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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  2003 Pilot - 7 yrs old - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kristin - July 23 - 1:04 pm

  Ive had this car for 7 years and like all Hondas, its been super reliable. I had to replace the stereo a year ago (it broke for no reason). It was $1000 to replace, so I bought an aftermarket, but the steering wheel controls wont work with it now. The interior door handle was plastic with "metal tape" over it and it was peeling, so I had to replace it. I hate the removable headrests for the 2nd/3rd row seats (big pain), but theyve redesigned them in 2009. Overall its been a great car and Im buying another Pilot now (2010), which is even better designed. I love Hondas!

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  Several problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Lori - July 23 - 1:01 pm

  We bought this car in hopes of keeping it "forever". Now at 85,000 Ive had to have the transmission replaced (this week)- seems a little too soon for that! Honda did cover 50% of the cost because of the low mileage (they call it Goodwill). The alternator had to be replaced in 2006 (very expensive). The ECM for emissions had to be replaced in 2003 (under warranty). The climate control motor assembly had to be replaced in 2007. The CD player stopped working and the radio had to be replaced in 2004 (Honda covered that). All in all, I guess its been a good car- its never left me stranded- but I think the things that have gone wrong are excessive considering the low miles.

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  Old Reliable - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Sarah G. - July 23 - 11:02 am

  Im about to sell this old girl, and I really regret doing it, but its time for an upgrade. This car, although sixteen years old, has been the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. It was a breath of fresh air after the AWFUL Jeep Grand Cherokee I owned for only six months, due to shoddy reliability. The only thing Ive only ever really done to this vehicle, is regular oil changes and had the brakes looked at, other than that, I havent spent a cent on it. She isnt pretty fading paint, dents, holes on rear wheel wells, but she gets the job done.

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  Honda 2002 CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bolinlamar - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Honda Ive owned, I only buy used cars now not new ones. I thought this was a good buy at a good price because of my experience with the other Hondas Ive owned, boy was I mistaken. The Air Conditioning Compressor blew up only 2 weeks after I bought it, the Sales Manager refused to help pay for any of the repair or parts for the AC System. He said that he had sold me the car at a price that was so low that the dealership didnt really make any profit so he couldnt help with any of the repair. I had to pay $1974.97 to the Honda Dealership to replace the entire AC System since the compressor blew bits of metal were all in the system. Very disapointed.

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  Pilot: Id probably buy it again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ted Mackley - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The only problems areas with my Pilot were a few sample defects which wernt right from day one. The cruise control "Set" button has never worked correctly, and an interior light does not turn on and off properly. The body colors are a matter of opinion, but I found none that particularly appealed to me in this model. The power outlets do not operate when the the key is not in the on or accesory posistion so charging a cell phone overnight is not possible. Comfort, ride, reliablity and quality feel are more then enough to make up for these minor problems.

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  Noisy but nice - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Deacon - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Just had to have one and now that I do, Im enjoying the ride. Its a bit more noisy than I would prefer though. The 02 Camry I traded in was a lot quieter. The ride is somewhat harsh with bumps and general road conditions felt much more than you would expect from a van with this price tag. The seats are very comfortable and the roomy interior is just what is needed. The road trips have been enjoyable and I look forward to many more. All in all a great van.

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  Honda quality shows.....most of the time - 2001 Honda Civic
  By moichman - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Honda is known for its great vehicles, and the 2001 Civic is no exception. Except: there are so many rattles on this thing its crazy. I was always sure not to buy a first-year model, but it happened, and Im noticing why now. Also, the transmission hunts for a gear around 1500 RPM, but I blame the small engine for that, which is very smooth along with said transmission.

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  Poor Gas mileage - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Sally - July 22 - 11:37 pm

  Get 13mpg in city driving. Transmission went out at 90k. A good car, but the gas mileage is killing me.

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  Transmission blew after only 70,000 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By KELLY - July 22 - 7:59 pm

  I absolutely love this car - it drives great, nice looking. I bought it used at 12,000 miles. I now have 71,000 miles and I need a new transmission. 2500.00 this is unbelievable! I am so bummed. I cannot afford another car or even this trans. but I am doing it. Aamco is doing the work and said they have had 1999 and 2000 Hondas needing new trans. I think this should be a recall, especially since I only have 70,0000.

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  A Terrible Disappointment - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lyndongolden - July 22 - 4:40 am

  My test drive of the Si sedan left me smiling, road test reviews were great, and Honda typically has a good reputation, so my expectations for this Honda were very high. But reality set in after 6,000 miles. No torque! Real problems included: transmission jumping out of 3rd gear & grinding into 3rd gear, clutch pedal creak noises, suspension pop noises, and a creaky structure. Transmission made "gritty" chattering & whirling noises at low speeds. Warranty clutch & flywheel replacement did not help. Overall, all of these noises were fatiguing and the car was a disappointment. Traded it in for a solid 2008 GMC Sierra... something with substance, solidity, and guts.