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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  Brakes - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By cole27 - September 16 - 5:51 pm

  2nd honda odyssey. 1st was an 08 and it was great. Our 2014 on the other hand has 20000 miles on it and has had the rotors turned 3 times. Not replaced because thats not what the honda specs say to do so they grind them down. It also has a clunk in the front end. I called honda and they suggested the brakes got hot from riding them. The regional rep didnt seem to care and waived the resurfacing cost since the brakes are now out of warranty. No explaining why our 2008 didnt have that problem. We paid more so we could have a good vehicle and that doesnt seem to be the case. We even drive 2 hours to a certified dealer. I will trade very soon.

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  Cant feel the hype - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lfas - September 7 - 6:19 am

  I owned this car in 4-door LX 4 speed auto guise for neigh on four years, and other than the fact that this little car handled like crazy and could take an off ramp at 60 mph with ease, thats where my admiration ends. Post ownership, and for the life of me I cannot grasp the Honda hype that led me to plunk down my cash on this vehicle. I just plainly dont know what sparks such admiration for Honda Civcs. The car was vastly underpowered for daily commuter driving around the Chicagoland area. I am fond of saying that Civics cant manage to get out of their own way. Was it the auto trans that muted power? The car had an all around anemic, fragile feel to me.

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  Good commuter, not comfortable - 2010 Honda Insight
  By krazyrabbit1 - August 27 - 8:29 pm

  Bought a used 2010 Honda Insight EX last year when I changed jobs that led to a longer drive. Most of my 70 miles per day is highway and the Insight averages 46 mpg. City stop and go driving actually brings up the mpg. Im an average sized woman, 55" tall, not fond of the ergonomics of the Insight. Sit too low even with the seat height up all the way and its uncomfortable, the armrest is too far away. My friend is 510" and the passenger seat doesnt go back far enough for her legs. The car handles well if there is no wind or snow, horrible if its windy. Blows all over the road. Has decent pick up though. I dont take it on long trips. Would recommend for commuter car only.

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  Significant problems Ill never buy another Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaleto - August 27 - 7:05 pm

  There are glaring problems with this car and Hondas in general. In fact, they had to extend the warranty on many parts. After only a few years, one engine mount broke, the clear coat flaked, and the paint cracked. The CVT transmission lags, which could cause an accident if youre expecting an immediate response from the gas pedal. To top it off, they lied about the MPG when I bought it in 2007--originally boasted at 41 highway, at best I get in the low 30s highway. Bottom line is there are better quality comparable cars, and because of the poor workmanship of this model (and Hondas in general for the past 10 years or so), Ill never buy another Honda.

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  VCM Horrible - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By thebigv21 - August 26 - 10:02 am

  My wife had this vehicle for a month. While driving, when the engine went into ECO mode there would be a stutter and hesitation. The entire floor would vibrate. I researched this problem and it seemed that a lot of people were having the same issue without a fix. I traded the vehicle in instead of dealing with this. Bought a highlander and it runs much better.

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  Very Uncomfortable Seats! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By beachbum78 - August 21 - 8:04 pm

  Ive only had the car one month and my back is getting worse by the day. Have tried the seat repositioning and adding support cushions to no avail. I have one more orthopedic cushion on order to try. My husbands back went out after a 30 minute ride (hes 5-10 and Im 5-4" - not overweight) and my 70-lb. 12 yr old niece also complains of back pain in this car. Leased through Honda Financial Service and they do not allow any transfers of leases (i.e. leasetrader or swapalease). After researching this further, many Honda seat complaints have been posted in recent years. (Oh - the dealer said they will take it back in a trade - at a $3000 loss to me!!)

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  Not impressed - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ncg8r2 - August 10 - 6:22 pm

  After years of hearing how everyone LOVED their Honda Pilot, we broke down two years ago and bought a 2011 EX-L with 22,000 miles on it. After 4 months, the sunroof started to leak.As soon as the 36K mile warranty ran out, transmission issues. 3 months ago, more transmission issues. Last month, brand new battery went dead 3x in a week. Took the battery back but it checked ok as did alternator. Dealership was stumped said it was fine. Left me stranded and having to call tow truck twice. Turns out - another dealership 4 hours from home where I happened to be stranded - found an A/C switch was malfunctioning causing battery drain. Cant wait to find a replacement. It wont be a Honda.

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  Trans Sucks - 2001 Honda Accord
  By manoh - August 7 - 2:59 pm

  I bought this car by believing all the reviews and got dashed my head. With in one week of buying the Honda Accord EX V6 my transmission started giving problem. It got started slipping and engine light blinks and D4 light started blinking. Took it to mechanic and he told that need to rebuild transmission which could be $2000. If you still would like to go for this car , you are great!!!!!!!!

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  2012 EX -4 cyl - Uncomfortable seats - 2012 Honda Accord
  By christod - August 6 - 4:26 pm

  I lease this car for the last 2+ years and cant wait to give it back . - The seats are very uncomfortable causing lower back and hip pain when driving more than 20 min. I adjusted the seat on any possible way but I couldnt find a comfortable position. -Grinding noise coming from plastics . - The road noise when driving on the highway is very annoying . +Fuel consumption is OK, a full tank for 370-400 miles with regular . +The space for passengers is really good. +Overall no mechanical issues .

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  Love my Honda but.. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By kiralee1 - July 14 - 9:01 pm

  I got this car used with about 25,000 miles on it and its at 62,000 miles now. Really fun to drive, nice handling, and exceptionally reliable. Ive never had any mechanical problems, just regular service. It does really good in the snow if you put beefy snow tires on. The biggest problem is the paint. Its peeling everywhere and rusting. Honda said they dont cover the paint because of where I live. Ive had a few older Hondas and they have all had paint issues. They are a more expensive economy car and I think they should have higher quality paint. If you get a lower end civic get better wheels put on. One pothole and the wheel will bend. Overall a really great car.