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 IT - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Brian Peters - October 1 - 4:33 pm

  I have owned my 2011 Pilot for two years now and have nothing but great things to say about it. The amount of cargo space and thought that went into this vehicle goes well beyond its truck like exterior. (Which I love) This SUV has places to store things behind every corner, and even has plenty of room when I have 8 people packed into it. IT never slips & slides in the rain or snow, and has been nothing but reliable to me since I purchased it in the summer of 2013. The only thing I have had to replace is the brake pads, but thats expected in any large 3 row crossover. Its get up and go is good, but I struggle to overtake cars on the highway without really hitting the gas pedal. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to any family that does not want a minivan, wants a bang for there buck, and wants to ride in style. My rating for the Pilot? 10/10 best car I have ever owned.

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  Awesome car - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Raj - October 1 - 11:17 am

  I purchased a pre-owned 12 Accord EX-L coupe no Navi with about 32k miles. Ive had the car for about 7 months now and love it. I do about 24k miles a year so I spend alot of time in my car. The seats are comfortable for me and the passengers. Its got plenty of room for a coupe. My mother whose a little older has a little trouble getting in/out but once shes in there shes very comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone. Highly reliable, comfy, and most importantly affordable!

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  Avoid 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BV - October 1 - 8:12 am

  Tire wear is terrible because of a defective Rear Upper Control Arm. Honda did not do a recall but there was a class action suit forcing Honda to replace the defective parts and reimburse customers for premature tire wear. Unfortunately for me, I did not find out until after the expiration of the settlement which was January 16, 2014. That is after I spent more than $2,000 for new tires, struts, shocks, alignments, etc., trying to fix the problem. 2006 through 2009 models have extended warranties related to another serious issue where coolant leaks and can cause engine block damage and complete engine failure. The seats are wearing out much faster than any car I have ever owned and I am average size and the car only has 80,000 miles on it.

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  Great car but transmission problem - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ankit Patel - October 1 - 6:24 am

  I love my car, when i bought it did not know there is transmission issue going on with this car. I bought it used and i drove only 105k and transmission failed. other maintenance is cheap and reliable.

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  Great, dependable car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brandon - October 1 - 12:50 am

  I purchased my 2007 Civic with 80k miles in 2012. I just traded it in with 126k miles, for a brand new Civic. I bought a new one because I didnt want to take a chance at having any mechanical issues down the road. However, while owning my 07 Civic I never had any unusual or unexpected repairs, besides my starter going out at 110k. It was a great car, no complaints.

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  vibraion at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep123_sr@yahoo.com - October 1 - 12:46 am

  the car vibrates at idle, when stopped at signal light it starts vibrating.

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  Love my Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Brandon - October 1 - 12:43 am

  Great value! I recently traded in my 07 Civic for a brand new 15. I wasnt expecting anything short of spectacular, and I got what I expected. Pros: *Awesome standard tech & safety features *Ride height (not too low) and good rearward visibility *Excellent steering & acceleration, yet very quiet cabin & high mpg *large trunk, good amount of storage *EX options are well worth the extra$$ (blind spot camera, moonroof, touch screen infotainment, smart entry, & black accented alloy wheels) Cons: *the cloth seats. Previously, Honda did a good job with keeping the cloth simple yet comfortable & attractive. In Civics recent production years the cloth is patterned, shiny, thin, rough & cheap looking. Doesnt look like it can take too much wear & tear, but only time will tell. *center console arm rest has no cushion, extremely hard on elbows *lack of headroom for very tall drivers (only in models with moonroof). I chose the EX partially for the added value of a moonroof, but the moonroof also cuts down headroom by an inch or two. Im 64" though, so not your average driver. I LOVE my Civic, even with the couple minor complaints. Im looking forward to driving it the next couple years and cant wait for my next Honda purchase. Great, dependable brand.

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  lOVE MY HONDA (IF ONLY) - 2013 Honda Civic
  By cyndi strawser - September 30 - 8:47 pm

  I like the two-tier dash and exterior/interior style. Gas mileage using econ o mode makes a hybrid unnecessary as its not unusual for me to get 40-44 mpg mixed driving. Cold weather drives down the mileage tremendously. VERY unhappy with paint quality, it looks nice but every little rock from passing traffic will nick paint down to the primer. Also developed a plastic sounding rattling noise during certain mild wind conditions. My new car sounds like a rattletrap from inside. Three different dealers and a couple of friends have not been able to find the problem. Hope the lemon law applies. I live in the country and I have to switch to a truck during snow/ice, Civic will not stay on the road ,,not enough weight.

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  Happy Owner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Donna - September 30 - 3:05 pm

  I am all about economy and reliability. This car has both. I like that it is easy to park. It can gain speed quickly on the interstate. I feel that the car is substantially build. The cloth on the seats has held up very well and looks almost new. I have taken my car to the dealer for all recommended maintenance and have been very satisfied. I feel that my money was well spent when I purchased this vehicle.

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  little old lady has warped rotors - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Sheila - September 30 - 11:01 am

  Before reaching 20,000 miles started experiencing steering wheel shimmy when applying the brakes. Turns out I have warped rotors. Never had this problem with any other new vehicle. I understand the warranty is only good for 12,000 miles. Could this possibly be a recall problem. Also updated the navigation map based on recommendation. You can do this yourself my inserting CD and following instructions. Did so, but now every time I start the engine, I get a message stating map is not valid.