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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  Test drive at night time! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DANGEROUS LIGHTS! - July 19 - 6:50 pm

  I am really disappointed in my vehicle. The outside is gorgeous, but that isnt what matters. The blinking headlights at night are extremely dangerous. It causes my eyes to get out of focus for a moment and get strained. It happens around every 20 seconds. It brings on my migraines because the lights flash so frequently. Many times people have flashed their brights on me because they think Im flashing mine at them. At first the Gas mileage was very poor but has really improved. The road noise is terrible. The car feels like it is shifting to often and jerks the car in an annoying way off and on. Not worth the money. Really take some time and dont rush into purchasing this car.

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  Buyer beware - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jakesdog1 - July 19 - 2:00 pm

  I had owned Hondas before and had no problems with them. The element I bought seemed like a perfect choice for reliable and functional little SUV. It has been to the dealership six times for the same sputtering under acceleration. The Honda of America rep assured he he would fix it or buy it back. Since then it has sat at the dealership for nearly a month waiting on answers. I have been patient yet they question my urgency in resolving the issue. Imagine car payments on a car you can not use. That is my element. Honda needs to stand behind the product when there is a problem. We all make mistakes. But you lose face hiding behind voice mails.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Audrey - July 14 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased used Honda certified Gold from dealership in Feb 2007. In June 2008, noticed that the van seemed to hesitate when I hit the gas. Took it to local repair shop and computer said transmission problems. Sent to dealership. Tech said tranny fluid was old and flushed twice and got no codes. They drove it and said it was better. Took it home and the next day it did the same thing. Felt like not catching between 2nd and 3rd gears. Made an appt to take it back in. Later that day, had major problems getting up a highway hill. Major revving and burning smell. Dashboard totally lit up. Transmission needs replaced. Fortunately warranty runs out in Oct 08. Why on a 5 year 100,000km.

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  No torque, no facotry rim options..... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By VsPeC - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has no torque, who is willing to rev the car to 7000 rpm everyday just to get the horsepower and torque of a V6? Consistent high revs will lessen the life of the engine. Have no idea why Honda would do this. High horsepower is nice, but torque is nicer.

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  Problem Every Year - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Honda Odyssey - July 13 - 10:02 am

  Well, lets just say Im a bit disappointed with my 2005 Odyssey EX. Looks like a good mini-van (Im a Honda fan), but since I bought this 2005 new model seems like every year I have some kind of problem with it. First year I had to replace brakes (twice), had whistling noise from the windshield (dealer replaced rubber gasket in 2006), in 2007 had to replace steering fluid pump (was making noise) and now in 2008 I just started to notice strange noises from fuel tank (taking it to a dealer next week), but out of warranty now. Cant wait to see whats the problem this time. I have learned a hard way never to buy a new model the first year it comes out. Hope that nothing happens next year.

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dlmorgan - July 12 - 4:06 pm

  The 2005 Honda Pilot is well made in fit & finish. It travels well in comfort & limited road noise. It falls well short of the sticker advertised gas mileage however. Upon returning to the dealer because of 13 to 14 mpg, I was reminded of the 11 to 36 mph fine print. Futher, I was informed that all of the dealership Pilot owners were getting the same mileage. I also find the Pilot hard to start. It requires several overturns of the engine to start. The dealership check this and informed me that this is normal for all pilots. The handrail by the head could be hazardous in quick lateral moves or in accidents. A previous Honda owner, & disappointed.

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  Bad choice of year - 2000 Honda S2000
  By badchoice - July 10 - 7:09 am

  This car is fun to drive but not when it is sitting in the driveway with a need of major engine repair. The reason, the early years have a bad flow of oil. Not quite sure why but apparently the Europeans caught on to this and fixed the problem early on. This car sucks oil. Honda dealerships need to tell people this when purchasing. Honda also needs to make others aware of this situation. Low oil in any engine is a bad thing. Especially when the oil light never comes on to warn the driver.

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  Front face got ugly, mis-located control - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By drtrismo - July 8 - 7:29 pm

  1. Additional KARR security system (cost $599, it raise your month payment $10 more) was a big/unwanted surprise on financial sign time. I almost walked out. 2.Front face got ugly. 2007s were much prettier. That ugly look made me hesitate till last moment. Accord is accord, Odyssey is odyssey. Real reason accord sell less than Camry is the look. Honda messed up with CR-V and accord, then odyssey. This is not a family look, it is a group-dummy look. Please leave civic and fit as are.

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  A Rattle Box!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By goozemann - July 8 - 8:13 am

  Ive had no problems with the engine, but everything inside this car rattles...the dash, the door panel....and it drives you insane!! Poor, poor fit and finish. Sounds like loose change is inside the door. Took to dealer and of course they drove it on a smooth road and "couldnt reproduce". Also when steering wheel is in upper position, cant see the odometer. Automatic locking everything also drives you insane when getting groceries etc. out of the trunk and back seat...the doors keep locking (found a way to disable the rear door auto-lock, but the trunk eludes me. When you close trunk, doors automatically lock...then you have to unlock them again!

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  Miss my 2013 EX-L V6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mature Driver - July 5 - 2:05 am

  I want to love this car, but I cant. I might upgrade my review if I dont have any more problems. So far one major, one minor. 1. Have the engine, transmission and cylinders checked out before you by. I had a failure at 600 miles. Have never had a problem before (this is my 5th Accord) 2. Insist on a replacement front window rubber strip-there is excessive wind noise at over 40 mph, a known issue. 3. If you are buying online, note that the beautiful Alabaster Silver has been replaced by Lunar Silver, which is more grey than silver. 4. Older buyers may find smaller fonts and controls on sound system frustrating. 5. This model has something called "limp mode". If I had known what it was before my car died suddenly, I wouldnt have been quite so scared.