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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  Smart Value SUV for Family - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By MKEPHL - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 3 years 33K mi now, buying out lease because it held its value so well. Now worth thousands more than buyout. Not put a dime in besides scheduled maint. Replaced a Ford Escape that was nowhere near as reliable. Once engine is broken in we began to avg 17 mpg around town vs 15 mpg when new. Avg 20 mpg hwy on 1,000 mi trips loaded to visit family. Remember it is a Honda, but it is still an SUV. Has excellent power for an vehicle this size. Plenty of room with the seats folded down, which is easy to do. Leather interior is holding up fine, and is easy to clean up with kids and dogs. I-pod adapter can be run through rear entertainment system. Think it is better looking than new model.

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  Very happy! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By New Honda - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my civic for 7 months now. I love it! The engine has a lot of pickup and speed. I deal with heavy stop/go traffic on my daily commute and I am impressed with how responsive the brakes are. Gas mileage-excellent! I drive about 150 mi a week and fill up about every other week or so. As others have said, in the drivers seat, the hood slopes so you cannot see it..Even still, Ive never had an issue parallel parking after the first few weeks of driving it. Only issue Ive had is cold starts. The engine hesitates and will take a couple of tries...However, I learned starting the engine in position 2 seems to do the trick so no further issues. Im very happy with my purchase!

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  Not for everyone - 2010 Honda Element
  By Pudde - November 13 - 2:00 am

  If you need a great little car for commuting then this is the one! I wasnt the target type for this car but its ended up being just right for me. The various cargo arrangements are great! Mpg is over 25 for light city driving (4.9 miles to work for me) and always nice to have the awd on hand.

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  Really, really good, but not great. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaNgermany - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Expecting a 3rd child, we knew exactly what we were going to get. Honda is the most reliable motor company out there and are long-trusted in my family. We were so impressed by the build quality. Its like they gathered all the moms of the world and asked them what they wanted in a van and then met ALL demands. I have only two complaints. This car is a Jekyll and Hyde van. In the dry weather, it drives great! But give it some rain and it becomes a monster. The variable cylinder control system SNAPS on and off creating a wrestling match with the stability control system and causes the van to rock side-to-side. Not a good thing on a sick, wet road. The other issue are the brakes (see below).

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  At 9000 miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ChuckfromLI - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage has improved tremendously since the engine is broken in. Currently getting over 22 MPG in crowded suburban driving, up from 18 or so. Still very, very happy with the car. No problems, comfortable in the front and rear.

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  My favorite Honda to date - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SatisfiedAccordOwner - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have 25,000 miles on it. I did just have the rear brake pads replaced and the rotors resurfaced, which 50% will be reimbursed by the class action suit. Other than that, no problems. Plenty of power with the V6, no issues with V6. Road noise isnt any more than when I test drove it (and is not bad). Seats are not any less comfortable than when I test drove it (and are not bad). Radio controls are not any more confusing now than when I test drove it. Materials in dashboard are not any cheaper looking now than when I test drove it.

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  Love my car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Loyal Honda customer - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2001 Accord vp! It has over 185k miles and continues to be reliable! I have had to replace many parts, but this is mostly due to normal wear and tear. Belts wear, seals leak. But that happens to any well used car. My engine and transmission are mechanically sound! I just bought a second Accord, because I was ready for new car with more features ( ex-l) and so dont want to sell my old one because I love it!

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  More trans/rack problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Huggins - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Echo other experiences with leaking rack (replaced ~25,000 mi) now worsening shudder, prob transmission. Previously had "thunk" with downshifting during slowing, better after flush/software adjustment x 2. Drives, rides worse than 2005 Town and Country. Would not buy again-go with the Sienna-smooth as silk in test drive.

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  5th Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Teez - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and the only probably I have had is the Engine light came on and it was a sensor. The dealer charged $385 to fix. Just replaced the tires at 58,000 miles. The V-6 is powerful. I rented a car at the airport recently and it was 2010. Basic and when I got back in my Accord I felt that I was driving pure luxury. This is my 5th Accord

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  Rear Differential - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rear Differential - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my CR-V with two exceptions. First the original equipment tires failed after 30K and the rear differential has required "regular service" (at $100.00/per) four times in almost 60K miles, which are mostly highway miles. Honda "Engineers" are supposedly investigating the problem but it still will not help those of us who will drive the vehicle past the 60K mile warranty period. We will look elsewhere next year when we expect to replace this vehicle. The manual and my dealer recommends service every 30K miles, which in my estimation is a outright lie.