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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  Disappointing Reliability (Annoying) - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By rav4guy4 - August 30 - 10:14 am

  I got it with 50k miles for $19k in 2009. It was in mint condition with all of the service records included. I thought, "Honda?, how could I go wrong?" Well, Ive learned since then that Honda SUVs arent all theyre cracked up to be. Within a year, the front headlights and parking lights inexplicably went out all at once. No warning light, no sign of a short circuit. I replaced all of them, and no issues since then. Next, the idiot light for the gas cap intermittently came on. The gas cap seems to be like new, but I guess its just temperamental? I dont know... Its a Honda, I shouldnt be dealing with these annoying issues. Next, the rear drivers side power window doesnt work

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  This will be my first and last honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mylasthonda - August 29 - 1:58 pm

  I purchased the Accord in Nov 2009. I only have 25000 miles on it and I hate the car. The quality really sucks. 1. The passenger door lock is making a squeaking noise. 2. The seatbelt on the rear seat is twisted because it was not installed properly. 3. Driver window has a click the sound like the glass is hitting something. 4. the transmission slammed several times on me when i started the car. 5. The breaks vibrate on high speed. 6. I am just wait for the excessive oil consumption like many people have. 7. Car insurance cost more than my BMW. Very disappointed. Not even comfortable driving the car because I am scare the car is going to crap out way too soon.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By mpyles1 - August 28 - 2:17 pm

  Needing a vehicle that carried more than 5 adults comfortably, I started my search focused on third-row comfort, as differences in comfort for first- and second-row passengers in current minivans are minimal. An owner of German cars, I first looked at the new M-B R class but found its third row lacking (and I have not found M-B reliability to be the best). A fan of good car design, I next looked at the Ford Flex. It was a real possibility. But then I test drove a Honda Odyssey and found myself sitting in the most comfortable interior -- in any position -- of any vehicle I have ever encountered.

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  Reaching the age of maturity, finally - 1991 Honda Civic
  By pennified - August 28 - 10:46 am

  I have had a great run with this car as it is approaching 21 years old. Drove it off the dealers lots brand new. It has been through a lot of wear & tear and just keeps performing. Purchased for reliability. (Ironically became car young lads sought after and often approached to sell it....was stolen for this reason & recovered) Accommodated my changing needs over the years. Been another member of family. Now that it is in its twilight year on the road, it will be reborn to race in the ice racing circuit. Retired to the race track. Or not, as may continue on the road under relatives care. Cant keep this car down! 325,000 and counting.......

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  Reliable Car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By matt052794 - August 28 - 4:22 am

  I got my 91 civic for 175 bucks CAN with 229,000km (which is low for the year) not too long ago, under 2 months. no problems so far, and doubt there will be any. it has the 1.5 5 speed, car has power for what it is. bought it off an old lady that owned it since new, just needed a timing belt when i got it.

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  The Little Car that Could - 2008 Honda Civic
  By queensonia2001 - August 27 - 7:47 pm

  I bought my 08 civic straight off the lot in 08. I love my little car, yes I do. I just have a couple of complaints. 1: slow acceleration. Super slow.2:visors keep breaking. on their own! 3: loud inside the car. When im on my cell people complain of the noise, and I cant use my speaker phone in the car while im driving. Other than those things, I love the gas mileage, love the way the gauges look, and love the fact that it has a better resell value than many other cars with the same year/specs.

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  Tried Subarus, Toyotas and went back to Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - August 27 - 3:32 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Outback Ltd for my wife for Mothers Day 2009. It was good car just not comfortable comfortable. After 18 months my wife asked me to to get her something different. I suggested an RX350, a Highlander or a Pilot. She said she wanted something smaller so I did some research went to the local Honda dealer and he made me an offer that was too good to be true on a 2011 CRV EX-L. My wife fell in love with it, so did our daughter inlaw and daughter along with their husbands. Both girls got CRVs within two months of my wife. The entire family made the switch within the past year from Toyotas, SAABs and VWs to Honda.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By badhonda - August 27 - 9:06 am

  Worst car I have ever owned. Bought this car new and it developed a rattle in the first month. They added insulation around the speakers. Six month check-up required new brakes which I had to pay full cost. I later learned Honda had a brake problem with this car. Before the car was two years old the interior lights "burned out". At two years old the "seat belt light" came on. The dealership did not notice or correct . At three years old they checked the seat belt light and decided the air bag switch was defective and needed to be replace for $500+, at our cost. The air bags had were disabled this entire time (safety feature not working). I bought the Accord for quality. It is not!

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  Perfect Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ericdeanftw - August 27 - 12:19 am

  I purchased my honda accord in December of 2004, and have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. The car now has 250,000 miles and is still running like a charm. Definitely a Honda owner for life!

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  Will have to change tires in 1 year :( - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By hondaduras - August 23 - 12:28 pm

  I have had the CR-V for a year. I REALLY like it. BUT I was dissappointed to find out that I have to buy new tires after only 1 year. The original tires got cupped because they have the LOWEST possible wear-rating of 360. So, keep this in mind when buying. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with the CR-V.