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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  What can go wrong, will go wrong - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Nightmare - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  The brakes have squeaked since day one and have been replaced three times. The dashboard warning lights come on when going through the car wash. Covered the first two times by warranty and had to paid $50 the third time. Told the pressure from the drying system is too powerful and shakes the vehicle too much. Not kidding! Engine light came on and they blamed a non-factory air filter. Came on the next day and they told me their service bulletin said clean with air pressure. Really? Now the panel holding the fuses has become corroded and needs replaced - $1,500. No accountability from Honda NA. Told by Honda CS it cant be that much of a piece of junk because I have 50K miles on it!

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  Saved My Husbands Life - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KenziesMom - June 9 - 9:23 pm

  My husband bought me a 2003 Honda Pilot EXL for Mothers day. We had just had a baby and I was driving a 2002 Mustang and needed something I felt would be safer. We had no major problems. The engine mounts had to be replaced and the transmission was beginning to act a little squirrelly. However, my husband wrecked it before we were able to get the transmission checked out. He fell asleep behind the wheel on the way home from work (oil field) and went off into a steep ditch hitting a concrete embankment which caused the Pilot to roll twice landing upside down when finished. My husband was not buckled and ended up in the back by the cargo door. He WALKED away with NO INJURIES. Thank you Honda!

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  Rent one first for a good test drive. - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Erik - June 9 - 9:16 pm

  Had this car for 11 months and traded it in for a civic,more seat space and better mpg and still fun to drive. My complain is that the car could use some more power and lesser rpm at cruise speed, a 6 gear would be nice and better for overall mpg. Im 62 and the seat cant go far enough back to get comfortable. Ok the versatile seats are handy but therefor we still have a Mazda5 who drives very good! Maybe the hybrid version will get some more owners with at least 50 mpg, get 42 average with my civic coupe, with use of ac in summer.would be nice if you can rent one for a day and make a good test drive instead of around the car lot, saves you a lot of headache and money.

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  Fun to drive, good handling in snow - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Galileo - June 9 - 4:01 pm

  Looked at a lot of different cars like Altima, Civic, 2010 Prius, Cube, Fit, xB and finally picked the Insight. It was dealers first Insight and got an okay deal on it with accessories. We had a snowy season here in Oklahoma and this car handled it like a dream. I can get through when most cars cant. Cant beat the value and the car is still hassle free and only maintenance I did is oil change. No squeaks like my old 06 VW Passat when hot or cold. This is my first Honda and far exceed my expectation.

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  Issues with civic design - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Randy - June 9 - 1:55 pm

  Have had our Civic Hybrid about a year. The ignition key is way too large. It is awkward to carry in my pants pocket. It is also very expensive to replace/duplicate. Emergency brake handle poorly positioned. It is right were the driver may rest his/her knee against the center console. Dash instrument layout seems silly.

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  Great little car, very reliable! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By lma322 - June 9 - 10:55 am

  I bought a 4 door EX model with 87K in 9/09. I had gotten into an accident with my 04 Neon and as funny as it sounds, I am glad that I did because I love this car. It is leaps and bounds better than the Neon I owned that was 4 years newer. Awesome gas mileage, power everything, pretty comfortable ride and runs like it is almost new! I love my sunroof too! Couldnt have gotten a better price for the amount of car I got. I now have 94K on the car and no complaints at all. I will hold on to this car for a while and when its time for another, it will be another Civic. I am a Honda believer!

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  3rd CRV very dissappointing - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By jano - June 9 - 8:10 am

  This is our 3rd CR-V loved the first two dislike this one. Very unhappy with the design and the gas mileage. The new shift design leaves no floor room and long legs hit their knees. Also, the outlet is way under the bumped out shift column. I miss the tire mount on the rear, the ability to lift the back window alone you have to latch the seats when down or they fall back and the interior color choices were all light which stain easily. Only getting 22 on the highway. Usually keep 3-4 yrs, will be trading this one soon

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  Honda Pilot 2011 EX-L with RES FWD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By hondaguy - June 8 - 7:35 pm

  I felt regret to get this Pilot. So noisy and gas mileage is not as good as the sticker said. Just got the car for 2 days and found out the defect. The wheel couldnt keep straight, I have to keep it to the right like ~ 15-20 degree to keep my car run straight. Brought to dealer they said that was normal. No way! My wife has the old 2002 Toyota 4Runner and didnt have something like this. I hate my Pilot now.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Seattleite - June 8 - 7:19 pm

  Recently purchased a 2010 Honda Accord EX-L V6 with navigation. This car is fantastic and I have absolutely no complaints about it at all. Purchased the Alabaster Silver with black leather interior. Love the bluetooth and navigation, as well as the auto light feature. Hope to keep this car for many years to come!

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  Traded In After Numerous Problems - 2009 Honda Accord
  By NYHonda_owner - June 8 - 5:35 pm

  Having owned many Hondas before, I was excited when I first bought this car. However, it soon developed problems with paint chipping from the tail light area, rear brake squeal and premature pad wear, and a clicking noise that first was fixed by having the steering column dismantled, and then completely replaced. However the worst was the front seats. It became extremely painful to drive for more then 20 mins in them. The dealer was aware of the problem but there was no fix. I ended up trading this in for a 2006 Honda CR-V SE, which ironically is much more comfortable, problem free, and gets the same gas mileage, despite the fact that its older. Overall, I cant recommend this car to anyone.