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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  Paid $4800 5 years ago - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bstern92 - September 11 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car with 130k on it and it now has 144k(second car). Now that I gave my sister my car, this will be driven a lot more. I really like the exterior and interior design of the coupe. Its sleek and has a crazy amount of room for a coupe. The only complaint is that it doesnt have an armrest, with the storage compartment. I have replaced the A/C compressor, oxygen sensor, front rotors and brakes, ball joints, control arms, swaybar links, and battery. All parts were cheap because its a Honda. I dont hold the repairs against the car because these are all parts expected to go after 11 years. It drives very nice and is comfortable. My cousin has the same one, with over 230k.

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  Mixed emotions - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By pa350z2006 - September 11 - 9:37 am

  I have had my 2012 for 1.5 years now and 25,000 miles later. No major issues to date that left me stranded, getting the AC noise hopefully fixed this friday and warped rotors already. What is concerning is the vibration at 70mph. I would be cautious when buying this car, there is something going on here with the cylinder deactivation system. My car was fine till around 23k and then all of a sudden I have vibration coming from the front into the steering wheel and car. Its not alot but can tell its from the engine. Set the car at cruise 70mph on flat road, let it start to climb uphill slowly in eco mode and you will feel the vibration.

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  Tranmission Failure - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By brenyahoo - September 11 - 9:16 am

  I cant help but return to this site to provide our feedback. We had our 2004 Honday Odyssey transmission fail around 90K miles and after 50K miles the rebuild is now starting to fail again. We were stupid and didnt look back at reviews at the time - we should have because we of course now know this was a known problem. So nice to know a Honda dealership salesperson would sell you a vehicle they knew had problems. Its not a terrible vehicle but having the transmission problems is unacceptable. We dont buy another honda regardless.

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  Blind spots a killer. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bstern92 - September 10 - 3:54 pm

  The only thing I like about the car is the exterior design. The seats are uncomfortable and cheap. The armrest is worn out already. The sun visors are broken. The drivers side is getting ready for its third one. I will give honda credit for the leg room in the back seat. The front pillars create a huge blind spot and you cant see anything. Besides that, the car is very reliable. I woudnt get another one.

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  Best damn car EVER!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By adarchon - September 9 - 11:22 pm

  I bought this car new, and love every second of it. I have topped out @ 42MPGs on the hwy. and for a 6-cyl that is not hybrid. It took some getting used to since it is a new car. There have been a great many biased reviewers that have never even bought the car. I feel that it is better that someone who owns the car should say what issues I am having. I have no idea what these people are talking about! I have had the car for 3 months and have had none of the issues people are claiming, it has been perfect! Beautiful car, and get lots of compliments. Dont believe what others are saying, go test it out yourself, I warn you, you may end up driving it home!

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  Keeps on going..... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fitgator - September 9 - 8:14 pm

  I last posted a review in 2010. I still own this car and still love it. Knock on wood, I still have never taken it in for a repair (just routine maint), and it has 150k on it. I just calculated my mileage the other day, and, after driving some highway, some windy mtn roads, I was averaging 40.5 mpg!!!! That is amazing for a car of this age. Yes, the interior (like the floor "carpet") can be a little shoddy, but the seats have held up fine. When I wash it, it still looks like a new car. I have the 5-speed (wouldnt have an automatic with a 1.5L engine), and I have plenty of power for highway passing and climbing hills. When merging on the interstate, I can fly and blow past folks.

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  1st honda and love it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sticks4 - September 8 - 6:45 pm

  First honda, bought it used. A little hesitant with 90,000 miles, but after talking to honda mechanics they said its a baby. Love the ride, the handling, the great gas mileage. Im a big guy, driving it till my daughter gets her license. Then I may step and get a accord for my self. The day after buying the civic, I bought my my wife the honda crv! Another great vehicle, I LOVE honda.

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  Sound System Is Fraudulently Advertised - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By radioarchivist - September 8 - 3:18 pm

  I purchased from a dealer with whom I had over 30 good years of experience with Volvos. As I thought their service was excellent and they were very close, I purchased the car albeit via a high pressure salesman. The CR-V gets better millage in average driving than my old 2000 RAV4 did on the highway. It is also quieter, bigger, more comfortable and more powerful. The OEM radio has very poor AM sound. Being formerly heavily involved in auto radio design. I measured the power, and found it to to be 40 Watts, not 160. Complaints got nothing but lies. They even refused to put their reply in writing, only verbally via telephone. The refused to reveal how they arrive at 160 Watts.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tintinmilou - September 7 - 10:05 pm

  Its a Honda. And despite the slap of the 2011 and 2012 models, the 2013 Honda is back. My mom had a Honda 600, a CVCC Civic, and a CRX. Dad had an 87 Accord. We have an Odyssey, a Civic, and now we have a brand new Accord. Im not married to Honda. We looked at Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and Volkswagen. Our new Accord is not even through its first tank of gas. My first impressions: Highway, 38MPG with the "Econ" button pushed. 26MPG in town. We have the EX-L 4-cyl with all the nice gadgets. The rear-view camera with three modes is great. The lane departure and distance warning are pretty weak and unreliable. Fit & Finish are excellent. Power is great. Ride is a little firm

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  Lower Quality Standards? - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By sms71 - September 7 - 9:20 am

  Long time Honda owner. Finally traded in my 04 EXL-RES that I bought new on a Wht/Truf 13 EXL-RES. Many improvements in features and ride. Love the interior and vehicle is excellent for long trips. However after 5 months of ownership, quality issues are surfacing. One wheel replaced for poor finish and now noticed others that should never have passed inspection. Paint match on bumpers & painted trim is poor. Rough & thin paint (see through to dark plastic) where rear bumper meets quarter panel and base coat runs where rear quarter panel meets side door. At just over 7K, began experiencing heavy vibration under moderate braking. Not the quality expected on a $37K+ HONDA vehicle!!