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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  Am Happy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Gilbert - August 9 - 8:00 pm

  I replaced my 94 Cad Seville and 99 Honda CRV with an 05 Pilot EXL a few months ago. So far so good.Have paid more for cars but think this may be indeed the best car Ive ever owned overall. It is quieter than the CRV although still noisy on certain road surfaces, and doesnt get the fuel economy the Seville did (25+ mpg on the highway with 91 octane vs about 21 with 89 for the Pilot so probably a push cost wise? But worse than the CRV overall for sure. Worth it though overall I think because it is quiet enough I can listen to the radio at highway speeds--not possible in the CRV--and a much more comfortable ride. Will be adding a Toyota Avalon to my "fleet" for reasons unimportant to you.

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  Shame on American Honda ! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By formerhondafan - August 9 - 6:02 am

  As a huge Honda fan and owner for the last 15 years, I was thrilled when I bought my 04 CR-V. Sadly, that excitement only lasted as long as the warranty. 2000 miles past the warranty it just stopped running. Took it took the dealer and they said it was a "sensor" and it cost me $280! But as frustrating as that was, it pales to what just happened to me. Just like all the other CR-V owners out there, my AC compressor blew up, and American Honda just snubbed their nose at me like they have every other owner. Shame on you Honda! Fortunately, my dealership helped me out with the whopping $3,000 bill, but Honda is doing nothing to help its loyal fans. As a result, I am selling all of mine!

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Laura - August 9 - 12:06 am

  First honda. Very pleased with design and interior, excellent futuristic looks. Interior nice but coming from an Audi A6 nothing special. MPG not high as expected. Avg is 36.2 perhaps its colder weather and New Engand hills and I have yet to see my car run totally electric while under 35mph. Nicks already in body because I cant see rear end or hood. I enjoy driving this car but I miss a powerful engine, Cant say Ill be driving another honda car after this.

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  Disappointed in Ontario - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By G Davis - August 8 - 1:07 pm

  Recently traded my 2000 Pontiac Montana for a 2003 Honda CR-V. After 3 years of constant repairs on the Montana I was so excited to own a "reliable" vehicle. Well, last week the compressor in the air conditioning unit went and I now have to fork out $1500.+ to replace it. I am very disappointed. I have owned several Hondas and they have always been reliable & reasonable to maintain. After reading the reviews, I may just fix it and sell it as this seems to be an ongoing problem. Heads up, Honda. The North American car manufacturers have let the buying public down horribly with their poorly designed and built vehicles. Dont follow suit! Gas mileage also not as good as expected.

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  2007 element - 2007 Honda Element
  By Bobby - August 8 - 12:43 pm

  I love my Honda element. This is my second one. Only issue i have is that this is the second time that the master brake cylinder went out after about 29,000 miles. It was under warranty. I also had a 2004 element and the same thing happened. Kinda odd that it would go out in my 2007 element. I think Honda should check into a internal leap problem in the master brake cylinder. Other wise, I love my element. thanks.

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  Not what I Expected - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Louise - August 7 - 2:33 pm

  Bought a 2002 Odyssey.Packed well for hurricane evacuations great space for 5 dogs,2 cats, 2 birds with supplies however, very disappointed. Early on, at 3000 miles the engine block cracked and was replaced twice the driver rear window power motors stopped working and almost as soon as the extended warranty was out, the other window motor quit working. Seat belt replaced transmission went out at 70,000 lots of road noise, driver door lock broke and was replaced with a lock not compatible to key for other door locksrubber bumpers for sliding doors have completely MELTED off the hinge. Am looking at other options for a vehicle. Mileage steady 20/23 city/hwy.

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  Soccer-Mom Heaven - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By OBXmom - August 7 - 12:59 pm

  I traded my 2005 Civic in for this, but there was just never enough room. My DH is over 6 and the 2 kids are growing fast. I miss filling up for $35, but we took a 2 hour drive to shopping mall with 8 adults, and we were perfectly comfortable. We are leaving tomorrow for vacation, and have plenty of room to bring everything we could want, and we will be comfortable enough to take the scenic route. The DVD player is our first in-car system, and I am glad I finally gave in. We didnt get the NAV, because he prefers the Garmin after market.

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  Not for the vertically-challenged! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By BocaBrad - August 7 - 1:30 am

  Love it so far, but the front seats should go higher. Im 511" and its just about right at the highest setting. My friend, whos 54", felt uncomfortably low at the highest driver seat setting. She currently drives a BMW 3 Series. Moreover, the passenger seat has no height adjustment at all. Looks great, drives well, plenty of rear leg room, and the gadgets are cool. You only get the rear view camera with Navigation, which I believe was a design mistake by Honda. Its tough to see out the back.

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  Good Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dcbronson - August 6 - 11:46 pm

  Im well satified with this car, my first foreign model. The mileage is better than advertised. We drove across the country, 1800 miles and got generally 31 mpg. The pickup is adequate for a 4 cyl. but still would like more hp. I traded in a 275 hp Eldorado on this conservative car so the lack of oomph is obvious. All the standard features are nice, but now I wish I would have gotten the nav. system with all the other upgrades.

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  Shouldnt need to "get used" to seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dbdc22 - August 6 - 2:56 am

  The seats (EX-L coupe) are simply awful for both me and my passenger. I get back pain, and my passenger gets neck pain from the head restraint. None of this was apparent on the test drive. Takes about 45 mins. or an hour to kick in. I have never had this experience in over 35 years of car ownership! Also dont like rear visibility. Cant see objects in rear quarter, and hard to tell where the rear bumper is in parking. Finally, low end torque with 190 Hp is still sub-par. On paper (and test drive) this is a fine car. Have owned two other Hondas with no problems. Unfortunately I let that sway my purchase. Am considering trading in for something else, with only 1100 miles.