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:

• 

  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jchilds - August 30 - 11:11 pm

  I turned in a Chrysler Town & Country lease to pick this Odyssey up because of its reliable reputation. Wrong! I purchased it with 106,000 miles and the transmission went yesterday at 112,000 miles stranding my wife and three kids 200 miles from home. $3000 later it will be fixed, but I must say I am very disappointed. Also, the stereo is terrible. I regret not getting another Chrysler.

• 

  Great car! Big & nimble! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Seattle - August 30 - 4:40 pm

  Family outgrew our excellent Mazda3. Settled on 4cyl Accord EX-L manual transmission. Unbelievable fuel economy! Got 500 miles out of 1 tank. Who needs a hybrid when this thing gets 33-35 mpg on the hwy! Car is huge, yet drives smaller than it is. Great steering, clutch & shifter. Better fit and finish than our 2004 Pilot by a long shot! No regrets so far! Rear brake issue was researched prior to purchase and has not been a problem (21,000 miles on the car). Car could use a 6th gear but the shifter action is sublime. I have owned several Hondas including 2 S2000s and this is the best one yet.

• 

  Great concept, mixed bag on execution - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Seattle - August 30 - 4:08 pm

  We bought our Pilot brand new in 2/2004 as a "do it all" vehicle. We looked at the Highlander (too expensive & small) and the Forester XT (way fun to drive but alas, too small. We ended up buying the Piolt EX-L. We are impressed with the ride quality and the road manners. A couple of faults have dampened our enthusiasm. The main seal started leaking oil at 55,000 miles. The dealer took care of that under warranty. Drivers side seat- heater went on the blink and burned your tush. This is a known issue with the pilot and the dealer denied that it was a problem. Brake rotors warping & paint job is uneven. Honda could have done better! A tip for Honda, listen to your customers! Dont be arrogant

• 

  Better Than Advertised - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Climatechanger - August 30 - 3:51 pm

  Just filled up for the first time with my Honda Insight. 9 gallons even on 485 miles. Thats nearly 53.9 MPG! I am very pleased with the mileage. I watch the iP screens like a hawk and drive to maximize my mileage. Its my new hobby and its fun. I wont win any drag races, but when gasoline hits 4 bucks a gallon I wont care so much.

• 

  Im a Convert Now - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By John in Colorado - August 29 - 8:52 pm

  Purchase the Ridgeline RTS to replace Chevy Colorado. Theres no comparison. Anyone that says these arent "real trucks" havent done their homework. It has the same loan capacity and 1,000 more pounds towing. Also, even though the bed is a foot shorter, its taller and theres no wheel wells in your way. Ive driven American trucks my entire life but was angered like many about the bailouts. I had a Ridgeline as a rental and was impressed. It took me a while to get past the difference in looks, but I came to like it. I really like driving this truck I thought Id never say that. The only problems Ive had is some minor interior problems. Trim pieces loose.

• 

  Great but - 2010 Honda Accord
  By L.S. - August 29 - 10:20 am

  I love my honda accord! I have read several reviews and was hoping that the comments regarding paint peeling was not ture! However, someone backed into my car in the parking lot and the paint is off in 2 places! I have been overprotective of the car because I didnt want anyone to hit the car. I always park really far away in parking lots so that no one is near my car. I had a 10 year old mitsubishi galant that has been hit in the bumper several times and paint NEVER came off! Its very cheaply made. Also, the buttons to operate AC control and radio are centered making it difficult to reach buttons closer to the passenger side of the car.

• 

  Will Buy another Pilot in 7 yrs - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 4th Honda - August 28 - 10:04 pm

  This is my 4th Honda I have purchased. I went from a 89 Prelude, 2 Accords (98 and 05) and this is my first Honda SUV I bought. Had a 05 Subaru Forrester and a 03 Ford Explorer. This blows the doors off the Explorer and it is fun to drive. You cannot go wrong with this SUV. For big guys like myself it is spacious!!

• 

  2003 Pilot Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DownSouth - August 27 - 11:01 pm

  Bought certified pre-owned in 2005 with 30K miles. Bought extended warranty. Paid off last month and warranty ran out 8-9-2010, trans failed 8-23-2010. No help from warranty but Honda paid 25%. Picked up today and drove 1/4 mile and it made a grinding noise with ABS and VTM lights coming on. Waiting on Monday. All dealer service since purchased.

• 

  197K and going strong - 2000 Honda Passport
  By jkettle3 - August 27 - 12:58 pm

  I bought my Passport from the original owner in 2005 with 62,000 on it. Paid $4,200 for it. It had the standard fuel gauge problem, but nothing else. Ive had to drop some money in it from time to time A/C compressor and Alternator most recently, a valve in the tranny a couple of years ago a fan motor and fan switch. It does drink the oil like they say (I wonder where it goes), Ive also put some joints and bushings in the suspension but for the money look how many miles Ive gotten out of it. Sure beats making a car payment, and it sure does well in the snow. Im shooting for 300K, I bet I see it.

• 

  MiniTank - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By FW - August 26 - 10:33 pm

  This CR-V is an all wheel drive model, with manual 5speed The winning attributes are: All wheel Drive (I live in MN) Mileage is 20 city 25 hwy. build quality is great. ride and handling are great. load capacity in interior square footage is great. although she sags pretty easily with a weighty load. Engine runs super. breaking is great. the negatives are: drivers legroom is cramped. rear hatch door opens to the side (poopy in the rain). if you are someone who appreciates practicality and reliability vs fluff, you will like this car. (lookout for the legroom issue)