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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  Good car but..... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PatrickP - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new on a bit of a whim. It is a good car and I know that it will be reliable but I cant get used to the 4 cyl engine. My last car was a Mercedes. It had high maint cost so wanted to be more economical. It is but need more power. I drove from San Francisco to Chicago and the gas milage was perfect. But going through the mountains on I80 was very sad indeed. Overall good car just not thrilled by it at all. It is one noisy car and you can really feel every bump on the road.

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  Honda no more - 2001 Honda Accord
  By exhondaboy - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchasing my 5th accord was suppose to be a no loose deal, previous models were exceptional cars to drive. I was sold a lemon when I bought my new 2001 accord. The car shakes and rattles, the weatherstripping is poor, and the stereo belongs in a dodge aries k car.Neither the dealership nor the service center in CA has been any help. Ive basically been told "Its yours now" and my concerns have been overlooked. Maybe Honda should concentrate on quality control at its plants instead of making top sales. Honda youve lost a loyal 17 yr owner for good.

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  I am sorry I bought this car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Michele - February 20 - 8:16 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. The back brakes went out at 25K miles, the battery went out after two years, the drivers side door lock has now broken and will cost a $200+ to repair. The pass-through space for the fold down seats is ridiculously small and ineffective. I cant afford to trade it in so I am stuck with it but not happy about it.

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  Civic made poorly this year! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Inextricableitr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been satisfactory due to the fact that i had to go back to the dealer and get new synchros and new linkages. That was the most unconvenient situation i have ever had with a new vehicle. Tranny work at 20000 miles... Very disappointed, but overall it has been an ok car..wished they built like they did in the years of 1992-95 becuase those years i did not have any problems with...What happened Honda??? and whats up with the cheaper suspension??? macphersons instead?? why??

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  Very disappointed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle03 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I guess it was my mistake... to go from a 6-cylinder vehicle to a 4-cylinder... but I was guaranteed it was the top of the line 4-cylinder! What I didnt realize was that I would never again be able to pass anyone without literally watching the gas deplete. And, if I have to pass anyone on a hill... well, LOL, thats a different story. I have to turn OFF the AC just to get up enough power to do so. My paint has chipped and rust spots have appeared all over my vehicle. Very disappointed.

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  2008 Honda Pilot - Expensive vehicle to maintain - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Donna H - February 7 - 12:24 am

  I purchased the 2008 Honda Pilot new in Feb 2008. The driving noise is ridiculous as others have mentioned. Only get between 25000 to 30000 miles out of any type of tire. Car now has 150,000 miles on it and it has been maintained by Honda precisely as recommended. Spent over $3000 for large maintenance items in 2014 and now looking at over $4000 in repairs including stuts, bushings, rear main seal, main bearings and engine fan motor. Have had motor mounts repaired at least 3 times and have paid for several intermediate inspections (one in Dec 2015 & one in Jan 2016 because of excessive tire wear) that revealed nothing wrong with struts or bushing and now two months later they both need to be replaced and have ruined another set of tires. Hmmm...maybe its the dealers technicians at Clear Lake Honda in Houston? I have never had so many things go wrong on a car.

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  Unstable, unsafe, on grooved pavement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By norcalsteve - January 25 - 5:00 am

  Bought the car 2 days ago, today was the first time on our lousy Hwy 101 in Santa Rosa, Ca. BUT - wherever you drive this car, if the pavement is grooved, usually a concrete road, or if there are a lot of cracks running the direction of travel, this car will be unstable. Its like the rear wheels are loose, its annoying, I think its unsafe, when you have many lanes of travel, and its hard to keep the CRV in its own lane. I travel this road all the time, my other vehicles do not act this way. And - all the Honda service department says its the tires, and nothing can be done about it. Great, when I get sideswiped by another vehicle then what? Blame the tires !

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  Disappointed from Day One - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jradams1976 - January 24 - 4:20 pm

  Unfortunately, my first Honda will be my last. The right front brakes have squeaked since day one. The rear brakes have experienced premature wear and will soon need replacing. Driver side leather seat is very uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes of driving. Gas mileage is worse than advertised (I average 23 mpg). Honda America has no resolution to date for any of these problems. Additionally, my passenger side door was dinged a month ago and paint has already begun to chip. All in all, I deeply regret having bought this car and am continually disappointed with Honda Americas problem-solving capabilities or lack thereof.

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  Steeting Wheel Vibration(s) - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Joe S. - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We have come to "like" the car, but after numerous attempts to figure out what causes the wheel vibration - I am about to loose it. New Tires, 6 wheel balanceing efforts (with Hunters 3-way Road Force machine) all to no avail. Smooth as can be until 70mph and then hold on for any increase speeds after that. Other - overall - reliability has been poor - heater blower, two vents, front strut have all needed replcaing.......this is not up to Hondas standards

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  Transmission Issues BEWARE! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie Lyle - January 17 - 4:52 am

  We have had our Pilot Elite since August 2015. In the past month out of nowhere, we are also experiencing the chirping noise and shifting issue between 20-30 MPH. There are also issues with shifting and jerkiness at other speeds and the cruise control constantly fluctuates and jerks. We took the vehicle in to the dealer today and they admitted that this his a frequent issue they are seeing with the Elite and Touring models. They are going to put us in a rental and replace the transmission. I am not happy that my car that is barely a year old has to have a new transmission. We have always been Honda owners and have NEVER had a problem with our cars. This is beyond disappointing. I intend to contact American Honda and voice my concerns and open a case. If there are any further problems after this transmission is replaced, I will expect Honda to replace the vehicle. Other than issue we have loved the vehicle up until now.