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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  Transmission problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rich - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Would not be a bad van if not for transmission. Most other aspects of van are acceptable. However, I had to replace the transmission every two to three years. This seems to be a common problem based on the class action suits. My third tranny went after 120,000 miles, 10,000 miles out of extended warranty. When it ran, it wasnt bad, but I cannot depend on it.

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  Over Rated Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Accord Mistake - May 26 - 6:30 am

  I would still be driving my 2003 Camry with 4 cylinder and automatic if the gal with the cell phone had stayed in her own lane! I would be driving a 2007 Camry to replace the 2003 if Toyota had not lowered the headroom by almost an inch! (2003 was the first Camry that fit my long torso). Honda has a good reputation and the 2007 Accord has headroom equal to the old Camry so it seemed like a no brainer but I was wrong. The Honda isnt even close to the Toyota in so many ways. Unfortunately the test drive wasnt long enough for me to pick up on everything. The front seats are way too stiff and narrow...have to drive with wallet out of pants. Highway mileage is 2-3 mpg less than Camry.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mandy - May 25 - 12:26 am

  We bought this vehicle thinking it got great gas mileage and because Hondas supposedly hold their value. We paid extra for the touring because we wanted the DVD and navigation. To start, the navigation needed to be updated but I was told the CD was $200, we passed on that. Then with 60,000 miles it started shifting back and forth from overdrive. We average 17 city/frwy and the ride is beyond loud. Then there was the topper: we needed tires, normally its not too big of a deal except that they are run flat tires that you can only get directly from a Honda dealer and they run $350 PER TIRE! Then we tried to trade it and was offered next to nothing. I will never buy a Honda again.

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  03 Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By JH - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  Pretty much solid mechanically, although recently had a $900+ starter replacement. However, a squeaking suspension (even after new shocks), loose sun visors that wont stay tightened, a frozen passenger lock that Honda wont replace since it didnt begin to seize until over 60,000 miles (unlike the driver side, which was fixed for free), & map light lenses that keep falling out, are some 1st yr fit & finish issues with my 2003 Element.

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  First car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By martin james - May 24 - 6:29 pm

  I really enjoyed this car at first, after all it was my first. When we first bought it the dealer said that the transmission was just rebuilt, thinking nothing of it we purchased it. Needless to say I have had the car for a total of about 5 years now, and have rebuilt the tranny twice. First costing 1,500 and second costing 1,300. The car isnt even worth that much. So unfortunately I am trading it in. I have read that it was that specific year that the tranny cant handle the engine, but I have given up on it.

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  Please add some more metal!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda3 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda Accord and have had no major mechanical problems, but the sheet metal is so thin I feel like Im riding in a cola can. My Accord has so many dents and dings from rocks and such and some of the rock chips are starting to rust. This is ridiculous!! It is a year old and rust? My Pontiac is 3 years older has twice the rock chips and no rust. Also my Pontiac has no dings. I switch off driving both cars for the same commute. Earth to Honda --- USE BETTER SHEET METAL!!!!!!!! I will never buy a honda again -- the quality has continually degraded with each accord release!

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  Beware of Transmission Problems - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JasonM - May 21 - 2:16 pm

  Transmission had to be replaced at 63,000 miles. Do your research online and youll see that the 2001 Civic (and the V6 Accord) have the transmissions go bad frequently well under 100,000 miles. Additionally the SRS light may go off due to faulty seatbelts (mine did). Lastly, as is often the case for Honda, the brakes need to be replaced a bit more frequently than other car manufacturers. This is all coming from a die-hard Honda fan with multiple Civics. Go ahead and get a Honda, just dont get a 2001 Civic (2002 wasnt much better).

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  This is a Honda product? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tenstepn - May 16 - 8:00 pm

  This particular year (2009)and model (Accord EX-L V6) have quality issues that have yet to be addressed by Honda, and the sheer frustration is enough to make me never buy another Honda because of these unresolved quality issues with the brakes. I purchased a new car, not some problematic use car... People researching the 2009 Honda Accord should keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase, you have been warned!!!

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  Bad score for 07 Civic LX Auto - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Art - May 16 - 5:24 pm

  Well get used to a lot of problems and recalls, like your front wheels (axle lube recall) falling off. Your door handle (inside) breaking, your windshield wipers not working on intermittent position. (recall) Your engine block cracking. Your bolts backing out of the fan pully and fatal to the radiator if they do come loose. Interior sun visors (this is a good one) being replaced multi times, seems Honda cant make enough replacements. Your broken (or missing) transmission bolts, recall. The list goes on man! Better check your recall list!

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  2007 Odyssey issues air condenser/shakes - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Seaside, CA - May 15 - 3:47 pm

  Two issues with my Odyssey. First it shakes when you are slowing down. The dealer stated it was due to tire pressure. Took it in and it still shakes. Second my van was steaming and hissing one day. I took it into the dealer. The service guy did a 15 sec. look over and informed me that it was probably a hole in the condenser caused by a rock. He said they would have to perform a check that would take an hour and that this would not be covered by my warranty as it was not a factory defect. Guess what, yep the check revealed that it was a small hole caused by a rock. How he knew that was beyond me. Cost with the check was over 1200. I found out that many many people have had the same issue.