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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  Ridgeline is king - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By xrockx - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a number of short bed pickup trucks and the ridgeline is the best of all. The interior storage beats all other trucks and the in-bed storage is light years ahead of the competition. Safety features and solid build make for one excellent vehicle.

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  Watch Out For That Tranny - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Adam - November 10 - 2:00 am

  We take good care of our car. We put low miles on it every year. At 65,000 miles the transmission should not fail. To make it worse, Honda has no interest in making it right. Be very cautious when buying this car. There may not be many complaints about the 03 transmission now, but theyre about to come of age. Do a search for 01 transmission problems and start saving for the impending rainy day. Dont say you werent warned.

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  Great to get around in! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jeannine - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This 5 speed was my best friend! It was my go-to, do anything car. I drive a lot for work and through the wind, rain, and snow, my Honda got me to the far corners of south jersey in incredible time even in its later days of 115,000 miles. GREAT ON GAS!! Especially if youre good at stick shift. VERY RELIABLE! Only work I had done was the timing belt at 90,000 miles (which is recommended) and the normal oil changes, air filters, tires, etc. Make sure you dont burn it up too much racing, that synthetic oil will go quick as the pick up in this baby. All in all it was a load of fun and great memories, with no tragic ones.

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  Reliable - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By ol rassler - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Owned the Pilot now for 2 years. No problems! Mileage is 20 mpg, wish it was higher but it is a 4wd vehicle. Leather seats are comfortable, (511" driver). Some small paint chipping around front of rear wheels where body flairs out a little. Installed running boards and that stopped stones from hitting side. Exterior styling adopted from a school bus design studio. Overall like the vehicle and would probably buy another. No problems with hatch/roof.

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  Noisy and bouncy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Nancy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the Odyssey less than two months. It has 3,000 miles and has been on one long trip from NC to CT. It has lots of wind and road noise. It only drives well on smooth pavement. The cargo area is poorly designed. There are no tie down hooks to strap in cargo. It seems to be solely designed to haul people. We usually keep a vehicle 7 - 10 years. This one will be gone in 2-3 years. Front seats are uncomfortable.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By MissIndy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I would most definitely recommend this car to any average sized person. This car is an absolute blast to drive, it handles very well on all types of roads. I have a lead foot and I always had over 30 mpg on the highways. The dash was easy to read.

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  engine - 2008 Honda Civic
  By disgrace - November 9 - 2:00 am

  i purchased a brand new 2008 Honda Civic ex in 2008. At 34,000 miles, my engine blew. Of course Dean Honda tried to fight me on the warranty, but my dad was able to convince them to replace the engine under warranty (like it should be). It is now a month later, but my tire pressure light and the check engine light are both on. I take it in the Dean Honda today and they call to tell me i need a "software update" that is not relevant to the engine so i have to pay. Although the fee is only $24, it is the principle. What sense is a warranty if they dont honor it for anything. Not to mention the month they were rebuilding my engine, they provided no loaner and i wasted 2 hours of my work day up

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  Im really liking it! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dm - November 9 - 2:00 am

  So far so good, bought second hand, very zippy, very comfortable seats, huge windshield. Interior plastic gouges/scratches very very easy, didnt like the rims it came with, has a blind spot on either left or right of the windshield, likely do to the thickness of where they put the side airbags. Overall, I really enjoy this car, wish it had another plug in thing for cell phone/gps etc. Fairly noisy from road noise

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  So far so good - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Wayne - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Had this vehicle for about a month now. Love it so far. Got it for the 3 rows that seat 8. It can fit our family of 5 with no problem with the 3rd row folded down which leaves plenty of room for cargo for our trips. AWD Sienna only seats 4 without third row (captains chairs) and Highlander was a bit narrower, had less cargo room and was more expensive. Didnt take to the Sorento or Traverse - which were also more expensive for the same options.

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  Ill never buy another Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BJ - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Problems: A/C poor. GM figured it out 40 yrs ago. Squeak & rattles at shifter/headliner/sunroof/dash. Daytime RL makes speakers "buzz" Tires force balanced, still ng. Water leaks behind both rear door trim pads. Poor hood/fender fit. Poor taillight to body fits. Exhaust misaligned to bumper cover. VERY ROUGH 2 to 1 downshift (Dealer says normal)Poor driver door fit. Hondas are so over-hyped. They have the same problems as other cars, its just that most people dont notice. Honda builds the same garbage as every other maker in this price range. I can imagine the problems this will have when it has more than 3K.