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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  Great SUV for what it is. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TMG - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with the Pilot overall. Seats are comfortable, I dont think they would be if you are overweight, Im 62", 210 lbs. I dont find the ECO mode annoying, you can notice on the highway when it changes but, not after it rides the same, doesnt affect acceleration. It does have a rougher ride than I expected, more like an SUV than car or crossover. Gas mileage isnt great but you know that going in, we average about 17 mpg. The interior is nice and very functional. It is not a Lexus! To all the people complaining and comparing to other SUVs, spend the extra 10K, 20K or more and then youll have what your looking for. Great car overall, no mechanical problems yet.

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  Nice mid-size truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 12,000 miles off a return lease. Had to have the leather seat cover on the drivers side replaced, and the complete headliner (it also has the moon roof) replaced, it came apart in the rear. I have 29,000 miles now and its been pretty good so far. Oh, had to also replace the right rear rotor & brake pads at 22,000 miles. Honda wouldnt cover or help with the repair bill while still under warranty, sort of crappy of them.

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  My first Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Blanca - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned only Toyotas (corollas and Sienna), this is the first time I bought a 2010 Accord LX sedan, 4 cylinders. The test drive seemed OK. But after a week of driving I notice excessive vibration in the car when braking at low and even worse at high speed. I took it to the dealer and they resurfaced the front rotors. Other thing that I am noticing is the vibration of the front car at idle when the car automatic transmission is in D position.

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  Great vehicle, but ONE bad experience - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Brian - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Had 2 Hondas in my lifetime. A CR-V wasnt what I wanted, but I decided to try it, vs. a car. Overall a great time. Short/long trips, hauled people and animals, towed trailers, packed it full, traveled in heat and snow (Great!). Overall reliable vehicle. Ive also enjoyed working on it (weekend mechanic) using Honda and Chilton manuals, saved some money. HOWEVER, Im one of many victims of burned valves (Gen1 engines). Owners were NOT notified of this issue, there WAS a bulletin A03-038 issued to garages, it WAS Preventable, but Repairs for this known problem were at owners expense ($2K+). HONDAS reputation has suffered - Im disappointed, not in CR-V, but in their management.

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  My Second Honda and it want be my last - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Molove1009 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  While I have this 1999 Honda accord today because my 94 Honda Accord was damaged pretty bad in a wreak. So far I love the car, I brought it for 2,800 as is. It didnt need any under the hood work just a paint job and a new hood.I was blessed. I drive back in forth from home to school in another city. My gas lasted forever, 20 dollars lasted me 6 days straight. But my shifter has been getting stuck in park and I have to pull it hard to shift to another gear but that is fine, no biggie got fixed. I love hondas and toyotas and I want changed to an American made car for nothing, because they only look good, but they dont last long at all compared to hondas and toyotas. Just do your research.LOL

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  Love it more than I thought I would - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover! - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Honda van with 193,000 miles. Really was looking at the 2010 discounted models - unable to find the one I wanted with the right options - we decided to consider the 2011. Beautiful interior and more options than I ever dreamed of. I wasnt crazy about the new exterior so I had roof rails and side molding added - boy does that help! It gives it the more of the profile I like about the Odysseys. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. I dont think you can go wrong with a Honda.

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  Great first minivan - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Best minivan out there Like the looks Lots of gadgets etc. Awesome RES system Comfortable and cavernous interior Cons: (context of my first minivan after driving an Infiniti G35S) Acceleration is slow Other cars like to pass me on the freeway or cut me off now This is my first minivan and I must admit I was not sold until I had my entire family climb into it and everyone was silent and comfy. That sold me. Huge interior for the 3 kids, great seats up front with lots of gadgets for the wife, and easy to drive. Feels like Im driving a boat compared to infiniti g35S. "Vanity succumbs to convenience and silence" -- my sister.

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  Love my civic! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By missyD - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love love love this car! Extremely roomy for a 2dr, even though the back is kinda cramped but thats understandable. Love the navigation interface, speaker system is amazing. Great gas mileage. Handles great. I really have no complaints whatsoever. However, I wouldnt buy this car if it was a lower end model. The reason why I love this car is because its ex w/navi. Ive seen the lower end models w/o navi and its nothing special compared to the ex.

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  Why? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By BobbyJ - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Completely gutless. Beyond boring to drive. Looks terrible. This car goes for fuel economy and lets everything else suffer. Never again will I buy a Honda product.

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  MPG Exceeds EPA Range for Highway - 2008 Honda Civic
  By back44 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Civic EX with the 1.8 liter engine when fuel prices were approaching $4.00 per gallon. We recently averaged 39 mpg over a 2200 mile trip much of it through mountainous terrain. My best mileage was at 45 mpg over a newly paved interstate. The smoothness of the road helps in delivering good mileage. And driving at the posted interstate speed of 70 MPH does not diminish the mpg. The Civic averages about 28 mpg in town.