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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  Honda Quality gone south - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - September 13 - 10:30 pm

  Had my Honda since new. Always did maintenance on schedule. At 57k miles had issue with A/C, turned out to be a Transistor issue. VERY common apparently as I found many complaints, but part was only $65 and replaced myself. Brought to dealer anyway only to find they recommended a timing belt change (not due for another 40k miles), bad tensioner and 2 broken motor mounts. All recommended service was around $2500... When questioning dealer about motor mounts, the reply was "they just get old and break". I have owned all my other Toyotas over 10years and NEVER had a motor mount just break due to age. This was my first Honda and will most likely be my last!

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  Great Reliable Car!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civicguy444 - September 13 - 9:19 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002. I havent wanted to part with it since then. Has been very reliable. I have just changed the usual things, such as tires, battery, etc. It still has the original brake pads. Stock tires werent the greatest. I get about 40 highway MPG with 5 speed manual transmission, which I think is hard to beat!! Very happy with this vehicle. Wish all I have owned worked this well!

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  Compact with a mid size feel... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Turp - September 13 - 8:47 pm

  We have driven this CRV for about 1,000 miles and taken a few trips. This design is very refined with road and wind noise very well controlled. The engine is very smooth and quiet. The typical 4 cyl rev can be heard when accelerating, but is not intrusive or loud. It has very responsive handling and power. While we have yet to do one of those "pedal to the metal" passes, the engine does allow very good pick-up with surprising torque. In comparison to the 2010 Forester, Rav4, and Venza, only the Venza beat it in ride refinement and quiet. However its 2.6 was slightly sluggish with the larger vehicle. The CRV feels more like a midsize in the passenger area than a compact.

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  Great car! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By G.Nacin - September 13 - 3:30 pm

  I bought the car new in 1995 and have been driving it ever since. Over 270,000 miles and have done only basic maintenance with the exception of the radiator being replaced two years ago. Still runs beautifully still getting over 30 miles per gallon. Intend to keep the car many more years - havent had a car payment since the 90s. Garage kept so exterior still looks great.

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  After 130k miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam - September 13 - 9:11 am

  Purchased new 11/2001. At the tranny recall they said it was ok and put additive in the fluid. All maintenance has been done on time including the $1750 timing belt / spark plugs at 100k miles. The transmission has always been funky, sometimes slips to 1st and you have to stay off the gas and slow down to get it going again. While the tranny is junk, it still works and its the original one. No other problems whatsoever. F/R break pads replaced only once, tires replaced only once and are probably good for another 20k. I find that when the trans gets more finicky, if I run it hard (floor it 0 to 60mph+), it then works without major issue for another couple weeks.

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  Back to a van after years away - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Allavalons - September 13 - 8:25 am

  I have had 3 other vans (all Chryslers) which had turned to go to all cars back in 2000. I decided to try one more time and I have been pleasantly surprised. The Ody is really comfortable, is solid as a rock, no rattles, quiet, and with the rear camera has great visibility. The disappearing 3rd row is great and the rear well when the seat is up provides an excellent space for loads of packages, suitcases etc. The mileage is at the top end of the EPA estimate and has exceeded the estimate on several recent trips, verified by actual calculation not just the trip computer. The leather seats are the most comfortable and supportive Ive had in a vehicle under $50,000.

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  Road Noise!!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Christy - September 12 - 8:34 pm

  I purchased this car because I travel for work. What a mistake! The seats are very uncomfortable on long commutes and there is constant road and wind noise!!! I would not recommend this car for anyone who travels for a living. The ride is too stiff also. I guess this is how Honda makes a separation with Acura. I cannot wait to get another car. This time I will do extensive research before I purchase based on reliability only.

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  130K and still running strong! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Old frugal guy - September 12 - 2:43 pm

  I have a 2000 EX sedan which I purchased new in 2000. I change the oil every 3K miles, installed my first set of brakes (front and rear) at 105K miles, the dealer said that I still had at least 10K miles left on them. Replaced my battery last year. It didnt fail, but it was getting weak. Replaced timing belt and all other belts. Brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission oil and anti-freeze is changed every 3 years. I get 33 mpg driving 70MPH on the highway. Never had a problem with the car and expect to be driving it for at least another 10 years.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Willy47 - September 12 - 9:58 am

  A quick note about this car, we traded it to my wifes mom, it has a power drivers seat and gives her enough of a boost to see over the steering wheel. I must say that this car is the only car that I have ever driven that the acceleration actually scared me. We have an 07 accord V6 that is supposed to be identical, the 04 will eat it for lunch. This car is one of the smartest purchases I have ever made. It is ironic that this "little old lady" has this sleeper.

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  05 Honda accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Afonse - September 12 - 9:20 am

  I had purchased the 05 Accord Lx because my 96 civic EX was a great car. The car overall is great, but the manufacturer could have made the radio reception better and had a better quality control. For example, the inner roof top needs to be glued and the dash was not seated right. Minor to its overall perfomance and looks. Dealership did not emphasize how the car does not need an oil change until 10,000 miles per normal wear. Instead, they gimmick deals on maintenance for every 3700 and other unnecessary maintenance. As mentioned earlier, I had a car in great shape for over 120,000 with proper maintance.