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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  2011 Pilot Sunroof Problems - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - July 6 - 10:35 pm

  2011 Honda Pilots have sunroof problems for which Honda does not have a fix. Purchased mine a month and a half ago, and they still cant fix it! Im getting very frustrated, because its a known issue according to the dealership. Honda supposedly issued a "fix", which was to "reset" the sunroof, but this didnt work so they recanted the fix. Honda, Ive been a lifelong customer, but Im getting frustrated that I cant use the sunroof I paid $1.5K+for! Fix this soon or lose a customer and all of my referrals. Other than the sunroof, a very good car. Braking distance is a bit too long for me.

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  The Cheapest BMW - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Beachmatt - July 6 - 8:55 pm

  I bought this car after an accident totaled my 2000 VW passat. The passat was smooth, powerful and handled well. It was very comfortable, but got lousy mileage on premium, and turned out to be very expensive to own. My 60,000 service cost over $800. My new little car is a BMW in disguise! It handles so well, and is actually quite sporty, even with the extremely small engine and automatic. It has shift paddles like a Ferrari, and when you get used to it, and use the transmission well, it keeps up with anything driving in legal range. Plus, the faster I drive, the better the mpg. I get about 29 in the city, over 35 on the highway at 75.2 yr costs have been only $280. Oil change every 10k!

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  Hmm........Honda--such a great car?? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By TAZKBJR - July 6 - 6:24 pm

  Ok, I am the second owner of this car. I bought this 01 Honda Accord from my step-mom at the beginning of May 2010. As I write this review, the check engine light has come on (and gone off) twice. In the length of time that I have "known" this car, there have been multiple problems. I know for a fact the trans. has been replaced twice, first time was to replace the original faulty trans, and the second replace was because of a faulty trans. and it was within three weeks of first replacement. This is my first Honda and I am truly wondering what is so great! My 94 Escort has fewer problems than this "wonderful and reliable" Honda, my next car probably wont be a Honda.

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  Get over it, You NEED a minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kateregis - July 6 - 5:32 pm

  Im a 37 yo mom of 3 and a TOTAL car snob. Ive only driven BMWs since I got my license but after 3 kids, knew I needed the minivan. The sliding doors sold me as we have a tight garage and I figured not yelling to the kids to be careful of my husbands car was one less argument to have not to mention the reduction in chances to trap fingers. I Love my car and intend to drive it for the next 10 years, at which point I will go back to my BMW (hopefully a 7-series). For now, its the way to go.

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  Great Car--Good Cross Country Driver - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rodster - July 6 - 1:04 pm

  The Honda Element, while not considered the most stylish box by some, makes up for its styling faults in practicality, ease of operation, space, fuel economy, reliability, etc. The only problem Ive had was with the ABS braking system. If the module fails, you run on standard brakes and to turn off the indicator light it will cost $1300 for a module. Nonsense. Run without it. Otherwise Id buy another Element in a minute. It grows on you and others who get a chance to drive it on extended trips. The floor cleans up easily, the sound system works well, all controls can be read without problems and air conditioning and heating respond well in all weather.

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  Review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MsT - July 6 - 1:01 pm

  When driving with the rear windows down the wind vibration noise is so loud it hurts your ears, about once a week my send has lowered itself into the lowest position (the lever is in a bad place and you bump it getting into the car). The roof padding is so thin when it rains you have to turn your sound system WAY up to hear it. The rear window collects water in the center when it rains and making seeing out of your rear view mirror nearly impossible!

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  This is a Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By msturg29 - July 6 - 9:15 am

  I purchased this car specifically for my 80 mile a day commute. It has yet to let me down. I average about 41 mpg year round with the mileage increasing in the summer and decreasing in the cold Minnesota winters. As for performance, I knew this wasn’t a speed racer and didn’t expect it to be. It speeds up well for a very small 4 cylinder and keeps me going just fine. The interior has a great design for the speedometer, easily readable in all lighting conditions. The arm rest slides forward for short people like me. The car is small, but I manage to get a car seat and a 100 lb dog to fit comfortably. With the reliability of Honda, overall I love this car.

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  Love the car except - 2010 Honda Element
  By MrMike - July 6 - 8:19 am

  This is a perfect sized vehicle for my needs. I totally removed the back seats and use it as a van. I have some disappointments like The stereo system is ok at best. The front seats shouldve been able to go all the way forward when in forward position. The rust proofing found under the fender wells shouldve been sprayed everywhere on the undercarriage. It deceives a buyer into thinking he has rustproofing there. In my opinion, even a weekend car painter knows that all the door jambs should be painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. My Element is like that n some parts of the jambs while the rest is the same as what you find under the hood. I cant believe this is standard for a car

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  One of the best cars (trucks?) ever! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ullanta - July 6 - 4:49 am

  Honda has a talent for making unique niche vehicles. The CRX, the del Sol, and now the Element have provided great combination of ability, quirkiness, and practicality that could not be matched. Even though there are many imitators today, none match the utility, configurability, comfort, and handling of the Element. I can roll (with a ramp!) a 5-foot long, 3-foot tall, almost four-foot wide cart right into the back of the Element. Or carry three passengers in style and comfort. Or sleep in the back comfortably. More headroom and legroom (in front AND back) than anything else Ive been in. All kinds of nifty little storage areas. Handles much more nimbly and stably than seems possible.

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  Consumer Rating - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pao Y. Her - July 6 - 12:25 am

  I bought my 2003 Honda Pilot as brand new, since now it still runs like a brand new car. It has not problem what so ever. Everything is still original except the tires and brake pads. This car is the most dependable and reliable car I have ever seen.