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 Overhaul Needed at 78k - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kmn - March 12 - 2:53 pm

  I havent had any problems with this car until last month. The automatic transmission started slipping from 3rd to 4th gear and needs a complete overhaul. My car only has 78k miles on it. There is no way it should need a new transmission. The estimate I got from the dealership was around $3000. Stay away from the 2003 Civic! From what Ive read, this isnt an isolated incident.

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  Steer Away from 2007 Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tim - March 12 - 7:35 am

  18 months after purchasing our 2007 Accord LX, the front-end began vibrating during braking. We took the car in, being that it was still under warranty, and were told that the rotors needed to be turned--the brake pads were fine. Of course, the rotors are not covered under the warranty. I have been told by the dealership, including the general manager, that it is not uncommon for rotors to need turning within 2 years or 30,000 miles. That is absurd, especially given the manner in which the car has been driven. It is obvious that Honda used inferior quality rotors on this vehicle. I wonder what other parts are defective?

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  So Disappointed!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Christine - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  My car has 65K miles on it and it wont start. The dealer is telling me that it needs a new engine!!! I had a Honda Civic before this and never any problems. I am so upset. The warranty only covers up to 60K miles, so I am just over. I made a complaint with Honda and we will see what happens. But, buyer beware... only 60K miles on the engine and mine died at 65K. I am still in shock and I have a $16K loan to deal with now.

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  Just OK - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmart - March 10 - 10:10 am

  Have had my 06 for 30 months and 61,000 miles. Only mechanical problems were - broken idle pulley, misaligned window (i.e fell off track). Yes, I average 36-38 mpg. Be prepared to live with: A TON of road noise, poor ride quality, constant shifting 5sp auto, poor power band esp with A/C on, and various (ever changing) rattling (ranging from the right front end to the rear shelf). I guess I expected better - maybe I need to lower the bar of my expectations.

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  Terrible Radio Reception - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By S. Flores - March 5 - 11:30 am

  Do not buy a Pilot if you listen to local radio stations. None of the stations are tolerable. They are ALL staticky, volume changing, and fade in and mostly out. I called Honda and they "logged" the issue. The representative did admit that she had heard about this issue before. Another problem is the touch screen being slow to respond. Its frustrating not having a volume knob. The hooks in the cargo area are too high to attach a standard grocery bag. Storage space and compartments are otherwise well thought out. Mileage around town is 22mpg on Eco setting. The ride is smooth and quiet.

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  6 year old car turning into a money sink - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cdonner - March 5 - 8:20 am

  Issues during the first 6 years included rapid brake wear, radio/AC backlight failure, ignition failure (6 ignition coil plus labor is a $1000 repair). The transmission never seemed to work right and I took the car in 2 weeks after we bought it (only to be ridiculed by the service transmission). It went in again for the transmission recall in 2004. The transmission fluid was changed at 111k miles in 2008 (well before the required 120k). Less then 6 months later the transmission went out. First gear only, no reverse. A faulty torque converter, the cause for the jerky shifts from 1st to 2nd gear that many experience, burned up the transmission.

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  Our Odyssey for a reliable Transmission - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenoz - March 3 - 12:36 pm

  We bought our used 2001 Odyssey after our first child was born in 2003. It was reportedly one of the safest minivans on the market and we felt good about the purchase. Within the first year at about 90k miles, the tranny went out and the dealership replaced it. Two years and 40k later, the replacement tranny went out, this time we had to replace it. After only 21k miles on this tranny, it goes out and the dealership agreed to replace it but we had to pay the labor cost which was about $750.00. We did so and sold the van immediately after. We replaced this unreliable vehicle with a Lexus GS400 and have never looked back. If you are looking for reliability, stay away from this vehicle!

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  not what I expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By disappointed - March 1 - 3:06 pm

  After six months and 8500 miles this is my impression. Yes, the Accord looks nice and has been reliable. Has lots of features, is comfortable, everything works. The downside: Although the engine is quiet, there are quite noticeable surges from the transmission even with cruise control on. The surges are very noticeable also in heavy stop and go traffic. My old Buicks had far smoother shifts at far higher mileage. Bumpy roads have too much of an effect on the steering and braking. I am surprised they would design the exterior so that rain always comes in the windows unless they are completely shut. Sometimes I need to activate the remote more than once to open the doors.

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  Read before buying 04 Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chambalam - February 26 - 1:48 pm

  I think you are about to see the rating of the 04 Odyssey plunge. We had an accident that resulted in our 04 Odyssey with 70,000 miles being totaled. We were so happy with the van that we went out and bought another 04 just like it, except it had a few more miles on it. 10 days after purchase the D light starts flashing, turns out it is a transmission problem. I do some research on the internet and there are HUNDREDS of posts showing that TRANSMISSION FAILS at 80,000 - 100,000 miles. There was actually a recall on the tranny for some 04 models, but those that were not included in the class action lawsuit or out of luck. Honda has refused to stand behind there faulty transmission!

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  Element SC - Too many problems - 2007 Honda Element
  By iPhoneholio - February 14 - 4:25 pm

  Cons: The Element is my first Honda and probably the last. Reliability and build quality was surprisingly poor with subpar components. Tires wore out at 24,000 miles, all new brakes (rotors & pads) at 30,000, speedometer broke at 5,000 miles, windshield replaced twice with mystery cracking, drivers seat cushioning compressed and wrinkled, and scheduled services are over priced. The ride of the SC model is very harsh if the road is less than perfect - I had to stop drinking coffee in the car due to it too easily splashing. Brakes are noisy even shortly after replacement. Very uncomfortable for long drives due to no "dead pedal".