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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  Small outside, Large inside - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dutch - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Needed a small versatile car with good fuel economy. Considered Prius but could not justify additional cost given low annual mileage. Also wanted car with large doors and easy to get in and out. Looked at Ford fiesta. But build quality and costs drove decision to Honda fit. Toyota Yaris cute but no 5 door. So far really happy with the fit.

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  Mistake - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this for my wife with all of the options... This was our 4th CR-V and nothing but issues. Picked up from dealership took on road trip. Around 400 miles rack and pinion broke, hit rain storm no wipers, cant get more than 21 mpg on hwy, pieces coming off of dash, I have had it in the dealer for 5 weeks and they cant figure how to fix it. Keep getting run around. Will not buy another Honda and is a real shame as I have had about 10 over the past 20 years. I had also contacted Honda Corporate and they never returned a call or sent a note. They always want a good survey guess they cant take the bad and stick behind product.

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  Worst decision i ever made - 1998 Honda Accord
  By sal - October 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car 1 week later the engine went out, the hood broke, the ignition switch went out, the distributor went, and the crank sensors, worst brakes ever, and lets not even begin with the transmission i highly advise anyone to not get this car

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  Wish I could do it over again - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By kasrhp - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I would never get this Pilot again. I have had several build quality issues from rattling to air gaps in window seal and having to get brakes fixed twice in 6 months, as well as re- sealing the sunroof. I dont expect that from Honda. The engine is mediocre at best, the navigation system is useless and outdated, the cargo area is not flat, the shifter is from the Odyssey mini- van, the wheels are too small with no option for bigger, no wood trim in a $38k vehicle, cylinder de-activation is clunky and noisy, plastics are cheap with many different types throughout the cabin, and it isnt the quietest suv out there. But it is roomy, wide and drives like a sedan. Stereo sounds good tho.

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  Waiting to be Impressed. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Anetrella - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Coming from an Audi Q7 and a 5 series BMW before that, I am surprised by the lack opf BASIC technology in this vehicle. If the best thing you can say about this thing is that it drives most like a car out of its competitors, well, what does that really say? It is a van, designed for family transport, how does it do there? Sadly compared to a test driven Chrystler Town and Country. Plain and simple, you get tons more features with similar quality for less money with the alternatives. Only reason I am in this vehicle is the wife wants to keep up with the jones.

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  So disappointing - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mbeach - October 18 - 2:00 am

  After 7 months of car shopping, I finally bought a Honda Pilot. Planned on having for years. Bought in June 2010 and looking to replace although will lose money. The seats are so uncomfortable it ruins the entire experience. Not adjustable and C shaped in the upper back with headrest pushing head forward. Long rides are unbearable. I am 57" and husband 60" and cannot adjust to either of us. Sunroof not consistent and back hatch inside fascia came up already. Cannot see paying for something that cannot ever get comfortable in. Looking at a Kia Sorento, so disappointed in my purchase and looking at options, ruined my impression of Honda as this was my first.

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  Reoccuring loss of Power - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sweetman2go - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Honda I have owned a 2008 Honda accord 2.4L cyl since 2008 and I have had a recurrent loss of power on high speeds every year.The problem occurs randomly, and loss power drops to the point that it wouldnt go beyond 5-10 mph even with my foot pressed down on the gas pedal, during this time NO Engine check light comes on ,this has lasted up to an hour. I have called Honda every year to tell them about this and taken the car to 3 different dealership, all telling me that since theres no engine code theres nothing they can do. I had the same problem 2 days ago. Honda is a piece crap and this is my very last Honda. I recommend do not buy an Accord

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  Not Again - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By srm3057 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2005 Pilot new and have maintained it professionally with the thought of keeping it for many years. This vehicle has been one problem after another. Terrible gas mileage! At 50K miles the AC compressor just needed to be replaced at a cost of $1500.00 +/-. The reliability isnt there anymore! I would not recommend this manufacturer at all. They do not stand behind their product.

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  After the love is gone - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By No More Hondas? - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I too used to think Honda was the best. Until our 2005 Pilot came to a sudden halt on the Dan Ryan. Lucky for us, it was at 1 a.m.. The transmission failed. Just. Like. That. No lights or warning. 73,200 miles. Of course we got the pleasure of paying for it. No help from Honda like the 2003 people. Before that we enjoyed ABS that locked up, tire pressure sensors that dealer quit trying to fix, peeling bumper paint, leaking doors that stink & gas mileage was a joke. We ditched it after we were told the engine was next to go. BTW, the dealer did all the routine man. on it. Hope you are all still Honda fans when your trans. goes out. Read the forums here. Not pretty.

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  It will be gone - 2008 Honda Accord
  By first & last - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first & LAST Honda. The VCM was noticeable soon after purchase and is only getting worse. Yes, I have been to the dealer multiple times and get the standard "normal" or "not noticed" response. The car surges even when on flat roads in cruise. In heavy traffic, it is dangerous. The drivablility is worse than my old cars were 30 years ago. Both front windows rattle as does the rear shelf-- which I padded myself eventually. I guess it was designed to allow even light drizzle to collect on the roof and empty on to the door panel.