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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  2014 Ridgeline Sport - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By roc23 - February 20 - 6:08 pm

  I chose Honda because of their reliability and reputation of building quality vehicles. It is a decision that I have grown to regret. The idea of the Ridgeline is great. It has plenty of storage and is rather roomy in the front and rear seats. I am 6 2" and I am quite comfortable. The engine is smooth but the transmission has issues shifting when its cold. My issue is with the fit and finish and how Honda has handled the warranty issues with my vehicle. Not one of the doors line up on my Ridgeline. Other Ridgelines have this same issue where the doors arent flush with the surrounding body panels. Mine leaked water as a result and it has yet to be fixed correctly.

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  what honda wont tell you - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By phidknee - January 30 - 9:34 am

  tranny, radio, engine mounts , sliding doors , rear vent windows , battery cables are the cause of many problems with this van in my opinion ,change at least the positive side . Now the big problem the tranny in 2004 mid year (April I believe) is when you have a chance to have your tranny last . 1 do a total drain on tranny fluid ( you tube ) while running van . 2 change tranny filter , yes you need to look up on Honda parts drawings , there is a filter ! 3 you need to install a tranny cooler a second tranny inline filter( magna filter ) all the rest you can also find on you tube . You must have some knowledge about car repairs .Also do all your yearly maintenance on time ( timing belt

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  2013 Pilot vibration - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By kingsheds - January 28 - 3:28 am

  After owning 5 Hondas with no problems the time came to pull the trigger on our biggest purchase to date..a new 2013 Pilot EX-L 4x4, to accommodate our 3rd child. We purchased our pilot in September of 2012. I immediately noticed a bad vibration in Eco and have taken it to Honda 2 times now. I have also had a problem with the brake pedal being squishy. Honda wont do anything about the vibration, and they bled the brakes claiming there was nothing wrong with them. The dealership is also stating that Honda says the vibration is normal in my make and model..WHAT!!..NORMAL!!!! This is a $37,000 vehicle. Honda Im opting out of the class action suit and suing. I suggest others do the same.

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  Disappointed in my 3rd Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By anonymousrus - January 21 - 12:21 pm

  I took delivery of my 2014 Odyssey EX-L just a couple of weeks ago and already regret my purchase. I had previously owned 2 Odysseys that were great but this 2014 is a huge disappointment. The ride is very stiff and reminds me of the 1991 Ford Explorer that rode so bad if gave me neck and shoulder pain. This Odyssey already has rattles and the OEM Continental tires suck in snowy northern Indiana. If somebody has a PHD in computers (or a 10 year old grandson) the instrument panel is then probably understandable to program, but for a "60 something" its WAY too confusing, plus the instruction manual is literally as thick as a Bible. I wish I had my old van back!

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  Many rattles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By wstrange - January 21 - 7:45 am

  When I purchased my first Honda, a 2013 Accord, I expected a consistent vehicle that was comfortable to drive and easy to maintain. While the new features are nice to have, they dont outweigh the incessant rattling noise coming from the dashboard. The dealerships dont seem to know how to fix it, which makes the situation even worse. When you purchase a new vehicle like an Accord, you expect the Honda name to hold up. I have a different opinion of Honda now.

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  2013 and 2014 have "normal vibration". It drives me crazy! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By scoutgator - January 2 - 4:11 pm

  I would not have bought my Pilot if I had known that there was a "normal vibration" when cruising in ECO mode. Mine is very noticable at 1500 RPM and even according to technician, it shouldnt be there. My car has 5K miles on it. I would have spent my $38K on a different vehicle if I had known this. If you are considering buying a Pilot, test drive it thoroughly at 1500 RPMs!!!

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  garbage - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By moparman90 - January 1 - 11:55 pm

  we have had this thing for 6 months we bought with 120,000 miles... 3 days later the transmission blew out on me... then here we are 8,000 miles later and the transmission is shot again WTF... the heated seats dont work half the time it has no EVIC and thats just stupid for a 2003... it is just AWFUL in the snow with good tires... the clock on the dash doesnt light up another stupid thing... the battery went i had to take the thing in just to get the factory radio set... i have a 2000 jeep grand cherokee with 225,000 miles never had ANY mojor problems i will try to convince her to sell this crap box and get a jeep... my jeep in 2wd is better than this thing with front wheel drive DONT BUY

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By milkshake - November 29 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car to replace a loved but worn out 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Drove a 2012 Kia Sorrento, a 2012 Chevy Equinox, and a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (which was really my 1st choice) in addition to this. Settled on this because of the price and because it had the most space of any of those cars. This was my first-ever brand new car purchase. Ive never loved this car, and I was never truly excited about it, but Ive come to totally hate it due to how uncomfortable it is. You feel every bump, pebble, and crack in the road. My dad has been a truck driver for 40 years and has complained about how uncomfortable it is. Owned less than 2 yrs, looking to trade or push off a cliff soon. Mistake.

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  Junk - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By kadamec - November 27 - 8:26 am

  The Bad...This is easily the worst car Ive ever owned. The active fuel management does not work properly. After many trips to the Honda dealer, they say that the car is OK and nothing is wrong. At 60 - 70 MPH the car vibrates and sounds like its gasping for air. An audible sound from the engine compartment is easily heard when the engine transitions from 6 cylinders to 4. Dump the tires too. They are so rock hard for milage purposes that after 25,000 the ride is rough.

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  2005 Hondas - NoNo - 2005 Honda Civic
  By butler83 - November 23 - 5:32 pm

  I have an 05 Van and Civic. I have been disappointed by both. The van is below average and poorly reviewed in the van section. I wrote honda and they did not stand behind their product. My Civic has been steady, but the road noise is terrible. I am really starting to hate this car and Honda. If you buy one get earplugs.