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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  Dissappointed in Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By townie - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a Fit but was so disappointed I sold it. The small 1.5 liter engine had to work really hard, downshifting even on moderate grades, to get around. The gearing on the automatic is really tight on the first three gears giving it a jerky off the line start with lots of quick shifts. The car is tall and lightweight. Going around curves at speed like a freeway on-ramp I felt a slight “roll” in the car which made me uncomfortable. The finish inside the car felt cheap. There’s no doubt this is a low end econo-box from Honda. The finish of their Civic and CR-V is much better. It would probably make a good car for a freeway commuter. I’m more of an in-town driver.

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  Seat Squeaks - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joel R - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The drivers seat squeaks, Honda is aware of the problem yet has no repair for it. The Honda Field Service Person said the squeak is "normal". The local dealership service writer got a good chuckle out of that remark. Honda Customer Service is non- receptive in fixing. Would not by another Honda based on their Customer Service alone.

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  I will never buy a Honda again - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dawn Desser - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I am on my 3rd Honda. My 2002 Accord only has 76,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. Cost me $3000.00 prior to that I had to replace the timing belt - had an oil leak also the master cylinder! Total in the past 4 months a whopping $4500.00. No recalls to speak of and HONDA AMERICA wouldnt do anything to assist. I have all my service records and always go to the HONDA dealership for repairs. HONDA has lost me as a customer forever.

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  Needs a Lot More to Make it Worth Buying - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jkisdrivin - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Let me start by saying this: Ive owned several hybrids before including the original 60 mpg Honda Insight. Currently my other is a 2010 Toyota Prius II. I am not sure if the CR-Z is any better of a car than my old Insight. You figure with the advancements in Hybrid technology in the last 10 years that this car would get something better than just 31mpg with the manual tranny. I must say that I am thoroughly disappointed with this car as I expected a lot more in a car for this money. In hindsight I should have probably bought a Honda Fit instead, save $4K in the process, and get much more of a useful car. Needless to say, Ill be driving the Prius more these days over the CR-Z.

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  My 3rd Accord and sadly my last - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rosemary b - September 17 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased my first 4 cyl Accord, the salesperson said the luxury is under the hood. I was coming out of a BMW, which I couldnt afford anymore as my priorities had changed with 2 small boys. Well that car lasted me 12 years and the only reason it died was because my son totaled it. I immediately picked up the phone and called the same salesperson who sold me my 2004 Pilot. In 2 days we picked up our new addition to the family, a 2008 Honda Accord 4 cyl EXL, it was affordable and gorgeous. From the 1st day we drove it out of the dealer, the engine noise was horrible. While driving, theres a loud rumble in the engine and a slight whistle. Theres no more room on this post. Terrible car

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  Last Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By cessna100 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  From 2006 MDX Touring(Best car I have ever owned)to the Pilot. Very poor sound engineering. On 3rd set of Michelin tires and still loud road noise. 85 decibels at 60 mph. 95 to 105 decibels at 70 mph! To much hard plastic on the inside. Poor fit and finish. The VCM operation is rough. The 2007-8 Pilot is the better car. Test drove the 2011 Touring model with Michelin LTX M/S2. Very quite and nice ride. Poor fuel mileage. The VCM system works great in the Accord. The Pilot is to heavy for the VCM system to be effective.

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  Never Again - 2010 Honda Civic
  By disenchanted owner - September 15 - 2:00 am

  As a previous 2004 Hinda Civic owner, I couldnt be more disappointed with his vehicle. the 2004 compared to this newer version was like a Cadillac. The sets and the headrests in the new car are more than uncomfortable. You cant see the front or back of the car, so its near impossible to park. Honda went VERY cheap with the interior and the emergency break is where you rest your knee to drive. Someone actually got paid a lot of money to redesign this piece of crap. Unfortunately Im locked into a lease for 3 years, I CANT WAIT for it to be over.

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  Honda deception - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Joann - September 7 - 8:02 pm

  We recently had the new software update that we got as a result of a recall. Now we have lost power and fuel economy. We recently read a number of articles that claim that Honda knows they have a problem with their batteries so made this update so that the car relies on the gas portion and not the Hybrid part. Sometimes we cant get up our own driveway. We called Honda and they said too bad even though our car was under warranty. We are very disappointed in Honda because they are only thinking about their bottom line (they dont want to buy new batteries) and not customer satisfaction or safety.

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  HONDA transmission failure at100K miles! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - September 3 - 9:46 am

  I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey Van. I have maintained it according to all of the dealership recommendations and opted for all Honda advised work/repairs and scheduled maintenance since I purchased the van. The transmission failed at 100k miles! The service rep stated the several Honda vans have had a similar issue with the transmission. Honda did not offer a cent of assistance in this replacement. I relied on Hondas reputation for years and now I find that Honda will not stand by the quality of their vehicle and my cost is now $4,700.00 plus.

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  One word for this suv. Cheap! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By cessna100 - September 2 - 8:58 am

  Had the Pilot EX-L/RES 2 weeks. My 3rd Pilot. Traded a 2006 MDX. The 06 MDX is a MUCH better car. Very disappointing Honda. The interior fit and finish has to much hard cheap looking plastic. The ride is average but the road noise is terrible. 102.3 decibels peak at 60 mph (unofficial). The average was 92.6. I keep looking to see if I left a window open. Have Michelin LTX A/T2 tires. Very loud! Poor gas mileage. ECM is useless on this car. Works great in the Accord.