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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  Wood seats would be more comfortable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - August 17 - 12:42 pm

  I have written a previous review about this vehicle. This has to be one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have owned. So bad that I traded in a 8 month old 2009 CRV with 12,150 miles for a Mercury Mariner. Dealer said I was the first to trade this vehicle in because there was no data on 2009 trades. My biggest complaint on this car is that they seats are like rocks. I drive 60+ miles per day and bought it for the gas mileage. I was averaging 25.3 mpg, but I was driving a 2001 Nissan Frontier with 162,000 miles more than I was driving this vehicle. I simply hated driving this car.

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  Beware of going over 100,000 miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Keith - August 15 - 4:58 am

  Had transmission issues-gasket in-between casings gone-hard to fix -costing 15-2000 dollars. Two oil leaks sprang up in engine-gaskets. I was later told Honda gaskets die after 100,000-so dam true! Other person I know had severe transmission issues in this model. Door is a issue-try and go out it goes to swing back on you. Body rot started on the panels-exhaust system rotted out-same right tail light went out 6 times in a few years. Nightmare. Please look at the later models first. This 2003 was a Bust!

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  Poor Transmission Quality - Buyer Beware - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - August 13 - 12:37 pm

  After 88K miles, the transmission started slipping dangerously while my wife was driving with our two young children on the highway. Although the vehicle was serviced appropriately by a Honda dealer, so far, American Honda has been unable to provide any assistance on fixing the $5600 repair that I was quoted. Apparently, you need to have purchased 7-8 Hondas before they are willing to help, not spent $70K on Hondas over the last decade as I have done. Unless you want to have to pay for costly repairs to a 6 year old car with relatively low miles, avoid this vehicle (and all V6 models between 1999 and 2005) because there is a known defect with their transmissions.

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  C&D is right, this car is a loser - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jjpcat - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I would be surprised if there is anyone who can find a car with worse ride quality. The solution is simple and yet infeasible: put 200lb+ load in the trunk and you will forget the bumpy ride. Paint quality is aweful. Driver reading light went dead at mile 4 and the fabric insert on the door broke loose at mile 20k. Excellent gas mileage. I am delightly confuged why the resale value is still so high. That makes this loser keep the "best value" title. But Elantra and Corolla are ready to take over the crown at any moment.

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  Throughly Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By miller31 - August 3 - 2:54 pm

  This car is a Disappointment. I just bought the car and it already has more interior noise then any other car Ive ever had. The roof liner is loose the glove box is making noise. Recently drove to Vegas and the power on the car is embarrassing. Took a while to get up to speed to pass slower cars. This thing needs a lot more torque. Not to go fast just to get up to speed fast. Also the front end is so light anytime you take off the tires burn out. Way to much road noise as well. sometimes you cant even talk because the road noise is so over bearing. I do love the MPG. Over all I am disappointed in my purchase and will get rid of it at first opportunity.

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  Bad Mileage Low Quality Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Armand Hesslegrave - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Very bad mileage in winter city driving. 14.9-18 mpg. Worse than many SUVs. Dealer says this is normal for winter. Paint quality is very poor and inconsistent. Interior and exterior rattles galore. Tire sidewalls gave out at 8k. Brakes howl on cold mornings, dealer says "civic brakes do not like the cold". AC fails sometimes. Engine hesitates at @2500 and 3500 rpm. Dealer says I am "driving it wrong" and that engine does not like "hard onramp acceleration" and that it is made for "careful use". Road noise is MUCH worse than other compacts, and suspension transmits even the smallest bump to the occupants. Front suspension creaks and moans.

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  Into the Shop Every 2 Months... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JasonK - July 29 - 10:22 am

  Overall, my Honda has never died on me. I am a very spirited driver, but there are no excuses for some of the constant repairs being done to my car. I needed a new front axle at 60,000 (living in the NYC metro area, we have those big pot-holes), I have blown about 5 or 6 engine mounts, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles, needed to replace throttle plate at 15,000 miles, the list goes on, and on. Thank god I used common sense, and bought the extended warranty. Its just a shame the terrible customer service at my local dealer turned me off to Honda, and therefore will probably never buy another Honda again. Was a great car until around the 50,000 mile mark. Then its all down hill.

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  CVT transmission - Good luck - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Unhappy customer - July 27 - 12:56 pm

  Transmission died on a busy highway at 34K almost killed myself trying to get off the road. Honda had it for 12 days saying it needed a new trans and then gave it back saying nothing was wrong. Had it in again at 36K 50K 61K 81K and finally at 110k brought it in for a oil change and they finally checked my mileage saw I was over 100k and admitted something was wrong with the slipping transmission. Honda Care could care less and the case manager told me they werent willing to pay a dime for the $4600 trans the dealership said they would take 10% off for my trouble. This car should have been recalled day one. Please dont buy this car. It is a danger to drive. I have some advice sell it quickly.

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  Bearing Down - 1999 Honda Accord
  By yikes - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall results are good except for the alternater that went at 42ooo miles- I was told it was a Delco part and that they were having problems with them. I am also having problems with rear wheel bearings. Both sides went bad at about 39000 miles and were replaced by Honda, who told me I would not have any future problems. Eleven months later and less than 12000 miles the right rear was again replaced and I can start to hear the left rear making noice. Any one else having these problems?

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  Disappointment - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Unhappy consumer - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The car rattles on dash, stereo, and driver-side window from the first day we received the delivery. Dealer couldnt fix them after takig apart the whole dash twice and lubricating the window seals. Now its making more noise than the 90Camry we just donated. Called the customer relationship twice without response. Talking about the service! I had 3 Honda cars before and never had so many problems. There was a article about falling quality of Honada vehicles, but I never would have thought it has fell this far.