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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  A Car that should be Enjoyed - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Ralph - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We have had Hondas in the past. Starting with the 2007 Fit, then a 2009 Fit, we planned on trading in a 2011 Fit until my wife sent me a pic of the CRZ. Our local dealer had 2 in stock, but one was sold. I went to the dealer not intending on buy it, but it was taken by the styling and even more impressed when I drove it, So I bought it. It is a head turner and a lot of fun to drive.

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  Every 2 months! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rick - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in 2008. I had looked at the Toyota Matrix, but preferred the civic styling. For the first 2 months I was dealing with a clunking sound in the front end. After 3 visits to the dealership and a final stay of 3 days it was fixed. The dealership did a fairly major front end rebuild. Starting this past August there was a coil failure not once, but twice. The 2nd time left us stranded. Tonight was another call to Honda roadside assistance. Beautiful, eh. So I bought a HONDA built in Canada at the plant my family and friends work at. This is what I got. Well Merry Christmas!

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  Love my Honda EXL - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Cheri Westlake - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda we had the pilot years ago. I purchased Mazda 3 for a runabout just sold for an Accord. Mazda 3 felt tin like and feathery compared to Accord exl. Fun car not a real safe feeling compared to Accord. Accord is luxurious and roomy. Love it on the hwy especially in inclement weather. I love my new Accord exl. Thks Honda! I feel safe and all my friends fit in comfortably and their golf clubs fit in the trunk! Gotta love it! Worth the little extra to purchase a Honda.

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  Honda pilot 03 transmissions - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jona - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I also have a 2003 honda pilot. We have kept up on all maintenance on this vehicle. Had drive light flash and was told 4th gear pressure sensor was bad, had that fixed. A month later my transmission starts acting up, take to dealer and they told me I needed a whole new transmission and was gonna cost us $3000.00 to fix

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  Verdict is still out, so far favorable - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By East PA Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 06 4runner in on this car. While this has what I am looking for, smoother ride, more room inside, I agree with some posts on here, quality seems cheaper than my past Hondas. Also be sure to drive this car at a highway speed around 65-75 mph. Seems that they all have a lot of wind noise around the front rear edges of the doors where the windows seal. First car I have owned in 10+ years to have this kinda of window open/air leak sound. Disappointing for a 30k+ car. Otherwise, the car pulls my boat even better than my 4runner despite less hp and torque. So far only one odd issue with dome lights but hasnt happened again.

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  Good SUV but pulls to the right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Had a previous Nissan Armada and got tired of driving a "School bus". Overall fit and finish is great. Main problem is that the car is pulling to the right. Had to bring the car in 4 times and finally after driving with the tech, they agree that it does indeed pull to the right. (why it took them 4 times to acknowledge this is beyond me) It pulled to the right from day one. Make sure you test drive your car before you buy it. There is a service bulletin out (which the dealer had no idea about and did not divulge this, I had to research this) and check your VIN number. In fact just dont buy this car if it is listed within the service bulletins VIN #.

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  Cute Suv - 2000 Honda Passport
  By HondaDude03 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Cute little SUV. Runs well, only broke down once due to the fuel pump going out. Other than that its a Honda baby.

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  Not what we expected - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By gin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought new in the fall of 2000 expecting to have it last us at least 15 years. We had to replace the transmission at 96K (under warranty) and now have to replace it again at 193K (no warranty)-replacement cost $3300 to $6900 - Ouch!! not feasible for this family - will have to junk it - replacement with new is not possible and any other van just doesnt meet my standards after having the luxuries of this one. Honda you spoiled me - and have disappointed me by replacing broken with refurbished instead of new. My 1995 Chev truck runs better (who would have thought it would outlast a Honda)

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  2009 Odyssey LX - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By daveb - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Love the Ody but beware of the braking! 3 times now, I have applied the brakes and my foot caught the gas pedal also. VERY scary and dangerous. I have been driving for over 30 years and have NEVER had this problem. Seems the pedal is not high enough and there is no adjustment. 2 times this happened at busy 55mph intersection - engine racing, abs light on, van still moving forward and my foot on the brake. 3rd time, almost hit the basketball post in my driveway. I must be very aware of my foot position in this van when stopping - I think it is dangerous and dealer says there is no adjustment.

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  Good car NOT great. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By p3racer - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Honda, maybe our last. Reliability is very good. Our last Accord was 2000 EX-L V6 was fantastic. This 4 cyl is very noisy but cheaper. Radio display panel is a poor design. Very hard to read in daylight. This is a good car but I wish I had gotten a V6. My wife hates the radio display.