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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  Base model lacking necessary essentials... - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By enginemedic21 - May 9 - 10:31 am

  I had a 2012 CRV lx for about 2 weeks before trading it back in to recieve a refund(dealer allowed so). I initially liked the CRV LX, it drover smooth, MPG was right on point with EPA ratings,more power than normal for its class which gave decent pick up when not in ECON mode. However there were things that bugged me that made me return it. No arm rest for the front passenger, 3 speeds for the windshield wipers,cheap quality upholstery for seats,cheap steal wheels, high price of add on features compared to other car makers. Its upsetting that I have to pay $2800 to upgrade just to get better quality seats, a front passenger armrest, and more than just 3 speeds for the windshielf wipers.

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  Only for the Lonely/Adventurist Person - 2003 Honda Element
  By kingkorvo - May 7 - 10:21 pm

  When I purchased my Honda Element, I was enchanted with the uniqueness of the ride: it was a truck, SUV, and small car mixed altogether and it can get you where you want to go. Its a great ride for someone who doesnt have kids and likes the great versalitity of a crossover vechile. To Pros: 1) Its a Honda its gonna retain value 2) Weather conditions/ off road- handles great 3) Plenty interior space could live out of it 4) Crosscountry trips made easy The Cons: 1) Its only a 4 seater 2) Arm rest only for driver seat 3) A/C control of cabin is hard because of size 4) Anything on the floor rolls up to the front because of stadium seating 5) Gas mileage runs 19/22 One mancar!

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  Seats are awful! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pjshifi1 - May 4 - 3:24 pm

  I just bought this car two weeks ago. The first time I noticed the issue was on a long drive, 5+/- hours with the car. At the end of the drive, my lower back was on fire and I had a hard time moving around for the rest of that weekend. Then the drive home was worse, because my back already was hurting. These seats are AWFUL! I took the car right back to the dealer and told them about the issue, I was told they really couldnt do anything about it and there is nothing wrong with the seat (it wasnt broken). I then call Honda USA, explained my issue and was given a case number. That case ending in Honda USA basically telling me to pound sand! I have said that I was not the only person with these issues, just go and Google it. The Honda rep to me they were un-aware of any issues like this and they dont pay attention to web postings. Now I have an issue, I have a brand new car that I HATE to drive. I ended up pulling my 10 year old Saab 140K mile (which the Accord was supposed to replace) back out of the garage and parked the Accord. Please Honda, get your stuff together and help myself and all other people get this resolved. These are BRAND NEW cars!

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  Uncomfortable driver seat - 2012 Honda Accord
  By junior12 - May 2 - 4:41 pm

  I own a 2012 Honda Accord LX. Drivers side seat just slightly above the lumbar support is hurting my back. Adjusting the seat or adding some padding does not help. Extreme discomfort after 25 minutes of driving time. Very poor seat design. Very disappointed in Honda. Do a "Google" search to read about many others having back pain due to the seat design. I like the 2012 Honda Accords but what good is this car if I cannot drive it without being in severe pain.

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  Poor Reliability - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jon_z - April 23 - 9:49 am

  Just purchased my wifes Pilot about 5 months ago. Ride, handling and comfort are pretty good, but Honda reliability is not there. The radiator recently "failed" causing the coolant to be circulated into the transmission. Radiator/thermostat need to be replaced. The engine and transmission need to be flushed as well. So far this has cost us $1500. Im just waiting for the transmission to fail requiring a $3-4K replacement all because of a defective radiator! Would NOT buy this vehicle again. Honda also will not admit theres a problem with their radiators on these Pilots. This barge replaced a 1998 Odyssey which was a far better car.

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  Transmission FAILURE - 2000 Honda Accord
  By abynum16 - April 19 - 3:44 pm

  I would say this is a reliable car but, its either its great or your transmission fail no in between. Transmission failure with a P0730 failure code. Failure with automatic transmission & gear shift. My father and I both had this problem with two different honda accords. I recommend that you do not buy this car because you dont know what youll end up with !

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  Test the windows before you buy! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By spitfire562 - April 18 - 10:58 am

  The windows streak severely after having been washed or after car has been driven in the rain. Even up to two days later when the rest of the (garaged!) car is completely dry rolling the window down and back up will leave severe streak marks obstructing the view from that window and, consequently, the mirrors. Even though me and everybody else who has seen it disagrees and consider it a safety issue, my dealer says this is normal so PLEASE, if you have to use your windows a lot, check before you buy! Shame on Honda!

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  Seems Like Hondas Getting Worse - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By aecko - April 16 - 1:46 pm

  Honda used to mean reliability. Now not as much, maybe that is a better reason to get an Acura. My 2012 Pilot EXL with 70 miles (yes first week) is having an ignition problem. When you turn the key to turn the car on, it cranks then struggles and sometimes dies sometimes starts. The second time I try it typically starts. Not sure that the resolution will be, will post an update if possible.

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  Cant Wait to Sell It - 2008 Honda Accord
  By megake02 - April 15 - 9:01 pm

  Our 1998 Accord Coupe was a better car - didnt need a repair until 185k. This car has proven to be reliable with nearly 80k on it (first set of brakes had to be replaced at 35k but second set it still fine at 45k). Changing lanes on the left side is downright scary due to very poor visibility and acceleration is poor. I live in congested NJ and you have to gun it to merge onto the highways and the 4 cyl doesnt cut it. The paint quality is also poor. I get the car hand washed monthly but I have two rust spots already. I see older dark colored Accords with faded paint and I am concerned The plan is to trade it in just before 100k so I can avoid replacing the timing belt and tires.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nustar47 - April 15 - 2:51 pm

  I have always been a Honda fan and it was the first car I considered when I downsized from 07 Infiniti M35 (I miss my baby). This car has been a disappointment. Noisy and shaking over 60mph. Sound system is ok. It has lots of room but I just cant get into it. Kinda regretting purchase. Bluetooth wont pair to phone.