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 Pilot Sunroof problem - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By hondaguy - July 18 - 10:01 am

  After getting a lot of hassle from purchasing a Honda Pilot, the sunroof still does not work well. Dealer reset once and worked for a while now I got the same problem again: sunroof can not be closed all the way when it opened. Driving this Pilot for a month, too much noise, specially the road noise so terrible. I did a drive test again on Toyota Highlander and so much quiet. Gas mileage is not so good ~ 15 mpg in city, ~20 mpg on freeway. Well, thinking of trading this Pilot and get the Highlander. Wasted my money on his Honda.

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  Happy Odyssey Owner - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Onlysee - July 18 - 3:36 am

  My wife and I put over 60,000 miles on our Odyssey (and raised 3 kids "in it") before trading it in for a 2010 last month. It was extremely reliable, and we never had a problem with it that stranded us anywhere. We had the VERY COMMON problem of the power steering pump and reservoir on our van (both were replaced). We had 2 engine mounts & the automatic transmission replaced (EVERYTHING under warranty) at approximately 58,000 miles.

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  You need to check out the Civic! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By DJL100 - July 17 - 9:47 pm

  I picked up my 2009 LX 4-door today -- 4,500 miles in Crystal Black Pearl -- nice! I love this car! Rides great and handles great as well. Other reviewers have stated noisy ride. Well, lets see, its a 4-cylinder, its not a Rolls-Royce people! The road noise is no worse than any other compact car. The noise is also dependent on the road surface on which you are driving. All controls are within reach and where they logically should be. The digital speedometer pod is very cool and very easy to get used to, it took me like 2 minutes to adjust. If you are looking for a small car that handles well, is fun to drive, good and gas and very reliable, CHECK OUT THE CIVIC.

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve - July 17 - 8:04 pm

  It does all things well, but nothing spectacularly. That having been said, I dont appreciate it until I have to drive something else then I want my Accord back. Handling is excellent. 3.0 L V6 makes good power and torque.

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  Brake failure at 15,000 miles - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sandy - July 17 - 7:31 pm

  My 2009 Honda Civic is a year old with 15,000 miles. Took it to the dealer for brake problems and was told the brakes are dirty and rusting at 15,000 miles? This is inexcusable. I paid over $600 for repairs on a new car. Now Im hearing many complaints and am afraid I will soon have to replace the brakes at my expense. Ive driven a Honda for 15 years and will never buy another one. Im thinking of trading my new Civic in for a reliable car.

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  Overall opinion - 2010 Honda Accord
  By wfdfire76 - July 17 - 9:23 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a month now. I have put about 1,500 miles on it already. I honestly didnt research other vehicles because i knew that Honda is pretty much one of if not the most reliable vehicle out there. How many recalls have you heard Honda have? -) I have been please with the vehicle for the most part.

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  just right size suv - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By andrew - July 17 - 7:20 am

  Had this CR-V for a month going from a 09 accord exlv6. Wanted SUV for practicality and comfort. Nicely finished with very comfortable seats good visibility. Ultra quiet engine and trans. Reasonable gas mpg 21 -23 around town, nice features with reclining rear seats and folding seats. This cr-v exudes quality throughout. Ex all wheel drive sticker $25,845.00 this is an excellent SUV there is no reason to spend more, both my wife and I love the car, and I have had over 50 autos and this is one of the best you can buy. Period !

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  Wow, what a fun ride - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By big bert - July 17 - 6:21 am

  love the cr-v, great gas mileage and very roomy , i am 6-2 and plenty of leg room.

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  94 honda prelude si - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By SteveD - July 16 - 9:44 pm

  This car is a wonder to have. Unlike many cars this will keep you on the road for years. My H23 si has over 260,000 miles on it and still flied down the road with no problems, But just remember to change the timing belt before 100,000 miles or there could be a problem. On the good side I took the head off the engine and wow I couldnt believe how there was no sludge in the cylinder head. Great on gas I get 27 miles a gallon. Others say parts are expensive. No they are not. I get my clutch for 200 bucks not $1000 Honda is the way to go.

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  Sorry I bought the pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By FloridaMike - July 16 - 6:47 pm

  I leased my Pilot in Pgh and immediately drove it home to Florida. I didnt even get 20 mpg even with eco mode in flat FL. The cruise control drives me crazy, constantly slowing down and speeding up, it varies from 2-3 miles below set speed to 2-3 miles above. Dealer says this is normal as well as the gas mileage. Ive never had a cars cruise do that. Trying to figure out how to get out of the lease.