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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  Verdict is still out, so far favorable - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By East PA Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 06 4runner in on this car. While this has what I am looking for, smoother ride, more room inside, I agree with some posts on here, quality seems cheaper than my past Hondas. Also be sure to drive this car at a highway speed around 65-75 mph. Seems that they all have a lot of wind noise around the front rear edges of the doors where the windows seal. First car I have owned in 10+ years to have this kinda of window open/air leak sound. Disappointing for a 30k+ car. Otherwise, the car pulls my boat even better than my 4runner despite less hp and torque. So far only one odd issue with dome lights but hasnt happened again.

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  Fantastic - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I love Honda without a doubt. Ive had 2 Accords and one Civic and I probably wouldve kept them all except 1 was totaled in a crash (not my fault) and the other Accord was damaged by hail. The Civic was tried and true but I wanted to upgrade. I have had nothing but luck with Hondas. They have held up and been nothing but good for me. GREAT gas mileage on all of them. Awesome ride, nice and smooth and they keep going, and going and going. I am completely spoiled by Honda and refuse to buy nothing else.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By layabout1000 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2010 CR-V for myself and a 2010 Accord for my wife. We love driving them!

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  Loving My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Thomas - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2011 4WD EX-L with Navi and have no regrets. Ride is fantastic. Gas mileage is what is expected, not sure why folks on here are all bent on it as it is not a hybrid. Very roomy, smooth ride. ECO Mode goes on and off and it can not be noticed other than the light on the dash. Great pick up and passing ability. Only minor grip would be the lack luster sound system from the speakers in the doors. Not as good as my Ridgeline. Traded a 2007 Ridgeline and this car has meet the same great expectations I have always had from Honda. This is my 5th. Just test drive and you will see how much you love it. Considered the MDX but for 8K more for not much more in features.

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  2011 Accord - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Surya - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After a 1 month search I bought this car. I am not disappointed after buying this stylish car. I had Audi A4 earlier and always want a bigger car than. Since Honda cost less than Audi A6, I went with this car. So far its running good. The features are good and very ergonomically placed. I have bad neck pain in my previous Audi vehicle. But the seats in 2011 Accord were good. I feel very comfortable. Though the initial pick up from stop is not that great, but it drives at high speed.

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  Reoccuring loss of Power - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sweetman2go - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Honda I have owned a 2008 Honda accord 2.4L cyl since 2008 and I have had a recurrent loss of power on high speeds every year.The problem occurs randomly, and loss power drops to the point that it wouldnt go beyond 5-10 mph even with my foot pressed down on the gas pedal, during this time NO Engine check light comes on ,this has lasted up to an hour. I have called Honda every year to tell them about this and taken the car to 3 different dealership, all telling me that since theres no engine code theres nothing they can do. I had the same problem 2 days ago. Honda is a piece crap and this is my very last Honda. I recommend do not buy an Accord

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  Real world mpg is 50+ - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Donna - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a year now and I love it. My mpg has averaged 51 over 20K miles. The dash def teaches you how to drive efficiently and it is fun to try to continually improve your driving habits and mpg. I am baffled by the "official" mpg rating of 41-43, I do try to drive well but I dont do anything crazy to get my results. I have no complaints at all, I love driving this car.

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  Axle/Transmission/Steering - Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy one of these. This will be the fifth time going to the dealership for repairs! The transmission, axles, wheels, steering, are poorly made. I will never buy another Honda again (unless they give me a huge amount of money to trade this minivan in for something else).

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  Should have stuck with my 2006 Altima - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - October 16 - 2:00 am

  My first new car purchase ever, and I am very sorry for buying this car. People are amazed that one couldnt be happy with a new car, but while CR-V has great comfort, notable reliability. When I did a Test Drive I felt good. But on the way back to my place there was tons of vibration on the steering wheel and when called Honda they just blamed the Continental tires and immediately got confirmation from the tires guy saying the tires are in a very good condition and the RIMS are not good. When spoke to Honda dealer they are giving bull stories and not trying to fix the prob. I am really regretting my decision of buying CRV. Need to wait and see still how many days i need to wait for this.

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  Good SUV but pulls to the right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Had a previous Nissan Armada and got tired of driving a "School bus". Overall fit and finish is great. Main problem is that the car is pulling to the right. Had to bring the car in 4 times and finally after driving with the tech, they agree that it does indeed pull to the right. (why it took them 4 times to acknowledge this is beyond me) It pulled to the right from day one. Make sure you test drive your car before you buy it. There is a service bulletin out (which the dealer had no idea about and did not divulge this, I had to research this) and check your VIN number. In fact just dont buy this car if it is listed within the service bulletins VIN #.