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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  Another Odyssey Transmission Failure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lucy - April 6 - 2:41 pm

  We bought our van used in 04 w/ only 12,000 miles on it. Loved the van for 5 years and paid it off. Planned to keep it for a good long time, when without much warning the transmission went at only 85,500. We serviced our vehicle at the dealer faithfully and we towed it there for assistance. They said a new transmission would be almost 4,000 and continued to tell me about all of the transmission issues Honda has been having with their vehicles. We were extremely disappointed and decided to trade the car in for a Hyundai w/a 10 yr. powertrain warranty. Like many of the other customer reviews Ive read...we too have lost our faith in Hondas quality.

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  Trading It! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hateit - April 6 - 9:25 am

  Whats to like other than the looks? My brakes squeal all the time! The engine does not do well switching from 6cyl to 3cyl. XM Radio still does not work! And cylinder head blew a few months ago. It was fixed but still does not start the first time every time. Honda says its fine, cant find anything wrong? Best part is the 36,000 mile warranty that is almost up. Selling it soon!

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  Okay car, needs work to make fun to own - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ExcuseI! - April 5 - 9:29 pm

  Bought the car used at a steal (fuel prices had come down and people had already migrated away from fuel efficient cars). Took it on a trip from VA to JAX and averaged 39.5mpg (!). However, the hills of CA and shorter commutes drop the mileage down to 20-25 mpg. For the (lack of) performance from the car I would expect better. My 2005 V6 Tacoma crew cab auto gets 17-20 mpg around town and has much better power. The ride is very loud and I feel the interior material quality isnt as good as my wifes old 1996 Civic (gone). There are scratches on the hard plastics in 1 year that werent there on the 10 year old Civic. However, it has many features for what we paid, but Civic needs a refresh.

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  Reliable and practical - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mavy - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Bought brand new in July 2007. The pros are that it has been very reliable. It has only needed routine maintenance. The only thing that has malfunctioned has been the windshield wipers (they go off on their own sometimes and wont turn off!). Acceleration isnt THAT fast but I did not buy this car for its power. Gas mileage has probably been around 20 mpg overall. Happy with the cargo space. Fits stroller and grocery bags and more!

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  Disapointing Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ellie Vali - April 2 - 6:41 am

  Learned that if youre not careful w/tire rotation and alignment on the dot, your front tires will not last more than 8k!

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  Rides Like A Truck - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By DrFerry - March 28 - 3:49 pm

  We had a 2000 Odyssey LX and kept for nine years. My wife replaced our 2000 model with a new EX-L in July 09 - when Dealers were practically giving them away. The most annoying thing about the van is how harsh it rides. It crashes over the smallest bumps. Potholes feel as if the van has no suspension as everything seems to shake and vibrate. The vehicle is way over sprung and over damped in bump and rebound. A road can look smooth, but the ride will be jiggly, nervous and harsh. I have had ridden in Pick- Up trucks that do a better job of isolating road irregularities than a 2009 Odyssey EX-L. I wish we could take it back and get a model with a softer ride. Go for a long test drive folks.

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  Love Car, Hate Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - March 27 - 12:26 pm

  We purchased this car second hand from a local Honda dealer, and until recently I considered it the best car I have ever owned. This was my first Honda and I was so impressed with it that when the time came to replace my commuter car I purchased a new Civic. This was until the tranny started to act strange. Soon after the dash warning lights come on. A trip to the local mechanic confirmed that the transmission is throwing three separate failure codes and will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Internet search has shown me that these failures are commonplace and that I got more life than most out my transmission. I expected more from Honda.

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  D17a1 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ivan c - March 26 - 11:29 pm

  Well this is my first car, and all I have to to say is that its great. I have only but 10,000 miles on it, and in total it has 49,000 miles on it. The only thing I wish would be better is its speakers. The stock ones are truly horrible. Over all it is a good car just boring and not great looking.

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  Brake, remote, drivers window,cd player - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ceni - March 24 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Honda i bought and i think is the last one. Have had all kind of problems with it, starting with the drivers window too noisy, rear brakes worn too fast , one of the remotes was out in 6 months, mechanical problem with the CD player. you name it. Never Accord again, and never on Oakville Honda again, very poor service.

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  Armrest console - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bobi - March 22 - 3:36 pm

  The armrest hinge got stuck in the upright position and would not go down. The service dept at Honda found this normal. The part alone (the would cost $162, to say nothing of the labor ($100 plus). I think the armrest should last the life of the car. It was not abused in any way, it just died an untimely death. Everything plastic on the interior of this car has been feeble and junky.The interior lock for the trunk faces upward and is constantly full of sand. It has been replaced twice.The plastic covers for the seat back locks fell off long ago.The paint on the bumpers is all damaged and freckled. Perhaps this is a way for Honda to recoup the admittedly very low initial sales price.