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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  Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By lt - April 21 - 4:35 pm

  I have had many problems with this car. I am on third set of brakes, second battery, hub problems with the wheels, power steering replaced and a broken motor mount. In Hondas defense they have fixed all of these at no cost after I played hard ball with them. I had to purchase an extended warranty to ease the stress of owning this van. I would never buy another one!

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - April 17 - 7:56 pm

  I would not recommend the Honda Pilot to anyone that intends on keeping the vehicle for a long time. My transmission went at 101,000 miles and the maintenance had always been done by the book. Looking at $2500 to replace transmission. Once repaired, I will make sure that it belongs to someone else within a few days. Will not buy another Honda. I have owned a couple of Honda Accords and they were good cars. The Pilot Sux. Wanted something bigger because I am a disabled veteran with leg injuries and needed the extra leg room. If you but a Pilot, you had better buy the triple super duper extended warranty with it, because you will have transmission problems.

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  Disappointing - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - April 14 - 3:52 pm

  We purchased our vehicle used with approximately 40k miles on the van. We have had to replace the transmission three times. I was always led to believe that Honda made quality vehicles I have been extremely disappointed. I have a 1995 Ford Explorer that has not given me a quarter of the problems the Honda Odyssey has and the Explorer has over 240k miles on it. The Odyssey is fun to drive however the I have been less than impressed with the required maintenance needed on the vehicle. I would strongly suggest someone buying this vehicle used request an extended warranty because you may need it.

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  Great Vehicle - Attracts Rodents - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Andrea - April 11 - 10:08 pm

  I leased my 2007 Honda Pilot last year in summer. Just after getting home with it I heard the horror stories about mice. I thought OK so maybe some people have problems with mice. Hopefully I dont. No such luck, I just got back from paying the dealership to remove a mouse from the blower housing. Wonderful! This is not a small problem apparently, this is a big one! Honda has been very silent about this longstanding problem and is not stepping up to the plate to solve it. I must say that we have had mostly Chev/GMC products up to this Honda and we have NEVER had a problem with mice. I am thinking of putting signs on the windows of my Honda advertising what a mouse house it is!

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  Odyssey 2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By penny shanley - April 10 - 7:32 pm

  The transmission on this vehicle is not better than the 1st generation of the Odyssey, in fact, they are worse. Honda quality is way way overrated. I think I will become a Toyota customer.

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  Honda has lost its superior service - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie - April 10 - 1:51 pm

  The transmission just went out on our vehicle with a price tag of $5100.00. There are documented transmission problems in the odyssey and the price tag is very excessive. We have done all scheduled maintenance and taken great care of the van. We have also had several electrical problems which have proven to be an enigma to Honda. My 2 year old was locked in the car in the heat of the summer due to locking problems with the car. Of course it took several months to prove to the dealer that there was indeed a problem. We have been loyal Honda/Acura drivers but are absolutely done with American Honda. Do not be taken advantage of by the high price tags assurance of superior service.

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  Honda engine issue - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Gloria - April 8 - 10:35 pm

  56,000 miles check engine light came on. Found codes P0301,302, and p1399. Search revealed Honda sb 03-038. Probable cause 1 or more cylinders have receded into the cylinder head. Corrective action-inspect the valve clearance, if necessary replace cylinder head. Car brought to fox Honda in auburn, NY they were unwilling to remove the cylinder head. Wanted to replace ignition coil and do tune up for $500.00+. Advised me I could continue driving until car wouldnt start without harming engine. At home removed cylinder head and found 2 valves out of adjustment. This is a documented problem w/these engines. Honda response - the dealer I went to made a mistake for $100 more I could have tried another...

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  What mileage? - 2005 Honda Civic
  By joefire - April 8 - 1:25 pm

  Bought this car for mileage. Told by dealer that it must be my driving. I have gotten as low as 16 mpg city and 23 highway. They told me it wasnt broken in yet. Kept driving hoping for an improvement. After 3 years my average city is 18 with highway going to about 28. Straight highway driving going 65 mph from one gas station to the next about 275 miles my best mileage was 38 mpg. That happened once. Most times it`s about 28. I dont speed or jackrabbit start. I never let it idle unless needed in traffic. I have gotten use to not using the AC to help. There is never extra weight kept in the car. On highway trips I am alone. Carrs honda has done all oil changes and required work. I was lied to.

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  1999 Honda Accord EX- Do not buy - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Paul - April 5 - 4:11 pm

  I recently purchased a 1999 Honda Accord EX under the belief that Hondas were reliable. The car has 83K miles and the transmission slips and oil is leaking into the coolant. I will probably have to replace the engine and transmission. I have contacted Honda who are unwilling to help out. This is my third and last Honda. I mention this issue to others so they do not go through a similar experience.

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  Not worth the hype - 2005 Honda Accord
  By t60 - April 4 - 3:07 pm

  I purchased my Honda Accord because I know Honda has a good name, but I am disappointed with the overall performance. Perhaps I should have gotten a V6, because you have to "gun" the car to get it to go and the tachometer is well over 2,000 rpms even at lower speeds, like 50 mph. The Camry is probably a better choice, provides a much smoother ride and better acceleration.