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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  Amazed at the longevity! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By bm - January 8 - 11:58 pm

  *bought this when my husband drove a lot for sales. *my car now for several years and I keep insisting I wont trade it. *doesnt have the cushiest seats in town, but I can go to my car every morning and know that it will start! *Weve been religious about good maintenance *but Ive only changed the battery twice *made one good-sized repair *radiator fan. *air conditioning-the only draw back. The a/c has had some problems- the "flap" that sometimes sticks so that air cant circulate into the vehicle will cost about another 300 in labor because of is location. Overall, an incredibly reliable vehicle.

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  Good car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dana - January 8 - 6:38 pm

  I have found this car to be very good for a family of 5. There is lots of room for when traveling. It fits both me and my husband I am 5 ft he is 6 ft. seats are comfortable and nice, seems to go well in the snow.

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  Okay - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Aaron - January 8 - 1:31 pm

  Car has moderate road noise seems poorly insulated. Bluetooth calls can easily be heard outside of vehicle. The ride is pretty rough can feel every road imperfection. Take corners at posted speed otherwise car feels like it is slipping. The auto tranny is awful. If you dont make complete stops, the tranny will jerk into gear when you push the throttle. Downshifts are not subtle, either. Build quality is less than expected. Rear bumper fitment was off, paint scratches very easily, several plastic interior components replaced under warranty already

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  Good small car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kathy - January 7 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned this Civic for 2 years. I love the handling of this car. It hugs the road, the dash , but the seats are very uncomfortable. The complaint I have heard of others about Hondas is comfort only. It is reliable, is great on road & gas mileage, but if you like comfort the seats wont do it for you. Too bad Honda cant figure out how the torso would be more comfy in their seats- the only drawback.

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  Satisfied - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rusty - January 7 - 1:26 pm

  Bought the car for my high school son six years ago with 63000 miles. Hes put on another 119000 hard miles on it. During most of this time the only thing required was regular maintenance (fluids, filters, plugs, belts, blades and hoses). Did replace radiator last year(an easy self-install for $100). Just last month was first major problem - oil pump died and engine fried. Replaced it with a used moter that had 79K and while everything was apart replaced the clutch, water pump, belts and shes ready for the road again. I guess the A/C, CV joints and power windows are eventually due to fail, but so far so good.

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  Solid Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ck - January 7 - 12:41 pm

  I bought this car b/c are family was expanding to 3 kids. It is held up remarkably well and is a very solid car. It seats 5 kids easily. The ride in the front seats is good. The ride in the 2nd and 3rd rows is stiff (the bench seats are very stiff). I have had no problems with the car and I am up to 100k miles. For the money, it was an excellent buy. My one pain point with the car is the gas mileage...it is avg about 19 mpg which translates into a big fuel big for someone with a decent commute length.

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  my klunker trade - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By tiger - January 7 - 8:46 am

  Have had many Honda / Acuras this is typical high quality, surprisingly large inside, 5 foot bed is all I need, in bed trunk is amazing, great feature, it replaced an old Silverado so not quite the towing capacity, but dont need that now. GREAT in SNOW, seamless transition to 4WD, great traction with stock tires, only my 2006 Acura RL has better traction on snow and ice. Could get better gas mileage, probably will increase with age is my Honda experience.

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  Good car/bad car - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ski_momma3 - January 7 - 7:35 am

  We bought this car new in 1/06 and this is officially my last day of ownership! Our family of 5 finds the interior very comfortable and roomy (weve dubbed it the traveling living room). Its been reliable mechanically but is a bit quirky. The steering noise at low speeds (which our Honda dealer "cant hear") has annoyed me from day 1. The braking distance is unsafely long and has not improved with a complete brake job. I feel like I almost have to stomp on them to get the car to stop. The sliding doors have been finicky and the tracks easily get warped with kids coming in/out. When this happens, we have to turn the auto off and the doors are heavy for manual operation.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kristin - January 6 - 10:31 pm

  I still have this car as it is hard to turn it back in since its a lease. Ive not had one problem with it (Very Reliable)! Just the regular maintenance. I would recommend this car to anyone! Its been one of my favorites. You can never go wrong with buying a Honda!

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  2010 pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By denise - January 6 - 12:35 pm

  Traded in our 2007 Odyssey for pilot. Miss the room the van provided have three kids who play lots of sports. Interior quality could be better. Have not seen pull to the right issue, but did mention that as a concern when we bought and the salesperson said never heard of that! Didnt really test drive many other suvs although gmc Acadia has gotten good reviews. Stuck with Honda for reliability factor. Hopefully wont be disappointed.