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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  AMAZING SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By footballmom3 - September 14 - 4:08 pm

  Purchased 4 months ago and I absolutely LOVE my 2011 Polit! This is the perfect family vehicle. It handles like a car. Very smooth ride, sharp turning capibility (no more 3 pt turns), and great acceleration. I feel completely safe transporting may family around. All of the seats are easy to operate, even my 5 y.o. can pull the levers. The middle row can slide forward to give the third row more leg room. We have comfortably fit 6 adults & 2 kids, also 7 teenagers & 1 mom. Last weekend I drove 5 HS sized football players to their game. All of their hemlets & pads fit in the trunk area! Id like to see the Highlander do that! I HIGHLY recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By wrogers3087 - September 14 - 9:52 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 30,000 miles on it. I did not get a carfax and after I bought it, I found out that it had been in a front ender. I now have over 140,000 miles on it, and it has been through ONE set of brakes, and TWO sets of tires. Nothing else, ever. I have not been very kind to this car. I forget to get oil changes, and I have wrecked it six times. You cannot kill this car if you tried. I am finally buying a new car for better looks, but I am passing this car on to another family member who can easily get another 100,000 miles out of it. BEST CAR EVER!

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  I couldnt give this car less then 4..... - 2006 Honda S2000
  By yelis - September 13 - 2:14 pm

  My previous cars: e46 M3, e92 335i, B7 A4, and a few Maximas. S2000 is super fun, simple yet nice design, engine is work of art, fun factor compared to my previous M3. Now the bad: should be at least 0.5 seconds faster, NOT as reliable as I thought...I have 33k miles and check engine light for multiple misfires (common on S2k) all 4 coil packs were cracked ($650 job at dealer w/ diagnostics), at 33k miles car already needed valve adjustment ($340 at dealer w/seal and diagnostics)....and I heard that injectors on this car can also fail soon.....remember my car has had ALL maintenance and was never raced on track. Kind of disappointed since I bought this car for "Honda reliability"

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  Was hoping this was a van to last 10 years - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By buyamerican11 - September 13 - 9:04 am

  I purchased this fan new in 2006 because it was a Honda and I wanted a vehicle to care for properly and last 10 years. We drive about 12k a year, so this isnt much to ask. Its a noisy stiff ride, tires dont last longer than 25k, and weve had issues that you wouldnt expect from Honda. New front axles, AC problems, lots of rattles and noises, Its a nice looking fan, quality materials inside, good paint, no complaints there.

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  Great vehicle for small family - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 06roadking - September 12 - 8:05 pm

  Traded in a Chevy Traverse - too much vehicle and $$ at the gas pump. City, highway and combined driving havent disappointed - just returned from a trip traveling over 1200 miles. This is a smaller vehicle than Ive owned in the past, with some great features and performance youd expect with a 4-cylinder. It is extremely comfortable to drive - I am 63". Plenty of room for luggage too. Cabin noise is average on smoothly paved roads, and below average on rougher surfaces. Overall, were extremely pleased with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to someone(s) in the market for a small family vehicle.

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  Standout - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By sherm624 - September 12 - 2:07 pm

  Sold my 1999 Pathfinder and purchased the Pilot. Its larger in every dimension, has full time 4WD, has 70 more horsepower, is heavier, and still manages to get better gas mileage! Car has great unique style inside and out, decent power, good braking (Edmunds review is off the mark), and a usable 3rd row - boxy design allows for headroom. No middle hump and extra width provides for 3 across comfortably. Drove on vacation 250 miles to destination (highway) - got 26+ MPG. Tire pressure monitoring saved me twice. Second row windows roll all the way down, optional built in sunshades are great, flash drive for music, hands free cell phone interface works well (clear).

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  Underwhelmed - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By abf13 - September 11 - 11:41 am

  I test drove a tan LX that I loved and was fun to drive. I purchased a different one for a better price and it does not seem at all like the one I tested (yes, they were both LXs) Mine has 4K miles on it and the SVT traction sensor has gone bad. The cheap plastic used in construction scratches/dents easily and leaves white gouges. I can move the dashboard with my hand. The city gas mpg is more around the 12-13 mark than the 19 stated by the EPA. I have found the controls awkward. The van is very bumpy, the ECO light constantly goes on and off and I can feel the shifting when this happens, and it does not have very much power. Overall, wish I had purchased the Sienna

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  Not happy Should have stayed with Sienna. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By reyam - September 8 - 5:13 pm

  Bought new in Feb. 2011. It now has 12500 miles combined city and highway. This Honda shifts erratically and down shifts with a jerk. The transmission seems to be searching for the correct gear way too much. It has poor low end torque from a stop light and will occasionally not react when I step on the gas scary when proceeding through a 4 way stop. I took it to the dealer 2 times but upon their road test said it was acting normally. Very noisy on interstate roads but quiet in town. I owned 2 Toyota Siennas before one had 157,000 miles and the other had 218,000 miles. No problems with either one. I went with Honda this time because Toyota was going through some quality control problems.

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  1996 Honda Civic EX coupe - 1996 Honda Civic
  By nickaxisa - September 7 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had my 96 Honda Civic EX coupe for about a year now, it came out of the abusive driving conditions of NYC, and i cant believe how reliable this car is! I bought my civic from a small dealership for only $2200 with 150k and I dont regret buying this car at all. Im a college student and I commute everyday with this car. I never had any mechanical problems with the car until I had my friend who is a mechanic look at it. He did find some problems, like it was leaking brake fluid and oil and the desperately needed a tune up, an oil change and new brake pads. Even when the car needed all that work it running and driving fine, but now that i fixed all that the car is running beautifully.

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  Honda does not Fit - 2011 Honda Fit
  By dillpickle1 - September 7 - 11:03 am

  I followed Edmunds and Consumer Reports great ratings and bought a Honda Fit. BIG MISTAKE!! Worst Honda ever and would not buy again. 4 safety recalls and counting. Very harsh ride and "go-car" handling on interstate....very scary. Poor fit and finish compared to older Hondas. Tires are terrible and should be recalled. Should be Michelins. Bald tires at 25,000 miles but rotated every 7,000!! Body metal is suspect and very thin. Fascia trim falling off car. Transmission shifting poorly timed and paddle shifters are a JOKE. What more can I say....