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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  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]

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  Road Noise - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By drivingcrazy - January 25 - 4:07 pm

  I purchased the EX CR-V yesterday. I test drove one earlier in the month but was waiting for the blue color. I went around the block when it came in and it seemed fine. I am surprised that no one has complained of road noise. I find it sooooo noisy from both the road and passing cars. Everyone keeps saying last years model was noisier but I cant imagine how. Please before purchasing take it on the freeway and rough roads to be sure. I am stuck for a while.

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  Worst vehicle Ive owned, by far - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By greghodg - January 25 - 1:14 pm

  Good looking, comfortable for six, fun to drive, it should have been a great van. We bought this van new in 2005 after our third child was born. Quick list of problems - vibration in steering (through multiple sets of tires and countless rebalancing), replaced starter, power steering pump, alternator. Rear motor mount went at about 50k miles ($800 covered by honda out of warranty). Both power doors have been repaired, and both are still flakey and frequently dont work. But really the biggest one is that the A/C has been replaced THREE times, at almost exactly one year intervals. First time cost me $1400, second time honda covered it, third time they split the cost. Just awful.

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  Well done... - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mtobon - January 25 - 1:07 am

  Just got my 2012 CR-V EX and Im loving it. This is my first SUV ever and second Honda vehicle, after a 1998 Civic. Im very well impressed with the level of sophistication and versatility of this vehicle for this price segment. After reading some expert reviews complaining about the CR-V being a little under powered, I can only say that unless you have a large family and/or large towing needs, this vehicle provides enough acceleration and handling to comply with most driver demands, especially in terms of fuel economy. Last but not least, Honda has a great lease deal going on that also added to the equation...

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  Big Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By joyfuljoy - January 24 - 12:55 pm

  I have had my 2012 Honda Pilot for over two months now. The first day I drove it from the lot (I test drove a different car and picked mine for color-so never drove mine) There was a loud humming noise when the AC compressor kicked on. The dealership replaced the Power steering twice (at 200 miles and 600 miles) Needless to say, the humming noise is there louder than ever. I filed a vehicle defect notification with Honda. I received a letter saying they are going to attempt to correct the problem for the third time. He said it should lower the noise but not eliminate it. I am so upset. I feel like I live at my dealership/service dept. I wish I never bought this 2012 Pilot

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  Beware of the A/C issues - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ashowee28 - January 24 - 9:07 am

  I bought my CRV used in 2009 when it had 88,000 miles on it. On a trip back from Minnesota to my home state of Ohio, the A/C compressor blew out when we were 3 hours away from home in 95 degree weather!! It cost $750 to fix, even with us having a friend who is a Honda Certified mechanic who did the work for us practically labor-free.Honda knows of the A/C problems and wouldnt help me. Also began to have oil leakage issues and O2 sensor failure (check engine light coming on because of that) around a 100,000 miles. Ive owned a lot of Hondas, but this one gave me more trouble than all my others combined. Just traded it in for a 06 Odyssey.

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  Hard start from new and transmission problem - 2010 Honda Civic
  By waltersac - January 24 - 1:03 am

  I bought a 2010 civic lx-s and about 4 months after i bought it we started to have a trouble with extended crank time "as the dealership called it" They gave us the run around said they found a loose bolt in the fuse block but didnt put it in the paper work. I have always took the car to a dealer to have all of the services. We had it in the shop 3 times and was always told they couldnt find a problem. We hit 23000 miles and started the car the check engine light came on and when I tried to drive it it would slam into gear and only shift up to 2nd gear. I am completely discusted with Honda and the way they are treating us through this whole issue. I will NEVER buy another Honda again.

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  So Far So Good 68,000 miles! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By mlady - January 22 - 9:48 pm

  Im surprised at how many wrote in saying they were disappointed with the 07) but the star rating they gave the van was 4 stars--huh? This is our second Odyssey. Our first was a 2004 lease that was very nice. A few problems we had with the 04 were covered under warranty. The battery had to be replaced, rear window in the back motor had to be replaced. And even though I hit the button to lock the car (and heard the beep) one of the back doors was not locking. For our 2007 . We now have 68,000 miles on the car and it has been very reliable (knock on wood) all we had to do was normal maintenance. New tires, alignment, battery, and brakes. We did replace the battery (with in first 2 years

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  Not your sons Si - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jsevier14 - January 20 - 10:01 pm

  Having driven an Acura RSX-S for 11 years I expected a lot from my new ride. In the end, I like the 2012 Civic Si, but ultimately it doesnt feel quite complete. The TSX engine and transmission are definitely improvements, and the fuel efficiency is pretty amazing for a performance vehicle. The electronics package is adequate, but the rest of the interior is cheap and frustrating. Compared to previous Sis, the 2012 is way less juvenile, and delivers a fun smooth ride for my long daily commute.

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  Fit to Impress - 2011 Honda Fit
  By arbolero - January 20 - 7:48 pm

  I have only used half a tank, but I am eager to share my first impression of the car. Ill start with the bad. Sport, implying some relativity to a sports car, is not an accurate description. Yes, its nimble, eagerly reving, and fun to drive, but it lacks proper acceleration, maneuverability, or pedigree to be a member of this class. The Fits enormously practical design would make it the odd-car-out if it shared some tile in the showroom of sport thoroughbreds. But I didnt need another car with senseless horsepower and "member" compensating qualities. This time, I was in the market for sensible. Plus, Honda was wise enough to forego a Sport badge on the rear gate, so, we can let it be