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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  Come On Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By pieceofchum - September 26 - 2:02 pm

  I would never recommend a Honda Accord 2009+. My 2009 Accord LX is at best sub par for Honda. I have had 3 other Honda vehicles and they were all excellent except this one. The rear of the car squeeks terribly while going over bumps. The brakes feel like I am standing on a gym floor while 20 kids dribble basketballs - never had breaks that felt like this ever in any other vehicle. The seats are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had in a vehicle, lumbar pushes into your back to much, the foam is way to stiff and the side bolsters too narrrow. Car vibrates with ac on at a stop.

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  An overall really good choice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bluebolt87 - September 25 - 10:10 pm

  I get a lot of comments and compliments about how slick my black Honda Accord Coupe looks. Its got a peppy engine, pretty good mpg, well done interiors, and reliable. I couldnt complain.

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  Upholstery the WORST ever - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By erin16 - September 25 - 9:46 pm

  We have the 2008 Honda Pilot with fabric seats. This upholstery is hideous. There is no way to keep it clean and/or stain free and EVERYTHING (even water) causes stains that are next to impossible to remove--even by a professional. We are so disappointed by Honda. We love the car, but each time we get in and have to sit on and look at this nasty upholstery, the loves lessens a bit.

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  1 year - 2011 Honda Civic
  By altimase35 - September 25 - 4:11 pm

  This is my wifes 3rd honda. 2 accords before this. Bought the car for my wife. she loves the car. easy to read speedometer. simple car which does not overwhelm her with gadgets. She wanted a small car and felt the accord was to big. Honda has made this car as cheap as possible. steering wheel material starting to come off. not sure why? Florida is hot, but one year? Doors seem to flex when shuting. hollow sounding. car does not feel stable at high speed. car tends to move around especially when being passed by vehicles. soft suspension? No compaints about the engine or transmission. Gas milage is good. stereo is basic, speakers are ok.

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  My Element saved my life. - 2004 Honda Element
  By kariscolley - September 25 - 8:57 am

  Im writing this review in respect for Ellie, my Element. The accident wasnt my fault, I was hit by a man that ran a stop sign at a 2 way. I didnt have a sign, so we were both going around 40. My drivers side hit his passenger side. Both air bags were deployed. The whole front left side of Ellie was crushed. The part underneath the wheel that connects it to the dash was cracked in half. I had my little sister in the front seat, 14, im 16. Didnt feel a thing. Neither of us were injured. My Ellie stayed right where we had hit, though it was raining really hard and i turned ridiculoulsy fast when we hit. He was knocked into a neighbors house. Thank you Ellie, love you and miss you <3

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  2000 odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By christislord - September 25 - 1:56 am

  No longer a Honda fan. My 2000 odyssey is on its 5th transmission. The first failed at about 55000. Honda put 3 rebuilt transmissions in, one only lasted about 15,000 miles. The fifth i put in at an independent dealer who rebuilt it. We bought new and had all work done at the dealership, took good care of it. Honda Corporate refused to pay for the last transmission. I feel that since they know there are problems with the transmissions they should take responsiblity for them. They advertise that 80% of their Hondas are on the road 20 years later, they should keep them running by replacing defective transmissions for 20 years. I expected to keep this for 20 years.

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  What I expected... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By miami305 - September 22 - 10:19 am

  It is what I expected. I bought this car for the better gas mileage. Its a traditional civic.. hard to park straight and completely in the parking spot, with the sloped hood and windshield, but I suppose I ll get used to that eventually.

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  Shame on Honda! Part 2 - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ewells - September 20 - 6:17 pm

  Last November 2010 I bought the new 2011 Pilot. In the first weeks of owning the car I got a recall notice for the front wheel axle. It was fixed and now it squeaks loudly. I have owned Hondas for 20 years and I expect better. The dealership asked me to fill out a survey after I brought it in again for the squeak and they could not fix it. I filled out their online follow up survey and have not heard back. I am now very disappointed in my Honda Dealership in Louisiana. A good alternative to this car might be the Jeep Grand Cherokee…just had it as a car rental and the gas mileage was far, far better… as a long time Honda owner I am so disappointed this is my second time writing.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bmwfan24 - September 20 - 12:57 pm

  As you can see from the other reviews this car has reliability issue and the car feels cheap. Theres alots of interior road noise along with too much dash board noise. Alots of stuff squeaks and the car seems cheaper than a KIA. BUT THE MAIN REASON I HATE THIS CAR IS BECAUSE IT HAS NOOOOOOO POWER. This is a heavy car and it only has 190 horse power...really?! My 2001 Camry v4 picks up better. This car SUCKS at picking upeverytime I find myself going over 4000rpm thus messing up my MPG!!! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! look at the MAxima or altima theyre better!!!!!!

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  1 year review- Great car, some "squeak" issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dkoet - September 19 - 11:40 am

  Purchased the van in August 2010 as a used certified pre-owned vehicle. Mechanically, we have no complaints with the van everything mechanically works well and functions as it should. It is great to drive. However, it has BSR issues (Buzz, squeak & rattle). Squeaky drivers door, interior plastic component noises and warped front window cowl which caused a annoying whistle.