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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  This vehicle is a nightmare - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kpolitte - May 19 - 4:05 pm

  The PAX tire system is a nightmare. We just put our 3rd set on the van with 90,000 miles...so thats $4,000 alone we have invested in tires. The car rattles, has major other quality issues. Never again...

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  Status Report- 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid After 200K - 2003 Honda Civic
  By auburngbb - May 19 - 12:39 pm

  Total 2003 HCH Cost- HW Items purchased from 79k to 200k miles as follows: 2 sets of tires 1 speed sensor (drove thru deep puddle) 1 set of spark plugs 1 set of ft brake pads 1 fuel filter Fluid change maintenance from 79K to 200k miles as follows: * Several 0-20W/0-30W oil/filter changes (8k mile intervals) * Two CVT fluid changes noting I assumed to change oil every 100K miles until I noticed the transmission was slipping and read my OEM operators manual stating to change trans. oil every 30K. After changing the oil the first time THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SLIPPING and I make sure to change this fluid at recommended intervals. * One Antifreeze change Car runs good(mildly abused)

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  clutch - 2008 Honda Fit
  By disapointed7 - May 19 - 11:46 am

  Had only 32 thousand miles and clutch went. My old hundai accent had 250 th on origional clutch. I do mostly highway driving. Dealership led me to believe it was a defect and would cost me nothing instead it cost well over a thousand dollars. Will never own another. Next car with be Hundai. The most reliable car I have ever owned. The accent had only a need for brakes, and tuneups. Had orgional stareter alternator tailpipe and muffler after 8 years and 250000 miles.

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  A buy to be proud of - 2006 Honda Civic
  By del21 - May 19 - 10:24 am

  I bought this car in April 2006 with 3 miles for my high school daughter when she was in the 10th grade. She is about to start her senior year in college. The car now has 49771 miles. I have never had to have it in the shop. I have only purchased new steel rims to replace bent ones that were her fault. It has been nice knowing that she is in a safe and reliable car 400 miles away from home in college. I would recommend this car for anyone. The trunk is roomy to carry all her things home after each semester. It is fun to drive and 5 years later she still gets compliments on it. Worth every dollar i spent on it and it is paid for.

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  Electronics are poor - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By all4wheels - May 18 - 9:55 pm

  I have had the 2011 with navigation system for about 2 months now. The good is that it sits a little bit lower to the ground and has good headroom. I am over 6 feet tall and the headroom and legroom are fine. It drives nicely. Compared to my prior 2001 Odyssey I would say that the ride of this van is "softer" and it is less responsive than my other van. The front hood slopes down and I am unable to see the front of the Van. This takes some time getting used to, especially parking in tight areas. Now for the AWFUL: The Navigation system is TERRIBLE. The bluetooth for the telephone drops every few miles. They are both useless.

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  hwy mileage on my 2007 accord ex 4 cylinder - 2007 Honda Accord
  By hondaron - May 18 - 9:12 pm

  I am amazed by the performance and highway MPG on my 2007 Accord EX 4 cylinder sedan.. We averaged 33 MPG on a weekend trip to Nashville from St Louis. This is our third Honda. The first two were V6 Accords. Normal pure highway MPG seems to be 32. We have approximately 28,000 miles. I share the complaint that I cant easily play my IPOD. through the sound system. I recently purchased a system from SAMS for approx $50 that enables me to play my IPOD Touch through an FM setting.

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  Hinda Civic 2008-2010 Break pad WARNING - 2010 Honda Civic
  By carmichael1210 - May 18 - 12:05 pm

  My car has 16,000 miles and I am having the break pads replaced. Break pads should last atleast 30,000 miles. What Honda is failing to tell their customers is that they are in a lawsuite about this exact problem. In other words, they are aware of the problem, and have been aware but are not disclosing this problem to buyers. The break pads are not covered under warranty and honda is aware that their break pads have a 50% less lifespan than normal break pads. This is a safety hazard. And costly problem that Honda will not cover.

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  Love My CR-V! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv7 - May 17 - 11:14 pm

  I bought her used and have really only put minimal repairs into her. She only had 1 owner before me. They kept great records. I always take good care of her and keep her tuned up. I have had her for over 6 years and have put over 80 thousand miles on her. She has a totally of over 160,000 miles. She has been a GEM! I started looking for more fuel effecient vehicles lately, but I really dont want to give her up. I would have bought a new CR-V if they had kept a similiar style, but I really do not like the new style. Maybe, Ill just wait till she finally gives out on me. Her qualities will be hard to match! Great in the snow, durable, long lasting reliability and overall Outstanding quality

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  Honda Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By seadog9 - May 16 - 6:08 pm

  I bought my Pilot new at the end of 2008. It has been a great work horse and has performed well (now has 38,000 miles). My only complaints are: The road noise. I have made many trips between S. Oregon and N. California and the road noise has been terrible. My other complaint is the gas milage. I proabably average, on the highway, about 18/19 mpg. I was hoping for more especially since the sticker said I should expect 22 mpg on the highway.

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  update on rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By eec1 - May 16 - 10:14 am

  I finally had to change my rear brakes at 18904 since the wear sensor was squeaking. No rotor turning (cutting) was needed (I never turn my rotors). I did the job myself with the appropriate Honda brakes (43022-TA0-A40) the new pads also have a spring clip to help separate the pads. Honda pads also come with M77 Molykote brake grease for the shims. I don’t like to use aftermarket brakes since the one time I did for my previous Honda my rotors warped. Since the class action suit for the rear brakes was over I tried to collect by sending a letter to Honda with documented proof of mileage and cost of brakes. Honda reimbursed me for the cost of brakes with shipping.