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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  I am going to be that guy.... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By dxer1105 - January 17 - 10:07 pm

  This car is reliable but.... I just strongly dislike it. I run into many small repairs on this cheaply built car. I hate manual windows. Defrosters are terrible. The car shakes if you drive faster than 65 mph. I had it for 18k from 102 to 120k. Iam about to sell it. Although, I only paid $1,500 for it.

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  the things no one tells you - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bsturman - January 17 - 9:51 pm

  When your stopped with your foot on the brake the car vibrates. Honda cant find anything wrong. Also if your car ever gets bumped on the front passenger side, theres a chance that your windshield washers wont work because the pump is right behind the bumper. Even though I see just a small scratch there, they said it was hit and that is what broke the pump. After 1 year and $250 I have a new pump. Hopefully no one else hits my bumper there or this could get expensive.

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  VCM problems - 2010 Honda Accord
  By plymouthma - January 17 - 9:08 pm

  @ 40,000 car had fouled spark plugs from oil leak, got software update, then again burned too much oil fouled spark plugs and needed new small engine block @ 70,000. Honda paid for this after class action lawsuit. Now @ 105,000 the catalytic converter gone, I am told converters usually last the life of car unless fouled by oil. Honda wont take any responsibility for it. They have sold me my last Honda.

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jannydd - January 17 - 10:19 am

  We own a 2004 Honda Odyssey EX-L van & encouraged our son, with a baby on the way, to purchase a 2003 (147,000 miles) van 5 days ago. We felt it was a great investment for a new family with limited cash. Less than a week & the transmission is slipping between 30-40 mph. These kids dont have the money to fix the issue because the Honda dealer told me a new tranny is thousands of $s. The private party, who admits to selling cars as his business, will not stand behind the vehicle. Of course Honda is not standing behind these tranny problems. How many times will Honda have to be sued, due to transmission lock-ups causing crashes, before they will take responsibility for the tranny issue?

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  2014 CRV Dissapointment - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By bmwjeff - January 17 - 7:54 am

  After selling an Acura MDX due its very thirsty motor and hunting transmission we thought we would just buy a simple, reliable car to get around in. The CRV seemed to fit the bill and we were quickly a 2014 EX AWD owner. Our car averaged about 25 MPG over the course of the 12K of ownership which is OK for a car of its size. The throttle was very touchy and somewhat hard to drive in a smooth fashion. The Green drive button helped to smooth the head jerking starts. At about 8k we acquired a barking dog sound from the rear every time you would start and stop. We had a rattle in the dash on the drivers side and the dreaded cam shaft solenoid rattle at start-up. Sold car back to the dealer

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  Ditto of the Majority - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By awcheney - January 17 - 12:47 am

  Bought car brand new! Im just agreeing with what most are saying here. Any time I went in for a state inspection, was told I needed to replace a motor mount or two after 60,000 miles or so. Dont do jackrabbit starts. Transmission went at around 120,000 miles, $4,000 to replace at a Honda dealership Drivers side passenger door, no longer auto-locks rear vent windows havent worked in years several center dash lights went out then a year after the transmission was replaced by the dealership, told the bolts were missing from the transmission???? Ive owned two Hondas before this, an 88 Accord LX, Standard, (240K with really no problems and a 2001 Accord LX, with 35K traded on minivan.

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  Followup to early review. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By ned231 - January 15 - 12:08 pm

  Ive had the car for 2 weeks now (my prior review was upon delivery) and have more feedback to those shopping. Having driven Acuras and Hondas for a long time, this car is totally different from my 2008 Accord in all the right ways.....it drives much "tighter", corners snugly, and I have had no issues with road or wind noise, even at 75 MPH. THis is a MUCH better car than my 2008 Accord. In my prior review I complained about the radio, the only material shortfall I have found to date.

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  Not so low maintenance after all... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By surfbort - January 14 - 3:53 pm

  Things starting falling apart as the warranty expired, as usual. The rack and pinion were the first to go at 62k miles. After that costly repair, then the A/C clutch, which seems to be a common problem. Now, at 84k, theres another issue with the power steering fluid leaking and the rack and pinion is to blame again! I thought Id be getting long-lasting quality as advertised but Im left sorely disappointed. Especially, after overlooking petty things like road noise, uncomfortable seats, and cheap materials. I feel like Ive been duped by a brand that preached longevity and quality, but never delivered. I couldve gotten a new, loaded Hyundai for the same price and a better warranty

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  Bitter sweet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By msalp80 - January 14 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 Civic brand new. There were a few issues within the 1st 26000 miles. The battery and the engine had to be replaced right at 26k. Ive read that this was a common problem with this model. The car was still under warranty during that time, so it wasnt a big deal. Then at around 80k miles or so my CD player went out. My warranty was up, so I opted not to get it fixed and just used my AUX input, to listen to my MP3. Other than that I hadnt had any mechanical problems until now, besides regular maintenance and my civic has 268k miles. I think shes about ready to quit on me. I havent had it diagnosed yet but I think Im going to retire her and get an Accord. $17k well spent.

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  Thoroughly Dissappointed - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By wh_labrador - January 14 - 7:02 am

  I bought this vehicle for my Wife to replace a 2005 Chevy Equinox. We live in a very cold climate and since the Equinox had failed to start a few times, I thought Id get her the "Best of the Best" to replace it. Its now on its third battery, the steering wheel locks up so that you have to fight to get the key to turn, the electric power steering fails at cold temperatures and last week, it blew the oil pressure sensor out of it when it was being warmed up. All the oil pumped out and now the engine is ruined. My F150 starts fine as does the Neighbors new Chevy Equinox. It may be okay in Florida but it fails miserably here. I will say though, that their roadside assistance is great.