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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  Honda Owners Beware - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Had the torque converter and transmission replaced with only 89k miles under normal driving conditions. Total cost was over $3600. Better have deep pockets for Honda repairs, as they love their parts.

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By disappointed - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our van worked great with no problems until about 76,000 miles. After that it was one thing (some big) after the other. After 10,000 more miles and about $3500, we decided that we had enough. We hoped that this car would last for many years and at least 200,000 miles. It felt like the transmission was going out, similar to other reviews below. After seeing similar vans at the transmission shop, we got rid of it. Since my dads Accord has over 350,000 miles and our friends and family have similar odysseys, we are extremely disappointed! We would not buy another Odyssey unless we purchased a new one with extended warranties. So much for Honda quality and reliability.

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  Ten years with my 2000 Accord EX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By dexter - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 10 years, traded in for a 2011 Accord for the newer safety features. However, this is an amazing car. Never had a single mechanical problem with the car, the paint is still in excellent condition and the drivetrain will undoubtedly last another 10 - 15 years. I have nothing but positive memories of this car. The shifter is a joy to use. The steering is so precise that you can place this car in a turn, even at the limits of adhesion, with complete accuracy. My 2000 Accord is an admirable vehicle which hasnt lost an ounce of its original quality, performance or reliability over the past 10 years.

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  Not Again - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By srm3057 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2005 Pilot new and have maintained it professionally with the thought of keeping it for many years. This vehicle has been one problem after another. Terrible gas mileage! At 50K miles the AC compressor just needed to be replaced at a cost of $1500.00 +/-. The reliability isnt there anymore! I would not recommend this manufacturer at all. They do not stand behind their product.

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  After the love is gone - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By No More Hondas? - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I too used to think Honda was the best. Until our 2005 Pilot came to a sudden halt on the Dan Ryan. Lucky for us, it was at 1 a.m.. The transmission failed. Just. Like. That. No lights or warning. 73,200 miles. Of course we got the pleasure of paying for it. No help from Honda like the 2003 people. Before that we enjoyed ABS that locked up, tire pressure sensors that dealer quit trying to fix, peeling bumper paint, leaking doors that stink & gas mileage was a joke. We ditched it after we were told the engine was next to go. BTW, the dealer did all the routine man. on it. Hope you are all still Honda fans when your trans. goes out. Read the forums here. Not pretty.

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  102,000 Miles and Still Like New - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By conroy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our Honda used in 2008. I agree with some of the comments. My wife loves it and its a solid van. Mileage ranges but we get 17-18 in town and 22-26 on the highway. A lot depends on the wind and load. So far 102,000 and we have one repair. One coil went out about 500 miles ago and the back shocks need replacing. Its due for a timing belt as well at about $500. All I can say is that this is by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The interior is way ahead of a Dodge. We will probably buy another one when it reaches 175,000 or about 3-years. Great van and great for road trips with the kids.

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  Good family sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By scoastowner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Very solid and reliable, and in the EX-L V6, many luxury car features at a competitive price. Comfortable interior, plenty of room. The V6 has plenty of punch and the 5-speed automatic matches well (in the past, Ive preferred manual trans). Handling is fine, if unexciting. Braking could improve. Well worth upgrading from a baseline 4cyl LX. Personally, Id have been happier getting something smaller/sportier like an Acura TSX. I havent needed all of the Accords space. Thats my fault though. The Accord is great at what it is.

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  Do not buy a honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By james brinson - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Honda not a car you want to buy. Leather seats do not stand up to standard. Their air bags will deflate and you hit nothing . My advice be do not ever buy a Honda form no one they will lie to you. Thanks for nothing . Pat

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  Very unhappy - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TMCHousehold - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2011 Pilot and have had MAJOR sunroof issues. In addition to the chain rattling noise from the engine (that is apparently normal), I regret buying this vehicle and would NOT recommend it. I am very disappointed Honda feels this is a quality car.

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  Great Everyday Driver - 2007 Honda Accord
  By NatureGuy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car meets my daily driving needs perfectly. It is an unassuming but well designed car, with sleek, simple lines and a practical, comfortable, quiet interior. The best feature of this car is the ride. I dont expect sports car performance from an Accord, but this little gem comes pretty close. I do a lot of mountain driving, and handling is sharp and crisp, no problems parking or navigating narrow streets. This car excels as a commuter car, a grocery getter and a weekend road trip car. I have a Jeep for my serious adventure driving, so I dont expect the Honda to be anything its not. Good MPG is a plus, and every time I drive my 16 mpg Wrangler I appreciate the Accord more.