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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  Never Again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By janeyac - May 15 - 4:03 pm

  I owned a 1990 Honda and loved it - the style, the comfort, the ride! After putting almost 200,000 miles on my Maxima, I decided to return to Honda for better gas mileage. What a mistake. The seat is the most uncomfortable seat I have ever been in. I am constantly adjusting the controls to relieve my aching back. This is not good. Rather than being excited to have a newer vehicle, I donÂ’t even want to drive it!

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  2009 Accords Have So Many Problems - 2009 Honda Accord
  By goldmanf - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  Whats happening to Honda cars... My first Honda was 1978 Civic. I traded all of my several Honda cars (Civic, Accords and Pilots)around 160K miles for newer ones. My parents, my sibling families love the Honda cars. This trend is ending. This piece of garbage 2009 Accord EXL is a piece of junk from day one. The brake squeak and I thought it need to be brake in. A year later, I complained to the dealer and I was told that is a known problem. I was told ny Honda service advisor that just turn on the stereo louder and I will be fine. Now, I just found out the well known A/C condensor prone to damage from road debris. Is this US specific Honda issue???

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  durability questionable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By honda_critic - May 12 - 10:36 pm

  Blown engine at 74k miles. No consideration or assistance from Honda Headquarters. No assistance from Rt 23 Honda in Pompton Plains NJ Car was garage kept and maintenance schedule done at dealer. Filter and oil changed every 5K. car ran well until after sitting in garage for 1 week while on vacation. Starting the car caused car to lurch and make rattling noise from engine. Car Faltbed delivered to dealer who started the car to determine problem. In doing so continued the rattling noise causing the connecting rod to push though the block and oil pan. The dealer called to say the engine was blown and asked if I had driven though high water. No was the answer. Result Honda wants $6+K for fix

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  Not Happy with HONDA Pilot 2006 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By p_j - May 8 - 10:31 pm

  I have honda pilot 2006 with just 36000 miles and at 4100miles it starts giving me knocking noice from engine and few weeks later it stops on high way their is a big problem in engine and mechanics say they need to change the motor. I bought it because of reliability i didnt find reliability and it is a gas guzzler.

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  Why Merecedes pulled out of Alabama - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By blocknailhead - May 4 - 4:01 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the get go(currently 33K miles). - Gap in dashboard repaired - Third row seat back came loose 3 times - Windhield washers nozels broke twice - Defective Front stabilizer linkage - Side mirror turn signal inoperative - Power seat track jerky - replaced -Cargo latch cover replaced - Starter System Light on - reset once. The second time they discovered washer fluid leaking onto a computer behind the dash. - Check Emmision System light on at 33000 mi - TMV-4 Light on at 33000 mi. Also keep in mind the required Honda service intervals (AKA maintenance minder) if not kept up your warantee is void. This maintenance is about $750/ yr.

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  Very nice car for few months only - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - April 22 - 6:51 pm

  I purchased my 2011 Accord in November 2010 and in the beginning I loved everything about the car: handling, interior, exterior. But, after only 2200miles I started having vibrations in the steering wheel @ 65-70mph. Took the car for service and after few times back and forth in service they keep balancing the wheels and saying this is normal for Accord. Of course this is code for we cant fix your car and you just got stuck with a lemon. I know that many people have no issues with their Accords but if you want to roll the dice go ahead buy one.

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  1998 Honda Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By arcticman1 - April 12 - 11:00 pm

  I have not been very happy with this car. From the paint peeling to the door handles breaking and wiper motors not working. Now at 155k, a deep knock in the engine (most likely a rod) Im done with Honda!

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  I HATE THIS CAR!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By chloebee - April 12 - 8:00 am

  I hate this car and this has been the worst car buying experience ever. My first car note and Im so unhappy. This was my first "supposedly new" Honda. I had two in the past that were excellent. The brakes are bad, bad, bad!!! I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone!!! I participated in the class action law suit and received a refunds after having brakes changed four times. I purchased my car in March 2009 and Ive spent entirely too much time the dealership and of course, brakes are not covered under the warranty. Im so disappointed with this car and would like something else.

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  Decent buy - 2010 Honda Civic
  By atorreon - April 1 - 2:36 pm

  decent car but does drop mpg by about 10 in the colder months of the year. summer months i get about 43mpg city driving, winter it goes to about 32-33mpg. canadian honda dealerships are apparently no longer selling hybrids because of this

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  Good car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hardfire454 - March 31 - 4:02 pm

  I enjoy this car, but for a Honda, the fuel economy is a bit disappointing