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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  Multiple Replacements of Rear Brakes - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By UpstateJohn - February 7 - 2:02 pm

  My wifes CRV...a great car with only one outstanding exception. Multiple complete Replacements of the rear brake systems, complete calipers and rotors. Due to complete lockups of the rear brakes, the first replacement of calipers and rotors was performed under warranty at about 16,000 miles. Honda covered it. Second replacement was and about 37,000 miles, Honda covered that even though past 36,000 miles. Dealer said a bad batch of calipers were used in the first replacement session. (OK, then why the 2nd freeze up?) Then a THIRD replacement was necessary of the calipers and rotors at about 58,000 due to another freezeup and warping the rotors, At our cost. Disappointing. Great Car though

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  Needs better gas milage - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Mike sinitiere - February 7 - 12:28 pm

  I was very disappointed with the fuel economy.(Needs to come with a free gas gift card $100 dollars or so)Seems like Honda could do better with this.I will by Toyota next time if the fuel economy does not get better.I will bring in for a little pull to the right.I did read the reviews and it looks like I got the 2 negatives that was said about the Honda pilot.

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  bad brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By f - February 7 - 12:17 pm

  have had hondas for 28 years yet my new 2009 am not happy. took car in for 15,000 service and was told rear brakes, front wheel drive car, are shot and need to be replaced. front brakes, which take brunt of braking, are fine. 16,000 miles for new pads and rotors???? never had this before. was told honda has had big problems with this last two years. reliable company cheapening car to prop up profits, never thought honda would do this

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  Its a simple hybrid... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By fromguzzlertogreen - February 6 - 11:15 pm

  I chose the insight since I couldnt see myself in a prius. I drove an 2007 BMW M5 that gave me mechanical problems and bad gas. I was looking for greatest gas mileage plus prestige that only came with a hybrid like prius- Insight was just the car. In CA-it was great since its warm. No need for heating. Drove to seattle for $80 in gas. Now, I am averaging 34-36MPG- not happy with these #s. I have to remind myself I bought it for the distinction, otherwise I should have spend less on a civic.

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  Its True...Honda QC is SluMping Fast! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By luvdriving - February 6 - 11:07 pm

  I miss my 95 Accord. It was by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, selling it with 157,000 miles on it. Drove it Coast to Coast and it NEVER ONCE let me down. The 2004 CRV I have now has 57,000 mi on it. Its not horrible..but not great either: Im 61" and can (NEVER) get comfortable due to the lack of leg room...which is primarily my fault for not taking it on a 100 Mi test drive:).. Right! Everything still works BUT the squeaks and bad rattles are Everywhere!..Including Multiple windows, passenger side belt, the front suspension...Mechanic still cant figure that one out! Interior scratches easily, and loud road noise. Im selling it for an alternative Colorado friendly car.

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  Rough and tough - 2009 Honda Fit
  By oldgrover - February 6 - 4:29 pm

  I think Honda forgot to put springs & shocks in my Fit! The ride is brutal on Minnesotas beat up roads. Hondas build quality is apparent, any other car that rides this rough would have broken in half or at least creak, groan & squeak after 15000 miles. My other complaints are the awkward placement of the cup holders. Being a righty, the cup holder on the left side of the dash is inconvenient. The mouse fur interior fabric traps hair and lint that is difficult to remove. I also wonder how long the cardboard carpeting will hold up.

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  honda - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By honda crv - February 5 - 10:53 am

  Build quality of exterior and interior is excellent. But this car used from a dealer. However the ride quality is very mediocre. Very uncomfy shocks even with replacement. Loud engine noise and squeaky interior and exterior on bumps. Excellent reliability and gas mileage. Nice looking exterior and handling.

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  An Overall Satisfied Customer - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike P - February 5 - 9:36 am

  First off, I got this car for a STEAL because it was the last 08 the dealer had on the lot. Due to this, I may think that this car is a better value than others that paid sticker. Overall, I like the car. Its fast, handles well, and looks pretty good when tinted. Its also a decent size, reliable, and pretty economical. I drive "spiritedly" often and I still get great gas mileage. The worst was 26mpg (100 mile trip on back roads in Maine = wild ride) and the best has been about 33mpg...I usually average about 29 with 50/50 highway/city. One warning if you get an Si, every punk kid in a Honda/import will want to race you. Just something you have to live with.

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  Cracked Engine Block @ 132K - 2006 Honda Civic
  By NPW - February 4 - 8:19 am

  Love the car! It was a great drive but cracked engine block @ 132K???? This seems to be an epidemic now showing up on 2006/2007/2008 Civics! Honda will not cover it because of the mileage which I think is not good PR considering it is due to to a design weakness or a manufacturing defect regardless of mileage. Hoping for an eventual recall! Also, transmission had to be replaced at 132K!

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  Familiar Problems - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Familymaniam - February 3 - 5:33 pm

  Bought car new in 2000. It replaced my 1995 Odyssey. Love the van except for transmission problem, paint clearcoat failure and repeated problems with sliding doors. Van handles well. Weve been on long trips and the space makes traveling with kids great.