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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  Sunroof air leak issues - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - May 7 - 10:16 am

  We are repeat Pilot owners of a 2004 and a new 2010 Pilot. We really like the new body design and this time we went with the higher end model with leather, rear entertainment and a sunroof. I had the car in for an air leak in the sunroof which gets worse at speeds over 55 MPH. Dealership service team said this is normal and I disagree.

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  Not crazy about honda - 2010 Honda Civic
  By tquigs - May 6 - 11:54 pm

  Hasnt Honda ever heard of auto headlights? I cant believe Hondas dont have them. Whats up w/ the tiny steering wheels and tiny sun visors? Its better when window controls are in center-that way you can get to them even if the door is open. Im used to gm cars (bring back Saturn). Its hard getting used to Hondas molded seats. I have to retrain myself to turn the headlights off/on. It was nice not to have to worry about that for the past 10 yrs. Cup holders would be more functional w/ different design. Power outlet needs to be on back of console, not inside-cant charge phone w console closed. Cant drive w/ it open. Had to by adapter to convert other outlet from 1 into 2 to charge phone

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  Hated my fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By tquigsmay - May 6 - 11:42 pm

  Bought a fit, took it back less than 48 hrs later w/ a backache. Cant adjust seat cushion up or down because gas tank is under the drivers seat (how can that be safe?). I felt like I was sitting in a high chair in a fish bowl. There is so much untinted Glass its like youre on display. The cheap black interior showed every speck of dust immediately. The paddle shifter are totally useless and get in the way of resting your hands while you drive. W/ no center console or arm rests (pay extra on sport model only), where is someone supposed to put their arms? The passenger has no options. The tiny visors do nothing shade sun from the gigantic family van style windshield.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Great vehicle !! - May 6 - 9:43 pm

  I have been buying new cars over 40 years and I must say this one, the 2010 Civic EX-L is the best! People I know who drive large expensive cars say the EX-L drives and feels like a luxury car in a smaller body, cant think of anything negative or close to it!

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  5 1/2 years without a problem - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Arnie - May 6 - 12:11 pm

  Have owned my 2005 CR-V-SE since new and the only thing I ever have done to it is meticulous maintenance and a tensioner went bad while it was under warranty. Best car Ive ever owned. Have owned Camrys Maximas and previously American cars and would only buy Honda in the future. Best dealer I found for service is Coggin Honda in Orlando, FL.

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  Too expensive to maintan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tired of my honda va - May 6 - 11:21 am

  I have to admit, I am terribly disappointed with the Honda Odyssey. Every trip to the dealer for BASIC maintenance is dreadful since I always walk out spending hundreds of dollars for some reason or the other. Definitely consider reviewing other vans before you decide to buy this one.

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  Ok but not as good as they use to be - 2007 Honda Civic
  By k.singh - May 6 - 4:02 am

  Have 50k miles at 500 miles cv boot was replaced at 12k miles there was lot of road noise but it was linked to rpm. Dealer replaced my water pump under warranty and that fixed the problem. At 40k miles there was road noise - had to replace the front bearing without warranty. There was recall on rear bearings but not on front. Inside door handles broke. Ton of recalls. Overall it is not bad car - no major problems I have traveled across country multiple times. Only complain is that on hills it has hard time keeping up with speed limit forcing me to go into slow lane. 30 mpg city 40 highway. I will not recommend because for same money you can buy better brand car.

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  Like Nothing Else, In a Great Way! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By travelindog - May 5 - 9:11 pm

  Very pleased after 35,000 miles! Great in the snow and serves my hauling and occasional off road needs just great. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge and Ford trucks, and this Ridge is the best vehicle Ive owned, period. My hats off to Honda engineers and designers who obviously had their hats on straight when they drew up this vehicle. Would suggest that anyone considering a light pickup truck take a look at this.

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  Honda Issues - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HoNda Jole - May 5 - 3:44 pm

  2008 Honda Accord with non-stop brake issues. Honda will not recall this, maybe after they have issues like Toyota did they will get it together.

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  Not worth the money - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ric7744 - May 4 - 11:13 pm

  I no longer own this car. I sold it one month after buying it. Road noise is horrible. The LX version lacks some features standard for a car in this price range like a pop trunk on the remote control. The biggest problem was this car had the worst air conditioning I have ever seen. When you have it on fresh air it blows warmer than normal and when the a/c is on the compressor cycles on and off constantly I guess to save gas and never really get super cold. At a stop sign it really is not cold. I took it to two dealers and they said that is just the way Hondas have it set up. I became fed up with the car in general and it is now gone. Also has a really goofy dash that I could not get used to.