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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  Same Problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ml8533 - April 16 - 1:57 pm

  Im speechless to see that everyone is having the same problems as me. I have 30,000 and my wear indicators are making noise. Road noise is horrible, trans slips when it is cold, has used oil since day 1. Seats are hard and uncomfortable, Im getting close to end of warranty and getting nervous. Why this engine needs to turn 2500 rpm to do 70 mph is hard to understand, I feel like Im in the daytona 500.

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  Love This car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By john - April 16 - 11:18 am

  Bought this car with 140,000 miles it runs good Gets good gas mileage around 36 mpg.

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  2008 Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By cope6 - April 15 - 2:36 pm

  Of course there is the grinding/annoying brake noise, it has pulled to the right when stopping (deal said that rust/dirt causing the problem), have had clicking sounds at times when I go to start it and for some reason the rear differential has a problem every 10,000 or so miles. My 97 CRVs differential had problems at maybe 150-160 thousand miles .. needed grease! The dealer told me the clicking sound I get at times when I go to start it just cant be the starter because its a new vehicle!! What is it then - battery is good! Pulling to the right when stopping - per them dirt on rotors/brakes - why do they get so much dirt? Why do they want $100 to grease the differential every 10K?

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  Hurting at 3 yrs. - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Dee - April 14 - 7:51 pm

  I love my 2007 s2000...BUT now its 3yrs. old and has lots of issues. Rattles,Poor Gas Mileage,Had spark plugs change twice now and car is under warranty, but thats not included! Now its in again in less then one week and engine light keeps coming on and every time an issue! This time the engin is being taken apart. FYI Now the car is not cheap and the repairs are worst. Im looking to rid of it before it needs tires. One and only driver and not used as a racer. I bought this car from all the great reviews I read, but no longer feeling it.

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  I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Sami - April 14 - 4:12 pm

  I purchased an Element after seeing how the rear seats function. The best part for us was the fact they could be removed. I purchased this vehicle entirely for my dogs, because were constantly on the road with them for dog-related activities. The person who reviewed the Element poorly, who also purchased it for their dogs, obviously didnt tie anything down. I put a big dog bed right behind the front seats, can stow up to 6 folding kennels against one side of the vehicle (there are tons of places to use bungee straps in this SUV!), an ice chest, folding chairs, luggage, etc. More than enough room for 2 adults and 3 big dogs. You just have to use your head when it comes to maximizing space!

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  Low cost and Lovin it. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MB Ahern - April 14 - 1:59 pm

  I bought this car used in 2006. Since then, other than usual maintenance cost of tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. I spent about $85 to replace a gasket. After driving a Subaru and a Chevy where costs started within the first year of ownership, and became excessive quickly, I will never buy anything but Honda again. I love, love love this car.

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  Insight over Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By APinMD - April 14 - 1:44 pm

  Always wanted a hybrid, by default that meant the Prius. Test drove both in one day (within an hour-highly recommend). Insight surprised spouse and me--we both loved it WAY more than Prius. Very easy and user friendly displays, love the instant MPG color feedback. Very good pick-up, can zip around quickly, never guess its a hybrid. I leave it in Eco Mode all the time. Start/stop driving: I get ~43- 45 mpg with regular driving style, 49- 50 with some effort to "green" my driving style :) On the highway up to 55 mpg with little effort. I LOVE this car. Never thought Id like anything better than my 2003 Jetta. But I DO!

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KonaSH - April 14 - 12:55 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 years now, and Ive only put on a little over 20,000 miles. I have never had an issue with breakdowns or any kind of system failures. This car is extremely reliable, the only thing that would ruin its quality is a bad driver! Everything about this car works, has always worked, and the interior design is extremely practical.This is not meant to be a high-end luxury car, however for a low-priced car, the quality is absolutely fantastic.

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  2004 Honda Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By carol - April 14 - 12:19 pm

  This was my first Honda that I ever owned. I currently have over 170,000 miles on it and it still is running strong. I drive 140 miles round trip to work from the mountains at 6,000 feet to sea level 4 days a week. My gas mileage averages about 40 mpg. I did replace the IMA battery at just under 150,000 and the cost was covered under CA law, lucky me! I love this car.

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  Great Family Car - Not a Minivan - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Henry - April 14 - 9:59 am

  We purchased our 2010 Pilot about a month ago. While many of the professional reviews of the vehicle lambaste the styling, we think this is one of its stronger points. We did not want a crossover that looks like a minivan. We think the Pilot blends SUV styling with crossover practicality. We decided to select the Pilot over the Highlander because of the additional interior space. So far the Pilot has exceeded our expectations. It is great for two young kids, easy to load up, and tons of storage space. Gas mileage is ok, but for a larger vehicle it is as expected.