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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  Burnt Valves / Defective Head - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By qcar - October 26 - 4:00 pm

  My CRV burned a valve at around 65,000 miles. Not what I expected from a Honda! Manual lists 90,000 for valve adjustment. I called the dealer and they offered a high price to repair but no goodwill and no acknowledgment of a defect or revised maintenance schedule. Now at 125,000 miles I have stalling and surging problems due to a defective head design - leading to valve problems. I visited the dealer ($3800 estimate to fix) and called American Honda and got no satisfaction. Almost every CRV driver I talk to has had some valve or head problem. Why no recall? Google Honda CRV burnt valve - this is no rare occurance.

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  First Import Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Pittsburgh Pa - October 26 - 1:27 pm

  I love my 1992 Honda Accord EX . I just purchased it, and had all fluids and tires changed. The ride is soft but firm, and the acceleration is outstanding. I am the second owner and it has been well cared for. I am sure I will have it for another 200 thousand miles as I see these cars never die. I parked next to a brand new car, and mine looked every bit as nice as the new car did. I am proud to have purchased a Honda.

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  Honda is poor quality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike Aron - October 25 - 2:50 pm

  I have taken my car to dealer to replace the following since I leased it: 1. The battery. 2. The stereo, 3. Transmission torque converter. 4. Steering wheel peeling off. As you can see HONDA HAS DECLINED QUALITY lately and reliability is 0%. Plus dealer doesnt supply you with loan car.

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  Very Good But Not Excellent - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Malo - October 24 - 6:24 pm

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  Fantastic MPG - 2009 Honda Fit
  By jokereddie - October 23 - 10:05 pm

  Got the 5 speed stick shift Sport model. MPG is displayed at the push of a button. We havent re-set it since we left the showroom in May. Now with 7000 miles on it we have averaged 44.2MPG!! Fun to drive, rides a little rough, but great little car. Many compliments on the color - we got the Blackberry Pearl.

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  Its Worth every $$$ - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Roman_civic - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Bough it a year ago for my wife. Since then I had to tighten to nut that holds the wiper and... thats it. Just regular maintance. Its a good reliable car. I understand that my wife thinks its too weak, but its a commuter car, not a racing car. (She used to have a 5 spd 93 Civic DX when a teen & drive it at 100-120 mph) I commend this car for reliabilty. So far, so good.

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  Pretty good all-arounder - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By K - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  Bought it at 45K now at 65K only 2 minor issues. Coolant crossover??? and a back light on the HVAC controls. The 4 kids (one in a car seat) my wife and small dog and I fit well enough but if we actually want to take anything with us especially for an overnighter, storage space can be tight even with the 60/40 split 3rd row. Bought a roof bag for camping/cottaging. I hate the plastic bug deflector (aftermarket but bought and installed by Honda) it vibrates and makes a very loud noise over 65 and on my second one now same thing. But Im nitpicking, overall its a good all round vehicle that would fit well with someone who can sacrifice a little space and just doesnt want to drive a minivan.

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  So so - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hondafan - October 21 - 10:06 am

  Bought the FIT for fuel economy and thought about long trips. Gas mileage is great, around town driving is wonderful,and turning is amazing to get into some of those parking spaces. Love the Aux input for the iPod/MP3. Freeway driving is loud and acceleration for on ramps is a lesson in patience and a little terrifying. Feel like I should get out and push. Wish we had held out for the manual but they were selling fast. And, what were they thinking about with some of the cupholders? The most convenient ones are in front of the vents. And, that space behind the cupholders on the gear shift stand.

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  Safety ratings won me over - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By GR - October 21 - 9:02 am

  I bought my Pilot just 5 months ago with 42,000 miles on it. It lacked some of the exterior style elements of the competition, but the interior features seem to fit our lifestyle better. The determining factor was the safety rating. This vehicle won out, hands down! Lucky for me, because last week I totaled my poor Pilot. This vehicle did exactly what it was supposed to do. Protect the occupants. My cars front end was totally smashed, the hood was folded nearly as high as the roof and I was protected in the cab. Other than bruises from the restraints and air bag deployment I am fine and totally amazed. So now the painful part, finding another one.

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  My wife loves it, I think its ok. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AP - October 21 - 1:19 am

  We purchased the 2007 model in 2006. It was between the RAV4 and the CRV. We chose the CRV and the 4WD for the snow. We had a big snow storm the first year and it did as good as my Toyota T100 4x4 truck. We had the rear Diff problem and had it replaced, got free 100k 7 year warrant for our trouble (and the fact that the dealer didnt believe us the diff was grinding). We now have about 45k miles on it, the tires are still ok, one is making noise probably the one that ran over an nail and was repaired. It seems the seats were wearing out quick at first, but seem ok. We got the big rubber Honda floor mats that really do keep the car clean. So far so good, after over 2 years, we love it.