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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  many issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mis-take - February 6 - 9:15 pm

  Could not the the Toyota i wanted, so purchased the Odyssey touring. Major probs with transmission, dealer did not want to look at.. American Honda did noting to help.. have issue in lower transmission.. having more issues with tranny when coming off hwy .. car has 37500, nice car to drive if tran would work.. 2nd big issue PAX nuff said...

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  So loud!!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Anon - February 5 - 1:50 pm

  This car needs less than a 4/10 rating for "quietness". When you drive down the highway, you expect to be able to still hear your passengers talking. Instead, you have to yell to have a conversation. Forget about being able to listen to music while driving on the highway. Frequent rest stops are needed on travels because the seats are so uncomfortable. This is not a vehicle meant for hwy driving, thats for sure.

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  Honda = poor engineering - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Anjillian - February 5 - 12:38 am

  I love the aesthetics of this car & it was the main push for the purchase. Big mistake for not doing research on Accord problems because my brakes are worn down & stuck with a $200 bill to replace them. Seriously Honda?! Not even 9000 miles & this is normal? Honda has been very disappointing, and I would still buy Toyota with the recall over this piece of junk scamming their customers money.

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  Another Disappointed Honda Customer - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gina Mac - January 30 - 9:58 pm

  4 years and 66,000 km needed a VSA replacement-very costly had to autosalvage it. Now material is peeling off doors on inside of cabin. I wish I had not sold my 98 Civic which was virtually problem free for this vehicle which I can not wait to unload.

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  We got a lemon - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By yes! - January 29 - 11:32 am

  I wanted this van because of the great Honda Odyssey claim to fame, but our van was a lemon. So many things went wrong from the start and every time Honda said "this is so unusual for an Odyssey" yeah, yeah, yeah....now it is 149,000mi and needs new transmission. weve already replaced brakes 2x, go through tires too quickly, interior lights out, ....hatch lock broke, automatic door sticks even after SEVERAL times in to fix, ...and lots more.... Time for a change.

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  Gas Hog - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mjhebert4 - January 29 - 6:56 am

  I like the vehicles features and looks. The only thing I have a problem with is the gas mileage. I traded in a Ford Excursion with a diesel engine and am getting close to the same miles per gallon in city(14) and highway(20)driving.

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  OK- Not as Great as We Had Hoped - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By MidwestMomOf3 - January 22 - 6:36 pm

  We do not love this van as much as we had hoped we would. We have three kids, age five and under, and yes, it is great with the kids. Easy to get everyone in and out, plenty of space, and the kids love it. It does make my life easier. But... road noise on the highway is really bad. Fuel economy is the pits. We seem to be getting far fewer mpg than other Ody drivers - not sure why. I had heard this about the Ody before we purchased, but didnt pay much attention. Wish I had! Around town we get 11-12 mpg -- yes, thats right! And pure highway driving with cruise control, we get about 17-18 mpg. Might as well be driving a big 3 row SUV! In the minivan category, wish we had gone with the Sienna.

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  Frustrated Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed Warrior - January 20 - 10:08 pm

  I cant believe an Odyssey with torque converter issues at 20k miles. It isnt the only issue with this year model add front brake rotor since first day and both front axis tips damages. New replacement not available until end of January. I am running a "new" minivan with a lot of problems basically since 0 miles.

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  Never Again - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed - January 13 - 9:59 pm

  Ive owned three Honda Accords - the oldest accord I owned was a wagon and was by far the best one. The 94 honda coupe and 2002 SE both had transmission problems once 90k + miles were reached. I thought the 94 was just a lemon, but how could I buy a lemon twice from a Honda Dealer? The Honda was nice while it lasted, but that is the problem - they didnt last. I will be trading my Honda for a Toyota, and will not be purchasing anymore Hondas. As another poster mentioned, Honda has lost their "quality" in workmanship.

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  Far below expectation - 2005 Honda Accord
  By FrustedUser - January 10 - 1:09 pm

  I bought the new from the dealer but did not buy extended warranty since I bought the Honda. The power steering was replaced at 30K miles and now the automatic transmission needs to be replaced at 45K miles. The dealer quoted $4000 for new transmission. Fuel Pump relay was replaced as part of the recall. This has been a real disappointment and this is my last Honda ever.