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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  Not so reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By colibri1 - August 8 - 4:25 pm

  Bought this Honda (first and last one) used with 88,000 km and a little warranty left. Noticed that it consumed about 1 liter of oil every 3000 km. Took it to the dealer - he said it is normal for Hondas (????) At 112,000 km had to replace engine. Luckily air conditioning is working fine. Not happy. Not the greatest gas mileage either. Very noisy on the highway - can not hear radio clearly. Will never buy Honda again.

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  Delivers on the Hype - Buy It! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By thegreatdane - August 8 - 10:46 am

  Bought the E-XL on Memorial day and this review is based off 3000 miles, and one 700 mile trip to Ontario, including 2 adults, 2 children, and a Great Dane. I am a tough critic and feel that this car delivers on most of its promises. Driving 13 hours straight revealed some pros/cons. On the pro side, it was great to see MPG at 27.6 for our trip. In town, our mileage is closer to 18 mpg. Handling was precise at any speed, even with torrential rain. Cargo was amazing - Imagine a full grown Great Dane standing up, along with a weeks supply of clothes, food, and fishing gear. Plenty of room to spare. On the con side, visibility was good, not great. Console has too many bells & whistles.

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  Manual Sliding Door Fell off my van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tnie - August 8 - 4:54 am

  We purchased our Odyssey brand new and currently have a little over 100,000 km on it. The only concern we have had is problems with the sliding doors. The most common problem is sticky doors. This spring my 6 year old daughter was opening the driver side sliding door and it came off the track and nearly landed on her. The only part holding the door on was the arm at the bottom of the door. The dealership said it was the plastic roller that broke and blamed me for not having it lubricated properly. They did cover the cost of repairs after numerous calls to customer relations. It has been a couple of months since this happened and now the same door will not latch properly.

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  After 9 months and 12,000 miles - 2010 Honda Insight
  By egadbois - August 7 - 10:42 pm

  The first 6 months I drove with the Econ engaged and never got more than about 52 mpg and no less than 48 mpg. I decided to turn off the Econ mode and drive normally. I have always been a very heavy user of cruise control. That and the fact that this is a small town with few lights, I am now getting 54 mpg without trying very hard. The Dunlap tires ride a bit harsh and the road noise is more than normal for a Honda. After two long trips I have found the seats to be very comfortable. I have no complaints with the sound system and use the USB port to plug in a flash memory stick with all my favorite music.

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  The Last Honda Ill Ever Buy! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By joetomcar - August 7 - 3:26 pm

  Although I have been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years, I will never buy another one after all the issues Ive encountered with the 2008 model. I bought my first Accord in 90, my second in 93. The 93 is still the best car EVER. Sadly the 2008 is nothing but trouble. The rear brake pads have had to be changed three times, the "leather" interior is cheap to say the least and the interior moldings were all cut too short and have had to be replaced. The middle console thats covered with "leather" is in shreds. Can anyone say "Naugahyde?" Both front seats are being recovered. Honda helped me out by paying 50% which is insane! By cutting corners, Honda has lost my business forever!

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  2011 Pilot Touring Engine Noise - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By dgsheridan - August 7 - 11:55 am

  I do not recommend this vehicle. Engine has a rattling sound during acceleration, much like a chain dragging the ground. Dealer initially changed out a part in the exhaust system which didnt fix the problem. Dealer now says its a characteristic of all Pilots and is normal. After 8,800 miles, the noise is getting louder.

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  Hope you too dont get stranded. . . - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By cobragolfer74 - August 5 - 10:39 pm

  I was sooo happy to get into this crossover! This vehicle is my 2nd best car Ive ever had. (G6 was #1). However. . . Be aware that rear differentials might not be sealed like they should be. I had about 7000 miles on it when it felt like a flat tire. My son and I were stranded on the side of an interstate for 2hrs. 2 days later I found out that my new CR-V had thrown a differential gear due to lack of differential fluid! Now why would anyone need to by a Honda insurance plan for a NEW car? Little did I know that I would need it at 7000 miles. If you buy a new one, make sure there is a full differential inspection. You will definitely thank yourself if you do.

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  Exactly what I expected - 2010 Honda Civic
  By broncosftw - August 5 - 7:13 pm

  I have racked up 20k miles in my 2010 Honda Civic in about one year. Still have plenty of tread on the stock tires and brakes. So far, no issues. I average 32mpg mixed driving (50/50) during the summer, and 29mpg in the winter. There are some squeaks while driving over rough roads, but nothing that the 360 watt stereo cant drown out. I am very happy with this purchase, and would purchase this car if given a 2nd run. My previous car was a 2002 Audi A6 2.7T. Traded the A6 in at only 70k miles. Though the Civic cant compete with the Audi in performance or luxuries, it wins with reliability. My last Civic cranked out 180k miles, with $0 coming out of my pocket for non-accident repairs

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  Window regulator problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By powderpuff - August 5 - 6:44 pm

  Have really loved the Pilot since we bought it new. We are having trouble with the leather seats coming apart, but that we can deal with. The major problem is we have now replaced all 4 of the window regulators once and one of them twice! Three this year. This is really irritating because they just go down all of a sudden when driving along or when parked at a parking lot we come out and one will be down! We are lucky we havent had it stolen. Plus in the desert in the middle of the summer it sucks to have a window all a sudden falls down! As well as the $350 it costs each time to fix. Honda rep says there isnt a problem are we the only ones with this problem?!

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  1 MPG on my car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By accsio - August 4 - 6:14 pm

  I picked up car last week, looked huge to me , i drove small car before..... then used to it. I was satisfied with interior, very good materials: not much of plastic, it has material as well. Ive got basic model: no fancy wheels, no sunroof or gps..... big deal, drive ! not have fun with gadgets. Of course , stepped on gas first few times, so my RPM went to 5500-6000.....i thought gas will be eaten as a hell ..... not really, i filled up today and i got 20.5 MPG !!!! I will take that !!! I like that !