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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  A Very Comfortable Car to Sit in While We Wait for AAA - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By bigdaddymoho - March 28 - 8:35 pm

  With 6 occasions in 11 monthsafter purchase where the car could not be started, and 5 trips back to the dealer to try to fix the problem, (and a new battery after the first one died just one month after the car was purchased new) this car is headed for lemon law arbitration. I have owned 7 Hondas. This car shows how badly Honda has slipped. Its a shame that its such a piece of junk, because on the occasions when it decides to run, its a very comfortable vehicle.

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  Severe Road Noise - 2012 Honda Accord
  By accordpos - March 26 - 11:21 am

  I bought a brand new Accord LX-S Coupe thinking I was getting a quality car as advertised. I previously owned a 2001 Accord Ex Coupe and loved it. It didn’t have any of these issues on the 2001, it came with a V6, sunroof leather seats and no sound issues at all for the same price. This car has SEVERE road noise over 45mph and cement roads are beyond belief. The dealer wants to sell me a more expensive model Honda wont do anything and seems to state what I bought is a cheap car and i should expect the noise @ a $25k sticker price??? When you have the gas tank 3/4 full you can hear the gas splashing, the tire noise is so bad i have to blast the radio just to keep from going nuts.

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  Thank GOD for Lemon Laws! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By santaclaus - March 20 - 12:35 pm

  Purchased the car in early 2010. In August of that same year it spent 12 days in the shop with engine and PCM problems. In December again back to the dealer for PCM problems. In August of 2011 the engine blew up while driving at 30MPH in residential area. At that point Honda refused to continue fixing the piece of crap. I had to go through all the hoops of the Lemon Law process in order to force them to take it back. Owned it for 26 months.....the car was broken for eight of those

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  Dont Believe Everything You Read - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By djm21 - March 19 - 7:37 am

  Given the title, you may not want to believe this review either, but all I can say is that I have no motivation to make this up. The biggest gripe about our now 1 month old 2012 pilot is the horrible ride due to this crazy ECO / VCM (Variable Cylinder Mgmnt) thing they have designed in it to save gas. You can research more on the internet yourself, but the shuddering that happens when cruzing is very annoying. Constant acceleration is smooth, but cruzing, is shudder city. Feels like driving 25mph in 6th speed. I cant believe Edmunds wrote "Pros: Impressive fuel economy pleasant ride..." in their review. Are you kidding me? and I havent seen more than 21mpg yet either .

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  I will never buy a Honda again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By lindseymarie - February 28 - 1:50 am

  I bought the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe back in September of 2008 thinking it was a smart and economical yet sporty car to get me through college. Well, now more than three years and many bills later I am regretting my decision. The constant squeaking loud brakes (from day 1), replacing my rear brakes three times since my purchase, the electrical issues and the fact that I had to have the battery completely replaced a year later. This car cost close to 30k and I feel like I am driving a Kia or something, the ride is uncomfortable and loud, the passenger airbag only works on an arbitrary basis, the heat/air is horrible & gas mileage is extremely poor! Also had three tire blowouts, weird.

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  Sorry Guys but I guess I bought a Lemon - 2008 Honda Civic
  By same_ole_ford - February 27 - 8:06 pm

  First the maintenance Rear tires have prematurely worn out twice due to a faulty alignment set up from Honda which they had refused to own up to even though they published a service bulletin about the problem. Left front drive shaft failed 42,000 miles replaced both rear wheel bearings at 65,000 miles now the rear shocks are leaking fluid and must be replaced as well. Also there is a Service bulletin about the engine block cracking and leaking antifreeze, which translates into a half done engine rebuild as Honda will not replace the whole engine. Everyone here talks about 70 MPH = 40+ MPG I drive mine 55 to 60 mph on the interstate the best ever is 34MPG. 1st and last Honda anything I buy

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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Honda Civic
  By timd7 - February 16 - 9:51 am

  The vibration inherent in this vehicle is unbelievable - and carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel are the result. Buyer beware - this vehicle should have warnings printed everywhere. Honda says - so what - we know the vibration is there - so what. Honda executives said - we duped Americans into paying top dollar for a piece of vibrating crap. Thats why they are redesigning quickly for 2013... What will that mean to the 2012s we have now - the resale on this vehicle is soooooo low already I cant get out of it. So what, Honda customer services said - buy another vehicle. Honda lost my business.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sparkylawdog - February 9 - 11:36 am

  Purchased a 2002 Accord 4 cyl about a year and a half ago, had about 85,000 miles on it. Before purchasing, took it to a Honda dealership, who checked it out. They said it was in great shape. It now needs a new transmission, with less than 100,000 miles. Ive never had a car with less than 100,000 miles on it need a transmission. But from what Ive heard, this seems to be a recurring problem with these cars. Contacted American Honda, who said they would not help with the repair (You know, Im not the original owner, they have no dealership maintenance records, etc etc). Why should I expect them to own up to a known problem with their cars? Will probably be the last Honda I buy for a while.

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  Poorly Designed Lots of Rattles and Buzzes - 2012 Honda Civic
  By ielmike - January 29 - 6:32 am

  I just bought a 2012 Civic and I cant enjoy it because there is a vibrating/rattling sound coming from the dash and it is driving me crazy. I took it in and the service department said there was no noise. Huh? My mechanic and I went for a ride and he said Honda is nuts and there is a problem with the assembly with loose screws and vibrating cables behind the dash. I wish I could enjoy it but I really cant. I am going to get rid of it and get a Toyota. Ill loose a lot of money but i cant stand that noise. I drove from Chicago to Grand Rapids and had terrible neck and should pain afterwards. I could deal with it if it werent for that stupid noise.

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  many issues!!! buyer beware - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - January 26 - 6:01 pm

  I finally met with the Factory Rep in my area and he verbally ack the shimmy issue but refused to put in writing! Of course, hes not stupid.... [non-permissible content removed]