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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  Original Owner - 1996 Honda Accord
  By cheeseybrie - July 5 - 11:27 am

  Grandpa bought this car off the lot, and did all routine maintainence at home. Lived at 8,000ft and saw winters of below 0F. Lives with me in summer heat of 120F+ and with 208k miles on it now, still doing all maintaining at home shop. The only problem is a failed transmission just two weeks ago. Such a great car, super reliable, has been across the country and back and on many long road trips, up mountain roads, through the woods, through rivers (literally). treated this car like a truck. NEVER broke down for any reason until now, and worth the money to rebuild the tranny. Would recommend this car to anyone. Just treat her right and shell do the same

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  Most expensive vehicle ever!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By baust - July 5 - 7:34 am

  Our Pilot has been family owned since new and was dealer maint. up to 80K. We bought it from her parents with 80K miles. Its hardly even needed any maint. done. I did the timing belt/waterpump/plugs @ 107K, the first brake job was done at 125K. We drive mostly highway. Heres the catch: The first transmission went out at 130K miles. Honda quoted us $3,700 to replace it with a factory reman. with a 3-year/36K warranty. We had them replace it because we didnt want to ever have to worry about it again. Now 2 years later @ 172K and the transmission needs to be replaced again. They wont cover anything because we have put 42K on it. They quoted us $4,700. Can YOU afford one? We cant.

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  The interior - lack comfort - 2010 Honda Civic
  By allahakbar - July 4 - 5:53 pm

  From interior it doesnt look like a 2010 car!! We regret to have chosen this car over Toyota! It lacks interior comfort when 1. you dont see a cofee cup holder for any passenger sitting at back. What you expect to do with a water bottle or a coffe mug?? hold in your hand all the time? Just ridiculous. 2. Selling car in Saskatoon where cold temp falls to -40 you dont see a 2010 car (Honda) a temperature gauge! How cheap!! Even a Toyota Corola 1998 has a digital temperature guage!! I say it is unbelievalbly cheap not to have temp guage in Honda (2010) selling in Canada!! 3. There are two cup holder in but you cant use cup holders if you slide the tray out!! Bad design.

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  Very reliable - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ndskimr - July 2 - 9:51 pm

  Great car except for all the road noise and the seats are not the most comfortable. Very reliable and good on gas. Would recommend for anyone looking for a sedan that will last.

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  How could the maker of Accura have made this thing? - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By desierto - July 1 - 3:21 pm

  Recently purchased in perfect condition, with only 39k miles, for its reliability. Should have spent more time with it before making the decision. The more I drive it, the more I dislike it. The ride is awful. Its harsh. It pitches, bobs, darts...its tiring to drive. Had the struts checked, theyre fine. The seats are poorly bolstered. Controls are wanky. Cant get into the tailgate without a key. Less room than you might think. Noisy. Apparently designed to look "correct"... and thats all. Switching from Subaru Outback to this thing is a disaster. I want to replace it with a Volvo or Mazda 6 wagon. Just as much room, and a way better drive. Dont care about a couple of MPG at this point!

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  2005 honda crv-82000-- - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rgv602 - June 30 - 6:33 pm

  Never had a mechanical breakdown on this car built by Honda. Only parts I changed was 2 headlight bulbs and front brake pads after 6 years of owning it. This is by far the best purchased I ever made.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By yojoe - June 30 - 12:37 pm

  I have owned my Pilot for 7 months and 6600 miles. It just got the first oil change. The car performs very well on the Interstate. The MPGs are about 14.5 city and on the interstate I have experiences tanks averaging 18 up to 25.5 ( all with AC on). I have been only using Premium gas. I do not understand the large MPG variation on the interstate. It could be gas quality. The VCM engine has performed just fine without any complaint. I do notice when the engine is in 3 cylinder mode.

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  Honda CRV AWD 2011 - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mazkaz - June 29 - 7:47 pm

  Researched for months, was concerned by reports of lack of power and excessive road noise. Test drove 3 CRVs the 3rd was so quiet and fun to drive (shod with the much criticised Continental tires), both in town and on the highway. Remarkable, considering some negative reviews. No hesitation buying this CRV -- replaced my aging faithful V6 Odyssey minivan. Fuel economy of 25 mpg so far in mixed 70:30 town:highway driving, but I do have a light foot. Very pleased.

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  Navigation is worthless without traffic. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By shof - June 29 - 5:53 pm

  Spending extra to get a car with all the bells and whisles it was very disapointing to find out the navigation system is unable to give traffic avoidence. Even with the XM radio traffic subscription. If they do not provide a way to fix. It will be my last honda. And to think I could have bought the base model, and a Tom Tom or Nuvi, like I have in my other car that does it all for $200. And saved 5 to 10 grand.

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  180 miles in ... so far... OK.. slightly pricier than competition - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By ambitiousone - June 29 - 2:25 am

  I recently bought a 2011 CR-V SE AWD. For family and economical reasons, it seem to fit the bill and better than its competition. Beware of what want though. Some items you might want are only available in the top of the line model - EX/EX-L. Very disappointing that (although easier for consumers in a simplified menu), the trim packages are inflexible. You can only get bluetooth with Navigation, and Navigation is only available on the EX-L model. You dont even get the storage shelf in the back with LX/SE models. It definitely is down on power. But that is a little unfair as Im coming from a 2007 S2000. At least my SE has 6-cds, and can play MP3s.