27 - 3:52 pm

  At 30,000 km I started having issues burning through oil, oil light came on & not a stitch of oil was left - this after 2 months of having a certified Honda dealer change the oil. Took it to the dealer 2X before they found the problem - the piston rings had ceased. Also, the vtech solenoid had to be changed. Note to those having oil problems - there is a bulletin about a faulty solenoid on the 2008 so fight the dealership to get it replaced. Our solenoid was replaced and they repaired the pistons, honing out the cylinders - not at all confident that this car is now safe for me to drive with my children sitting in the back. It shouldve been replaced. Still fighting that battle.

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  Extremely Reliable, Very Boring - 2005 Honda Civic
  By abanerjee - June 25 - 1:06 pm

  My parents got me this car pre-owned certified right when I got my license a year before I headed off to college. This was perfect for my use. Its safe, doesnt waste gas, and is completely adequate from getting from point A to point B. I love how its small enough to zip in and out of lanes without causing a problem, and its roomy up front. That being said, it is a really boring car. Its also incredibly noisy on the highway and the brakes are extremely sensitive. However, its economical, environmentally friendly, and since I got it in 2008 I havent had a single problem with it. Just regular servicing, and its good to go. Great car for college students or new drivers.

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  Accord Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By kelly - June 24 - 10:17 pm

  I have 55k on my accord as of June 2010. Rear brakes went out at 45k miles. Thank Goodness the powertrain is 60k miles, because both front brake calibers went out. $1100, but under warranty. The car is great on gas and dependable, but is noisy on the road, and the dealer said the calibers will probably go out again. I like my car, but dont love it. Ill probably be trading it in after 2 1/2 years. I would consider another vehicle.

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  Transmission? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 21 - 5:48 am

  I just found out that the transmission in this van is bad at 110,000 miles. Honda dealer wanted $5500 to repair with a rebuilt transmission. They also told me the front engine mount is collapsed. The total repair bill to fix everything and have the 105,000 mile service done is $7,400! After looking at these other reviews I now see I bought a vehicle that is poor quality. I have owned Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. However, this will be the last.

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  Probably my last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  Just had the transmission replaced by the dealer at 84,000. Vehicle was purchased new and serviced regularly at local Honda dealer. Even brought in at 50,000 miles due to concerns I had with the transmission but everything "checked out". Unfortunately my vehicle wasnt including under an earlier transmission recall but Honda did cover a chunk of the $4100 trans repair. Steering wheel radio controls dont always work and driver side rear power vent window does not work. When vehicle was in for transmission replacement was also told that motor mounts needed to be replaced for approx $700. Never had motor mount or transmission issues with any other vehicle, including 4 other Hondas

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  Transmission Trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - June 19 - 6:42 am

  Transmission goes out about every 50,000 miles, so far 3 in 150,000 miles. Honda replaced, ate the cost the first time. Looking to dump this thing. Power sliding door also quit working a while ago.

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  Never again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By anthony candelora - June 18 - 9:45 am

  I bought 2009 Honda Accord brand new did not like the feeling of noise and jerking feeling when driving it and the dealer said theres nothing wrong with it so I decide to trade it in and I bought a new Buick lacrose v6 and I love it I will never buy another Honda again

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  First [and Last] Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LadyM - June 17 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased my Civic new in the summer of 2008 and within three weeks it was leaking power steering fluid. IIRC, the dealership had to replace the power steering rack. A major repair before 1K is not a good omen. Within a few months, the car developed a starting problem. Ive been to the dealer 4 times for that particular concern. They replaced the starter motor and the other three times they found nothing wrong. It still will not start sometimes. When idling, the AC starts to blow lukewarm air, even when its on the coldest setting. Again, dealership couldnt find a problem. The suspension is noisy and the interior plastic scratches very, very easily. I wont buy a Honda again.