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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  Good Ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bud H - March 8 - 6:48 pm

  This has been an excellent SUV. I use it often like a truck. I am able to fit a 16 foot extension ladder inside with the rear hatch closed. It has been 100% reliable. We have never had a problem with it. The OEM tires did wear out around 20,000 miles. New Goodyear tires are not even half worn at 40,000. No maintenance except oil changes and tire rotations. Fit and finish is very good. No paint issues. No leaks or rattles.

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  Pull to the right, low mpg - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By jrock258 - March 7 - 10:44 pm

  Bought a 10 Pilot in 8/09. The pull to the right was obvious from the start. The car would drive off the road in 3-4 seconds. After 5 trips to the dealer, pulling stopped. The first 5 trips incl. switch fr and rr tires, replace 1st bad tire, rear alignment, front alignment and adjd steering wheel. None fixed the problem. On trip #5, (6 if you count the test drive with the Serv Mgr.), tires were tested for tire pull (Google Hunter gsp9700), 2nd bad tire was replaced and the pull stopped. On Edmunds, there are +15 complaints about the 09/10 Pilot pulling to the right. All complaints are for the LX/EX with Good Year Fortera H/L, Last count for Tourg model complaints with Michelins. = zero

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  Honda Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Eric Hoover - March 7 - 8:32 pm

  I have owned my Fit for approximately 6 months and the auto has proved to be very reliable. Overall the Fit is well constructed, but a little bit on the cheap side for features. One example is the front wiper blades - I cannot remember a recent car or truck that did not have true intermittent wiper blades! The Fit rides sporty, but a "little" on the bouncy side. The noise level inside the cabin can become fairly loud at times, such as during acceleration. The front seats are also on the uncomfortable side - the seats could be better designed and have at least an adequate armrest for the driver and passenger. The gas economy computer is also a joke - even GM can do this right.

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  Transmission at 70K? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 7 - 7:16 pm

  Bought used Accord EX with 41K. Our transmission failed at 70K but I reported issues much earlier. Honda America was rude and irresponsible about transmission failure. They refused to own up and replace my transmission despite the class action suit requiring them to do so. Honda quality is far overrated. Parts and labor are very expensive also. Ride is not great on 2000 and seems worse in newer Accords. Interior is very nice although seats are not comfortable on long rides. Hope new transmission makes it to 150K. Honda has had a lot of issues with transmissions on Accord, Civic, and Odyssey. Like I said, much overrated for quality. Daughters 99 Accord was an absolute money pit.

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  Honda 2007 CR-V EX 4 door SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By anna - March 7 - 5:55 pm

  I bought my 2007 CR-V in 2007 after doing my research on small SUVs and I found this one was so much better than all of the others out there. The mileage was not what they said it would be and the road noise is heard even with the windows up. I have had it for 2 years and I use it for work and around town travel and at 47,000 miles I have to replace the tires already.

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  ole reliable - 1991 Honda Civic
  By ck45 - March 7 - 4:55 pm

  Well first off, I bought the car from an old man for $1500, when I was a senior in high school. I looked at and was in excellent condition inside and out, but I checked the odometer and showed 289,000. I was thinking wow this thing is gonna blow up when I drive it. Soon after talking about it I asked for a test drive and honestly it drove and handled just fine. It is a 5 speed and had a 1.5 L with a new alternator and starter.

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  Love it! Love it! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By CRV4-4OFUS - March 6 - 10:09 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a second car and wanted a small SUV with AWD or 4WD. We saw one for sale two weeks ago wit 176,500 miles and hesitated for a day. We went to look at it again and bought it for $3500. The interior looks like no one drove it or ever sat inside- its brand new looking. The exterior was rusty w/stock steel wheels and very worn out tires, a few dings here and there but nothing too serious. After driving the car from the lot we drove straight to the Honda mechanic and changed the belt & adjusted the valves and brakes. The SUV is in great shape mechanically and the interior is in excellent shape. The price for service $650, tires with 16" Honda rims $660.

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  Great SUV but ... - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Wren - March 6 - 5:22 pm

  I purchased this 2007 pilot used with 36,000 miles on it. Great vehicle so far. Handles well on the road and drives smoothly. The only downfall is the gas mileage. I travel 60 miles round trip and about 30 miles are rural roads. My gas mileage is about 16 miles per gallon. Keeping in mind the tank holds 20 gallons. Not very good gas mileage from this vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - March 6 - 12:11 pm

  Mileage is a little weak but overall car is great, comfort, handles well, drives nice. I love mine!

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  High maintenance after 75000 miles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T Anderson - March 6 - 9:19 am

  Very noisy - hard to hear radio on most roads in the Northwest. Very high maintenance after 75000 miles. Examples: Drivers side door lock malfunction. 2. Left passenger door lock actuator malfunction.3. Cruise control computer system malfunction. 4. Air bag indicator malfunction. 4. Timing belt side mount replacement. Items 1-4 cost $1200 in repairs! Honda dealer had a very hard time diagnosing cruise control problem. i.e., many false fixes.