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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  My First Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Robetross - October 19 - 9:57 pm

  My 1996 Honda was my first car and still is my one and only car. My parents bought it new in 1996 and gave it to me when I graduated college and started living on my own. It is a very reliable car and if you follow the maintenance schedule and spend the money to maintain it, it will last a long time. I will be hitting 185,000 miles soon and will never sell or trade this car in....too much sentimental value and besides, its just a great commuter car. Gas mileage is above average and it being my only car, I know it will still start every day, despite its age.

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  Very uncomfortable seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By John Fairborn - October 19 - 7:45 pm

  Im 6ft 4in, with a 34 inch waist -- not that big, but I find the drivers seat very uncomfortable. Its too small and the outside ridges are too hard. Ive driven older Honda Pilots and liked them, which is one reason we bought a new one. Dont know what they changed, but it was not for the better. My wife has no problem, but if youre my size, or larger, beware.

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  Honda not as reliable as I thought - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stolla - October 19 - 7:36 pm

  Likes: Looks, performance, handling. Dislikes: Oil consumption: recently began burning off oil. About a pint every 2000 miles. I used castrol syntec 5w20 since new and had it serviced by dealer. Dealer reply that this oil consumption is normal. This is the first vehicle I ever owned including a Dodge caravan with 130k miles that ever burned this much oil. I am not a Honda believer any more. My hyundai elantra 2002 with 140k uses no oil between 5k synthetic oil changes. Brakes: Rotors resurfaced at 20k miles and replaced at 45k miles. The brakes are already shaking again at 50k miles. Road noise, rattles (doors and moonroof).

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  Look for something better - 2007 Honda Civic
  By seang - October 19 - 12:16 pm

  Decent car but not worth the $. Poor radio, poor ride quality and extremely loud interior. Im 6-2" and fit comfortable in car. Ergonomics are good but the position of the e brake is bad and uncomfortable on leg. Good thing is I got 33 mpg average. On long highway rides, almost 38 mpg. I got sick of the road noise and harsh ride and traded this car in. You can get more car for the money. I traded mine in for a Legacy. For $2K more, you get all wheel drive, awesome radio, awesome ride.

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  2004 Honda CRV - another problem - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SMH - October 19 - 11:47 am

  My AC went out around 45000 miles, brakes 46000, check engine light now coming on at 60000 miles - the fix is over $300. Ive owned 4-5 Honda sedans and now this CRV. Ive never had this many problems with a Honda. Part of the AC was covered by warranty. Nothing else. Beware!

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  I like it - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By franK DURAND - October 19 - 7:14 am

  Purchased in Jan 09 after much looking and reading. I read so many complaints about the styling that I almost did not buy it. I traded a Landcruiser because I was looking for something with better gas mileage, and economy. I love my Pilot. Once you are in the car, you forget about the boxy style. I am getting twice the gas mileage as in my previous car. It is a safe, fun , reliable car to drive. I bought the 4wd for traveling off road later. I plan to keep my Pilot for many years. Service has been very good.

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  Not Bad! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Charles - October 18 - 11:58 pm

  This car is FOREVER old and its been really good. Of course, there are some things that have gone wrong seeing that its been around since 1996. It needs a new muffler and the front windows are having issues getting up and down. Such are power windows, though, after close to 14 years! Something actually just went wrong the other day and I cant get it to turn over. Not sure what the problem is yet but its been super STURDY and great up until now. Honda rules. Oh, and it has 180,000 miles. Not bad at all! Im sure after I get the "starting" issue fixed itll have much more life in it. Shes given me faith!

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  Good overall car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - October 18 - 10:14 pm

  This is a follow up from my first review. Ive had my car for 9 months. The gas mileage is wonderful - on a 2k round trip, I averaged 38-40mpg on the highway even through the mountains of TN! In FL, mpgs were closer to 45! Had a couple of service needs that I didnt quite expect so soon. O2 sensor at 63k & recently replaced the timing belt at 69k (but the car is 5 yrs old). Control arm bushings also need to be replaced. Mechanics said these are all typical for these Civics but overall theyre still some of the best cars out there. I wish it had more power. But this is the car to take on a long road trip!

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  Element SC - 2009 Honda Element
  By Ben in Yorba Linda - October 18 - 9:43 pm

  Recently purchased, put first 1K miles on her today. Overall excellent car, feels very safe. For only a 4 cylinder I am averaging only 20 miles per gallon. Interior is cheap for the most part, especially considering it is a $24K rig. Cheap plastic steering wheel, no ipod controls and no security system come standard, you have to add them as accessories. Wake up Honda and make these standard. Heavy orange peel in paint. Extremely vulnerable to chips. This is unacceptable for any modern vehicle.

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  Best-in-class van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By FirstOdyssey - October 18 - 8:46 pm

  New dad with rapidly-growing infant. Reliability, comfort, convenience were top considerations. Like other reviewers, compared Odyssey to Sienna, Quest, VW, as well as against large SUVs. Found Odyssey to be best combination of features/utility/design for the price and for our needs. Purchased end-of-year model with 40 miles on odometer for about $1600 under invoice. Drives more like a car (albeit a Honda, and not a BMW), surprisingly roomy, cavernous cargo space when 3rd row is folded down, intuitive/ingenious fold-down 3rd row, trouble-free through first 500 miles. Solid feel throughout. Plastic dash, but thats what you get for about $25K.