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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  Love my Honda EXL - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Cheri Westlake - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda we had the pilot years ago. I purchased Mazda 3 for a runabout just sold for an Accord. Mazda 3 felt tin like and feathery compared to Accord exl. Fun car not a real safe feeling compared to Accord. Accord is luxurious and roomy. Love it on the hwy especially in inclement weather. I love my new Accord exl. Thks Honda! I feel safe and all my friends fit in comfortably and their golf clubs fit in the trunk! Gotta love it! Worth the little extra to purchase a Honda.

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  Not for everyone, but a great car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jonathan W. - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Element for 5 years now and am still waiting for the first sign of a problem. (OK, there was an airbag light that came on for no apparent reason, but a brief visit to the dealer fixed that.) It just keeps on running despite my best efforts to wear it out. The all wheel drive works great, and while it is not a performance car by any means, it has more than enough giddy-up. The absence of carpets, along with the water resistant upholstery, makes it an ideal choice for camping, swimming, etc. -- even with dogs. I am 40 years old, but I dont think I will ever outgrow the Element. I look forward to keeping this car for 5 more years and then getting a new Element.

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  Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By James - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fit new in May 2006. It now has over 81,000 miles on it and I have never had to take it to the repair shop for anything other than brakes. Even at 81K miles, I am getting around 35 mpg. The only complaint I have with it is that it wears tires very quickly. I have an alignment done at every oil change, and it still doesnt help. The dealer says there is no known problem with tire wear on the Fit.

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  Honda pilot 03 transmissions - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jona - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I also have a 2003 honda pilot. We have kept up on all maintenance on this vehicle. Had drive light flash and was told 4th gear pressure sensor was bad, had that fixed. A month later my transmission starts acting up, take to dealer and they told me I needed a whole new transmission and was gonna cost us $3000.00 to fix

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  Water leaks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Zimmer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We use our EX-L for hauling bikes, Labrador retrievers and light cargo for home projects. Weve taken the middle seats out and keep the rear seats folded down into the floor. Imagine my surprise today, when I accessed the compartment below the rear seats and found the carpet soaked with about 1/2 inch of water. I googled the problem and found that this is a common problem with the Odyssey and has been prevalent since 2001. My main complaint is that Honda knows of the problem but responds as if mine is the only case ever. Honda will lose me as a follow-up customer. I dont like dishonesty.

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  Great engineering, questionable looks - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Briann - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the vehicle two days ago strikingly luxurious inside, and very nice, quiet ride. I had previously leased an 05 and an 08 and was surprised at how much more upscale the interior is on the 11. Lots of technology upgrades. Im a little concerned that the change in the drivers foot-well will not be comfortable on long trips (left leg now not able to stretch fully). Also not happy about the roof rails no longer being present, as I actually used them on the previous models.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By don927 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my CR-V for almost 4 months and I couldnt be happier! Just returned from a 4,500-mile trip out west and got 28 mpg. Performance in the mountains (Yellowstone and Montana) was not a problem. Im averaging 23-25 mpg with short trips around town. Acceleration has been more than adequate. This car is fun to drive!

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  So disappointing - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mbeach - October 18 - 2:00 am

  After 7 months of car shopping, I finally bought a Honda Pilot. Planned on having for years. Bought in June 2010 and looking to replace although will lose money. The seats are so uncomfortable it ruins the entire experience. Not adjustable and C shaped in the upper back with headrest pushing head forward. Long rides are unbearable. I am 57" and husband 60" and cannot adjust to either of us. Sunroof not consistent and back hatch inside fascia came up already. Cannot see paying for something that cannot ever get comfortable in. Looking at a Kia Sorento, so disappointed in my purchase and looking at options, ruined my impression of Honda as this was my first.

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  Expensive grocery getter - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Frank - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is not comfortable the front seats are like sitting on a park bench, small, no padding and the leather is cheap. Cheap plastic interior with too many buttons on the ugly dash. Road noise is awful and the brakes are pathetic. Honda has a recall on this car and when i brought the car to the dealer they said the brakes on this thing were ok. V6 engine is a noisy winder when stepping on the pedal hard what a joke. Im dumping this piece of overrated Honda and looking at the Ford Fusion or the Buick LaCrosse. Honda has taken there so called reliability and threw out the door with new generation Honda

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  Disappointed in Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Jay - October 17 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van in 2002. We owned it for 8 years and 120K miles. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. It did have some good interior and exterior features. The engine was always reliable. However, the transmission was a train wreck. We had to replace the transmission 2 times while we owned it. We had numerous issues with the power sliding door. Every so often I had to clean the connectors with steel wool or the door would not shut properly. We recently traded off the van for a Toyota. The little things like nobs, handles, buttons, etc. were starting to fail. The gas mileage was also starting to diminish. I would be hesitant to purchase another Honda Odyssey van.