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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  Battery fails, Honda wont replace - 2009 Honda Civic
  By socaldude2 - May 25 - 1:18 am

  Please do your research before considering this car. I was hoping to keep this car for >5 years and get excellent milage and help save the planet. What initially was a great hybrid has turned quickly into a disaster. After 1 year, the battery stopped holding a charge. after 15 months, the check engine light came on. Honda performed an irreversible software upgrade that bascially minimizes the cars use of the hybrid battery (basically making it a non-hybrid car). My MPG has dropped 10 MPG!! The hybrid battery is now basically non-functional and Honda will not fix it despite being under warranty. There are many many simiar complaints (look online). I will never buy Honda again.

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  Solid Made Vanilla - 1998 Honda Accord
  By gsschro2 - May 24 - 9:39 pm

  I bought my Accord at 125K three years ago and am approaching 200K. I have not had any maintenance problems except for oil,filter, etc... It averages about 30-31 in the summer and 26-28 with winter fuel. I drive mostly highway and average about 70-75 mph. The car is unexciting but for its purpose (get me to work and back) I have not had anything better. I have the 4 cyl, which is better than most 6 cyl cars I have owned. Once again, as long as you dont plan on winning any races. The car is well behaved at highway speeds and comfortable. If you have ever owned a lemon, like I have then you know the value of a car that simply gets the job done!

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  2008 Pilot review - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By energetik9 - May 24 - 11:44 am

  Just purchased a 08 EX-L Pilot with Nav to use as a third car. Car drives really well and will work great as a puppy hauler and road trip car. I typically stay away from Hondas and this is my first in some time. Good cars, but generally far too sterile, uninspired styling, and lacking in performance for my tastes. Zero issues so far and I especially enjoy the leather and back up camera. I have been very unimpressed with Acura/Honda Nav systems so well see how this does over time.

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  Great if you only drive in the city - 2008 Honda Fit
  By lucarescigno - May 24 - 10:23 am

  I bought my Fit new in 2008. At the time, I loved it. Since then, its various issues have worn down my support for the vehicle. Now Im considering selling it even though its still pretty new. The ride quality and road noise are getting to me, and the car lacks certain basic amenities like cruise control (my fault for getting the base model), adjustable intermittent length for the front wipers (thats right, its every 4 seconds or nothing), and any intermittent setting for the rear wiper (its either on or off).

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By to_perspective - May 23 - 2:53 pm

  Original owner with 85k miles. Other than routine maintenance, which is inexpensive, we havent had to spend a nickel on this vehicle. Previous SUV was an Explorer so the reliability was a nice change. Comfort is good although a telescoping steering wheel would be nice. Mileage is as advertised.

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  Uncomfortable seat! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By norberte - May 22 - 10:49 pm

  This is my first Accord. I have it for about a month. I did not notice the seat issue with the short test drive. I like everything else about the car. However, I found myself still searching for a comfortable adjustment for the seat after almost a month of driving it. It is so hard and uncomfortable comparing to my Chrysler LHSs nice soft cushy seat. It seems that the adjustment range of the 10 way power seat in the Accord is too limited. The front of the seat is tilted up too high, even at its lowest setting, pinching on the back of my thigh. It feel like I am seating in a folding chair that is about to fold up on me. My bottom and legs feel numb after driving for about half an hour!

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  Wouldnt touch this car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By gardner3 - May 22 - 11:56 am

  After two weeks, the car was towed in with a failed speed sensor (feels like the transmission but I was told it wasn’t). Two weeks after that the car was towed in again with a failed speed sensor and Honda replaced that and put in a new transmission too. The day I picked it up with the new tranny, the engine light went on. I then drove back to the dealer they said, “Oh no, your IMA battery just needs a scheduled software upgrade.” Sothe engine light goes on for an upgrade, if you leave your gas cap loose, or any other major problem.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By littlemrslarge - May 20 - 9:52 pm

  I have owned my 2005 CR-V for about 4 1/2 years now and love it! It has about 120,000 miles on it now had 29,000 when I purchased it. No problems at all - all Ive done is change the oil on schedule (every 5000 miles), replace the tires and brakes once each, and regular maintenance items. Weve taken it on many 400+ mile trips and it provides a very comfortable and safe ride every time. Cargo room is great and comes in handy often! The interior plastic trim does gouge easily if youre not careful when loading large items, and the "H" on the steering wheel will discolor if wiped with a Clorox-type wipe (oops). Otherwise, its a fantastic vehicle that well have for years to come!

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  Brakes, brakes and more brakes! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By namip1972 - May 20 - 8:08 pm

  This car goes through brakes like I go through shoes, but are 5x more expensive. Dealer claims its normal for the rear brakes to wear before the front...BS! Now theres a grrrrrrrrr noise when I start the car for which the dealer said will cost about $800 to fix (cant remember what he exactly said was wrong). Also, windows dont automatically go up all the way in cold weather. Further, the air-con is loud. Will never ever never buy a Honda again!!!!

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  SIDE DOORS - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By catalina60 - May 19 - 5:33 pm

  Our 2011 EX-L has a peculiar safety issue: Both my wife and I have driven off with one of the side doors open. Other than a small red door adjar symbol in the instrument panel, there is no other notable warning to the driver. It seems there should be a high-pitch audible warning or even the inablility to shift into Drive since the danger is so great if a side door is not fully closed, esp. if there are children or other passengers in the middle seats.