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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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mhous - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had for approx 6,000 miles with no major probs. Front passenger speaker went bad and black plactic piece that fits across lower part of outside front window was coming off. Previous owner of 94 Dodge Grand Caravan LX. Will never go back after this Honda.

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  VIBRATIONS??? - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Terry - November 29 - 8:16 am

  I recently purchased this LX-S and when I test drove it, I experienced a mild vibration from the car at about 50 MPH. I asked the sales rep about it and he explained that flat spot on the tires may be to blame. This sounded logical and in his explanation I agreed with him that this could possibly work out with the tired being inflated and brought up to operation temp. However, now 1500 miles later, I still have a vibration at 50-60 MPH. This is most severe first thing in the A.M. when the vehicle is cold. I have the vehicle in the shop today for the issue today for the second time. I am being told now that there is a service bulletin for this.

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  Great Choice! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Karl H - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda keeps it simple and puts the money where it counts most. Front brake pads lasted 92k miles. Replaced a cv joint and the horn at 96k. Still on first muffler. Great repair record for a 10 year old. Rides vary smooth and handles well but is under powered. Got 54mpgs twice on long trips with a tail wind. Cant imagion selling it, plan to pass it on to my daughter in four years.

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  Better get the transmission cooler! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gloomis - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Yeah I know, the Odyssey has won all kinds of awards, but I am here to tell you they have problems. Mine is a 02 EX model with Navi. My tranny blew on I-75 in rural Georgia while I was cruising at 80 mph with my wife and two kids on board. The local dealer told me he had seen this before in both Accords and Odysseys where the tranny overheats and blows the fluid. Mine was covered under warranty and replaced after two weeks in the shop. The Honda dealer put in a rebuilt tranny. Honda eventually extended the warranty on the tranny to 10/100K from 3/35K. Also had problems with a door regulator, door seal and rear wiper. Look into a Toyota Sienna instead.

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  Hi tech in a compact package - 2008 Honda Civic
  By HI on Hybrid - November 25 - 8:00 pm

  Got 42.75 mpg on 1st fillup for mixed driving. Almost no difference in ride and performance from regular small car. Funky dash, really deep and low with 2-tiered display that needs getting used to. Long dash makes it impossible to see front end and low dash will hinder long-legged front passengers. Smaller trunk and no flip back seats due to battery pack location. Almost everything is std. including excellent stereo, alloy wheels, tilt steering, cruise control. Please check out a hybrid before buying a regular small or mid- size car. Gas savings and tax credit makes up for price premium. Best of all, you really dont sacrifice in terms of ride and performance.

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  Gas Mileage Stinks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rod - November 25 - 12:16 am

  Right from the start the gas mileage has been terrible. Around Orlando, we average 17 mpg. The dealer tested it for 48.5 miles, a combination of city and highway and got 19.4 mpg. Honda of America said this is normal/acceptable. We believe it is the transmission. The transmission shifts somewhat roughly and drags when we take a foot off the gas at slower speeds. We reported the problem to Hondas customer service center. So far, we are totally disappointed with the gas mileage this car is getting. We think we are in for a hassle, based on Hondas initial response.

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  Needed Work But I Still Love My Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By ilovemyprelude - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Prelude new. It has been a great car, however I just spent $3K on a re-built transmission at 75,000 miles and the moon roof just started to go last weekend. I still receive tons of compliments on the car and have had several offers to buy it. In fact, when I was shopping around for the transmission work I had three offers to buy it. Everyone says the V-tech is fast, but it seems a little slow to me. I dont get great gas milage either. Its been a great car and I still love it, but I am a little disappointed with the transmission.

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  ZIPPY!! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By MelissaH - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars, and this one is by far the most fun out of them all. Even with the small engine, it is incredibly zippy. The 5 speed manual transmission makes it even more fun to drive. Owning this car has made me a major fan of Honda. I am purchasing the 2004 Honda Pilot (family outgrew the Civic, unfortunately). I will definately miss this car.

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  Good and reliable, if a bit boring. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civicminded02 - November 22 - 11:26 pm

  Overall a solid smaller car. It does everything well-enough. I am a bit disappointed with the paint. The color is slightly different between some parts...as if the parts were painted seperately. I have noticed this on quite a few (especially silver) Civics. Also, the (rear) suspension is overly bouncy, as if it is not damped well enough. Interior room in the Coupe could also be better, considering the size. Insurance rates are strangely high for a relatively low cost car. All of this being said, it is a comfortable, competent small car.

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  Not like old Honda Quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By odybill - November 22 - 2:50 am

  Ive already had it in the shop for a warranty cracked windshield replacement, but had to wait 6 weeks to schedule an appointment for the Honda rep to okay the replacement. The quality control on this Honda is not like what I had in my 95 Civic. Ive had interior trims coming apart, middle seat belt holder cover for the middle and back row, the left seat leather cover is popping off the trim whenever i drop the rear seat into the rear well. The map box has a decent size gap from the dashboard. Gas mileage is nowhere near advertised on sticker. We took it for a 1500 mile trip and averaged 21mpg hwy at best, but that was with AC and a bit rolling terrain. .