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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  The only way to go - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Bill - August 25 - 11:05 am

  We researched every car in this class. Camry, Focus, Altima, Sonata. No comparison. This car is comfortable, smooth, handles great, looks great and Honda pays attention to so many little details that make this car so great. The tactile feel of every switch, fabric, door panels etc. you handle is perfect. The word is quality! And at an unbelievable price. The Sonata was sluggish and the seating positions were strange and the interior was caodic. Accords interior is tasteful. All I can say is you wont be unhappy with this car.

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  2 Transmissions by 100k? Really Honda?? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Marc - August 25 - 10:24 am

  We purchased this vehicle used with 26k miles. Here have been the problems since: Transmission replaced at 48k by dealer Passenger side window regulator replaced Sliding doors constantly malfunctioning Front drivers seat jammed Annoying rattling coming from unknown source (dealer couldnt locate either) Front and rear lighter outlets dislodged (not from abuse, from poor design) Transmission being replaced FOR 2nd TIME at 105k In case you didnt catch it the transmission is being replaced for the second time!!

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  2011 Pilot-4WD EX-L/Navigation - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Pat - August 25 - 6:45 am

  We spent months looking for the right SUV to replace our Suburban and came up with the Pilot. It was all about price point and features. Excellent cargo room and seating. Fast enough for us with a comfortable, stable, secure ride. Would not hesitate to buy this car again.

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  Honda Legacy Continues - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - August 24 - 11:18 pm

  I just picked up my ninth Honda car product in 30 years! I am thrilled with my new Honda Pilot! It compliments my current 2001 Honda CR-V and 2004 Acura (translate super Honda) MDX-all under the same garage roof. I shopped for different car types, dealers, and manufacturers over the past year. As difficult as it was to will my aging MDX to my daughter at college, my new Pilot more than makes up for the move. It has more standard features than I paid for in my Acura. It also rides more solid and quieter! The standard sound system is stellar and the room for hauling up and down Highway 81 to Blacksburg, VA will come in very handy indeed!

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nick Hayes - August 24 - 9:11 pm

  I bought my Civic from a Honda dealership as a certified used car, with around 48k. Now with 90k, I am still surprised at its complete reliability and lack of problems. My civic was hit in a parking lot, and I hit a deer last summer, and not only did it hold up well but it has returned to its original form. Regular oil changes and a set of tires, and this car is easily my best investment. I have the constant itch for a sports car, but know that giving up my civic is the wrong idea.

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  Great car but terrible seats! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Pingwiny - August 24 - 1:57 pm

  I just purchased this car and I love it! My only complaint is the seats- the lumbar support juts into my lower back causing extreme pain even after I get out. Ive placed a small foam pillow on the seat that seems to help a tiny bit but I hope Honda figures out how to fix this issue. It seems to be a problem in other recent Hondas as well. Other than that its a fun car to drive and I really enjoy it.

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  Very Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By RR - August 24 - 12:55 pm

  Took this on lease just this month- maybe I still need to figure out features and vehicle still in breaking in period, but overall very disappointed with it. Noisy engine/ ac compressor, very poor pickup, difficult accelerating into a highway, fuel consumption around 17 mpg, stiff suspension transmits bumps straight through to passengers. Cheap interior design- driver seat arm rest needs getting used to, Bluetooth device linked to nav system does not display incoming call number, nav system configured to show roads as us# rather than road names. Wouldnt recommend- test drive RAV4 (comes with either bluetooth/nav but not both), or Subaru Forester (might have to wait-not readily available)

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  Poor Acceleration - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By honda owner - August 24 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned the car for 4 months now. My main complaint is the sluggish acceleration. When I start moving, I can push the acceleration pedal to the floor and its acceleration is pathetic! I am not sure whether it has to do with the engine size or other problem, but even the service at the dealer was surprised how little acceleration this car has. yet, he could not find anything mechanically wrong with it. I would definitely not have bought it, if I knew about this problem. And its a safety problem too - when you need to clear an intersection fast upon traffic light change, the car just slowly rolls through the intersection. Very disappointing!

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  Honda Corp a.k.a rip off kings - 2004 Honda Accord
  By No More Hondas - August 24 - 12:35 pm

  Read these reviews and you see Honda is not the reliability car we were lead to believe. I purchased this money pit new because I drive for work and wanted a car that would last and not nickel and dime me down the road. Wow did I pick the wrong car! The transmission had a recall and I took it in at 18K. They checked it out and install a oil kit. At 48k dropped out and Honda would not cover the labor of $700. They did replace the radio that failed around the same time. Since then the power steering motor, master cylinder, radiator and struts all have failed and needed replacing for a total of over $2,500 not including the transmission. NEVER BUY A HONDA!

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  300.000 miles and counting - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Ashley - August 24 - 10:53 am

  I ordered this car from the factory and have driven the wheels off it for 19 years. It just turned 300,000 miles this week and the engine runs very strong still. My mechanic says the engine will go 500,000. Ive replaced many things over the years, cv joints, ball joints, etc. but still on original trans, engine, struts, etc. This car is a total work horse and has been worth every penny and then some. Ive been looking at newer cars and with all the Honda transmission problems of late, I just keep driving my old faithful standby. Its the car at my house that ALWAYS starts.