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 defective transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Paull - April 24 - 4:45 pm

  I like many others have a defective transmission with only 91,000 miles. Honda wont fix it. The transmission was slipping for many years but got worse the last 2 months. I went online and was surprised by all the other Accord owners with the same problem, which really surprised me about a Honda car. There were so many complaints that I was not sure why there is not a recall. I thought Honda had great quality, bad this did not happen in my case. By the way, the new transmission will cost me $35,000.

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  Problems! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By meyerzone - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had a lot of problems with this vehicle. Hondas are great cars but have had many problems with this one. With only 33,000 miles we have had loud noise problems that took 3 attempts to fix. In addition the transmission has been replaced and the altinator.

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  Transmission Broke at 90,000 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Illinois Honda Owner - April 23 - 9:11 am

  I have the familiar problem of having a bad transmission. Dont believe the others on this website that say changing your transmission will help avoid this problem. Whoever says this works for Honda. I say this because that is actually what I did (regular transmission changes) and it did not help, I now need a transmission repair at 90,000 miles. Honda wont help. I will trade it in for another car. I will also trade in my Honda CRV because of the frustration with this issue.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - April 21 - 9:31 am

  Honda failed to compensate for the added weight of the pax tires and the results are continual steering wheel vibration, longer braking distance, tire balancing issues, road noise and a poor overall driving experience.

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  Great vehicle (minus the 9-speed tranny) - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Joel Avila - April 18 - 11:36 am

  I would give this vehicle 5 stars if the 9-speed transmission were smooth. Its not, and thats too bad. Didnt catch that on the test drive, but I sure notice it now, generally when doing lower-speed (around-town) driving. Excellent kid hauler/road-trip vehicle. Im tall, and love the ceiling height and overall comfort & design of the cabin. Rear seating is very well designed, and easy to access - or drop flat for hauling gear. Mileage is good for its class, and I think the styling is much improved. I just cant understand why they didnt give more consideration to the tranny, and I think the NAVI unit, and perhaps the button-shifting could be a bit more smooth/responsive as well. Looking forward to taking it up to the snow this winter (Sierras). Have been in Volvo + Saab wagons my entire adult life, and its a nice change to be in such a big honkin vehicle. Hope this is helpful. Maybe check out the 6-speed, or see if you can live with the 9 on a more urban stoplight-filled test drive. Seems like some folks are not as bothered by it, but I think Honda should come up with an immediate fix. The drive, especially during deceleration at lower speeds = just plain odd.

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  Transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By terihuff - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  I did not have any transmission problems until I had my Odyssey for about a year. I have had it into the dealer three times and they tell me that there is not a problem. Apparently, they hook it up to a computer and it tells them there is not a problem, so no problem exists in their mind. My vehicle chronically searches for a gear at low speeds. It also has a shake to it when trying to maintain a lower speed. The dealer looks at me like Im crazy, but I have 2 other friends with Odysseys and the same complaints. I wish Honda would stand behind their product before their reputation is ruined for good. This is SO disappointing. We traded in our Toyota van for Honda and wish we hadnt.

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  Was good but no more - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A worker - April 15 - 4:53 pm

  Ours was a 98 LX. We owned it for 11 years. It ran smooth with conservative look and practical interior design. It was little lack on power and loud when speedup but was just functioning well. However, we are not that lucky as the owners here. Our Odysseys engine started to make noise a few weeks ago. 2 different mechanics said the same things, transmission was about to die. But it only had less than 90k miles! How could it be? We did all required oil change and timely maintenance. Thought we could drive it for 20 years. Traded in and bought a Toyota Highlander Sport. Its just different in all respects.

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  Never again! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Honda CR-V - April 13 - 4:34 pm

  I had a 2004 Honda CR-V, loved it, but it rode rough. Bought a 2007 and it was a much better ride, but I have had problems with it. Initially I was having problems with it starting. The worst thing is it keeps wearing the tires out. I was told by Honda it was in the rear differential. I am on my 3rd set of tires at 50, 000 miles. Hondas solution---pay them almost $1,000 for new tires. The main customer service representative was very rude and discourteous. I will never buy another Honda car and will never recommend it to any of my friends again.

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  A few bugs... but... Problems add up... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dan3367 - April 12 - 1:18 am

  The usual wind whistle is the window shield trim and windshield gap. Sealed the area with black rvt sealant. Brake pads went out or had loud noise clucking. It was a recall thing, I have a loud clunk in very hot weather when I brake. The dash blower fan went out, the power steering had a howl when turning around 10-20 mph. It was known to the dealer, as most Honda had a bad set of steering pumps and brake pads on Hondas two weeks ago, my transmission at 40- 45 mph when I accelerate and at 20-25 mph when I slow down, it lurches or has harsh shifting feel. Dealer will not give out recall or part issues until you have a problem, in or out of warranty. The seats are very uncomfortable.

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  Disapointed - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Gayla S. Gold - April 11 - 10:52 pm

  Bought new 2017 in Dec. 2016. Had 2000 EX that from the outset had transmission problems so at only 135,000 miles I bought a new EX Odyssey. The Fabric on the seats is the worst looking and feeling and why would Honda put Beige in a Van ? , shows dirt along with Beige plastic rails at the doors and ? . The Engine has some type of system ECO which is very JERKY and can not be turned off . The gas mileage is around 16 not 19 like advertised ! I Got much better mileage on the 2000 EX ! The WORST, CONFUSING, Radio system to set too much information !!! And the DRIVERS SEAT electric does not go back far enough, at the most BACK position anyone driving that is taller than 57" would HATE this VAN, Honda really screwed this car up. Will most likely get rid of it with in 2 yrs.. Took all the HEAD RESTs off so I can see out.