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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  So far not very impressed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Farrell - April 17 - 12:27 am

  This is my first Honda, and frankly, I was expecting more. The ride is very noisy, and the suspension system on the car is disappointing. Im not sure if I just got a new car with lousy shocks and struts, but you feel every imperfection in the road. I would like others feedback on this. So far the fuel economy on the car is ok, but nothing to rave about. I have only owned the car for a few days, but already miss my trade in. In short, based on Hondas reputation I thought i was getting better.

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  My experience with my honda oddyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By etan - April 16 - 8:39 pm

  Drives like what you think you get but have some problem in electrical.

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  I was very dissapointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jiri - April 16 - 5:19 pm

  This is my second Honda accord with manual transmission. First was 2000 4 cyl. No problems at all with this car. After I bought new accord I had to replace brakes at 4k because of a noise, by the way the noise is still there at 16,000 I had to replace rear brake pads what is not ok. Since I bought this car I was few time at the dealership because of my manual transmission respectively 3rd gear. I was there three times, transmission wasnt fixed. There was more minor problems with door latch, handles, with speakers. I am very disappointed. I made about 7 trips to the dealership since I bought this car!

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  Great purpose built car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By KG - April 16 - 4:02 pm

  I am completely enamored with my Honda. This is coming from a guy who had a jeep cherokee 4x4 as his previous vehicle. This car served me as well in San Diego as it did in the cold weather in Boston. Snow tires and a 5 speed manual made this car a joy to drive in the snow. The car started every morning regardless of how cold it was. Owners who complain about this car didnt understand what they were buying. The car is 20 grand brand new-one shouldnt expect Porsche-like build quality and materials for that price. Another unjustified complaint people have is the surprisingly low mpg. This is what happens when sound deadening, airbags, and computers get added to a car.

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  Hurting at 3 yrs. - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Dee - April 14 - 7:51 pm

  I love my 2007 s2000...BUT now its 3yrs. old and has lots of issues. Rattles,Poor Gas Mileage,Had spark plugs change twice now and car is under warranty, but thats not included! Now its in again in less then one week and engine light keeps coming on and every time an issue! This time the engin is being taken apart. FYI Now the car is not cheap and the repairs are worst. Im looking to rid of it before it needs tires. One and only driver and not used as a racer. I bought this car from all the great reviews I read, but no longer feeling it.

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  Low cost and Lovin it. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MB Ahern - April 14 - 1:59 pm

  I bought this car used in 2006. Since then, other than usual maintenance cost of tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. I spent about $85 to replace a gasket. After driving a Subaru and a Chevy where costs started within the first year of ownership, and became excessive quickly, I will never buy anything but Honda again. I love, love love this car.

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  2004 Honda Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By carol - April 14 - 12:19 pm

  This was my first Honda that I ever owned. I currently have over 170,000 miles on it and it still is running strong. I drive 140 miles round trip to work from the mountains at 6,000 feet to sea level 4 days a week. My gas mileage averages about 40 mpg. I did replace the IMA battery at just under 150,000 and the cost was covered under CA law, lucky me! I love this car.

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  Great Family Car - Not a Minivan - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Henry - April 14 - 9:59 am

  We purchased our 2010 Pilot about a month ago. While many of the professional reviews of the vehicle lambaste the styling, we think this is one of its stronger points. We did not want a crossover that looks like a minivan. We think the Pilot blends SUV styling with crossover practicality. We decided to select the Pilot over the Highlander because of the additional interior space. So far the Pilot has exceeded our expectations. It is great for two young kids, easy to load up, and tons of storage space. Gas mileage is ok, but for a larger vehicle it is as expected.

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  2 row seat, leather popping out. - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - April 14 - 9:30 am

  The car is perfect. Just that I have a problem with the back seat. The leather popping out for both back seats. This also happened to my friend, who bought an EX. Is there a problem with HONDA? The leather seat from the second row popping out. HIGHLY recommended who own a PILOT with leather seat, should check the second row.

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  Reasonably good car, not a fun ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rs118 - April 13 - 7:34 pm

  Purchased new in 2004. Its a good all around car at a good price when new, but it doesnt really excel at anything. V6 is sort of fast, but the transmission is weak (just replaced at 75k) and handling is only average (stock suspension and tire size). Considering the lack of handling, it still rides very rough over cracked pavement has some rattles inside and out. Leather seats are fairly low grade. Carpets and roof liner had some minor defects when new, couldnt be fixed. Stereo is only average at best and was recalled and replaced. Ive had a few other minor repairs and the break pads wear quickly. If buying used, look for one with the transmission and stereo already replaced.